Tag Archives: haunted church

Ukategorisert

Hell on Earth and the Haunting in Port Arthur, Australia

2 Comments
Advertisements

In one of the biggest penal settlements in the British Empire, many thousand convicts served their time here, and some never made it out. Ever since then, Port Arthur has been one of the most haunted places in Australia.  

The Separate Prison and the historic building around, located in Port Arthur, Australia, is a place that is steeped in history and intrigue. Built in the 19th century, the prison was designed to be a place of punishment and reform for some of Australia’s most notorious criminals as well as for petty criminals and families living in Port Arthur. The prison was known for its strict regime of silence and solitary confinement, and the conditions inside were brutal. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from Australia

However, there is more to the story of the Separate Prison than just its history. Many people believe that the prison is haunted by the ghosts of the past, and there have been countless reports of paranormal activity over the years. 

The Haunted Port: Port Arthur is a small town located on the Tasman Peninsula in Tasmania, Australia. The town is known for its beautiful natural scenery, but it is also known for its dark past. It started as a timber station in 1830, but soon transitioned to a penal colony in 1833.

The History of Port Arthur and its role in Australian history

In the 19th century, Port Arthur was home to one of the largest prisons in the world. The prison was established in 1830 and was designed to be a place of punishment and reform for convicts who had been transported to Australia from Britain.

Penal Colony: Convict labourers in Australia in the early 20th century

More than 1000 people are said to have died at Port Arthur during its 47 years as a penal settlement. After their death they were sent to the nearby Isle of the Dead where 1646 unmarked graves belong to the convicts. 

Named after Lieutenant-Governor George Arthurs, the place was known as one of the strictest  prisons in the colonies. The prison was known for its harsh conditions, and prisoners were forced to work long hours in difficult conditions. However, despite the harsh conditions, the prison was seen as a progressive institution at the time. The prison was designed to be a place of reform, and the authorities believed that prisoners could be rehabilitated through hard work and discipline.

In newer times, there is also a dark history that put Port Arthur on the map. In 1996, a gunman shot dead 35 people and injured 23. This was one of the events that changed Australia forever and gave new and strict gun control laws.

Inside the ruins of the prison: Source

The Purpose and Life of the Separate Prison

The Separate Prison was built in 1849 as part of a new approach to prison reform. The prison was designed to be a place of punishment and reform, but it was also designed to be a place of isolation and silence. The authorities believed that prisoners could be reformed through reflection and introspection, and the only way to achieve this was through solitary confinement. Sort of like a prison within the prison.

The prison was designed with this in mind, and each cell was designed to be completely isolated from the outside world. The cells were small, and prisoners were only allowed to leave for a short period each day to exercise in a small courtyard. The rest of the time, they were confined to their cells in complete silence.

Inside the Separate Prison: Source

Life as a prisoner in the Separate Prison was brutal. Prisoners were confined to their cells for up to 23 hours a day, and they were only allowed to leave for a short period each day to exercise in a small courtyard. The cells were small and cramped, and prisoners were only allowed to bring in a Bible or other religious text.

The conditions inside the prison were harsh, and prisoners were forced to live in complete silence. The only sound they heard was the sound of their own breathing, and the only light they saw was the dim light from a small window. The food was basic and unappetizing, and prisoners were forced to perform hard labor for long hours each day.

Despite the progressive intentions of the Separate Prison, the reality was much darker. The prison was known for its harsh punishments and brutal treatment of prisoners. Punishments included flogging, solitary confinement, and hard labor.

In some cases, prisoners were subjected to even more extreme forms of punishment. The “dark cell” was a punishment cell located in the basement of the prison. Prisoners were confined to this cell for up to three days, and the conditions were unbearable. The cell was completely dark, and prisoners were forced to stand in ankle-deep water for the entire time they were confined.

The Haunted History of the Separate Prison

The Separate Prison has a long and haunted history as the buildings of the penal settlement turned into ruins. Over the years, there have been countless reports of paranormal activity in the prison. Many people believe that the ghosts of the past still haunt the prison, and there have been numerous sightings of ghosts and other unexplainable phenomena.

Ghostly sightings of three young children have been captured standing in a window in Port Arthur: Source

There are the stories about the ghost of a boy that is forever waiting for his execution and that his screams can be heard in the night. 

In the cell where the prisoner William Carter hanged himself, visitors have been said to be overwhelmed by sadness, some found huddled on the bed or the floor as they cry hysterically. 

The Gothic Church and the Lady in Blue in the Accountant’s House

There have been countless reports of ghost sightings and paranormal activity around the gothic church that the convict slaved away on. A lot of blood was spilt on the ground here, like when William Riley beat Joseph Shuttleworth to death with a pickaxe. For this he was hanged. 

Port Arthur Church: Convict-built church ruins at Port Arthur convict settlement, Tasmania. It was never consecrated and several denominations shared the building. Source

Visitors have reported hearing unexplainable sounds, feeling cold spots, and even seeing apparitions of the past. But strangely, it isn’t the ghosts of the violent convicts that are mostly spotted here, but a Lady in Blue.

She is believed to be a young lady married to a Port Arthur accountant. The Accountant’s house is right next to the church. They are said to have lived in the penal colony in the 1800s and who died during childbirth and is now wandering on the grounds, searching for her child she never got to meet in life. 

Especially in the bell tower of the church she appears in front of people with her bonnet and her pale blue or gray crinoline dress, before fading away. Sometimes she is said to talk with children. 

In 2011, visitors claimed that a three year old girl jumped out of her mothers arms to “play with the nice lady who lives her.” She ran down the veranda with her arms outstretched and was picked up by someone not visible to anyone else. 

Accountant’s House and the Parsonage/source

The Haunted Parsonage and the most Haunted House in Port Arthur

The most haunted building at Port Arthur historic site is said to be The Parsonage or Reverend George Eastman’s home. 

Reverend George Eastman worked as a parson at Port Arthur for almost fifteen years. One day the weather was terrible, but a dying convict needed him. When he came back from the storm, he fell ill and died in his bed two days later. It is said that when he was lowered out of his window in his coffin, the rope broke, the coffin smashed open and his body fell out on the ground. Near where his body landed, visitors sometimes complain on the stench of rotten flesh. 

There are plenty of stories circulating of flashing lights in the dark, loud banging when and the sound of footsteps although no one is there. It is said that it is the reverend who is haunting the place and is said to be a particular aggressive ghost. Some of the more extreme experiences people claim to have is the strangling feeling as they enter the building.

Source

Just a couple of weeks after his death, the new family moved into the parsonage and the haunting started. Reverend Hayward moved to Port Arthur together with his wife and six children for a fresh start at his new posting. 

Everyone became convinced that the house was haunted except Mrs Hayward. In 1870, she wanted to get to the bottom of what was going on in her home and made a trap one night after the children had gone to sleep. 

She tied several threads zigzagging the stairs and waited hours without hearing anything. She decided to call it a night when she suddenly heard something and got her husband. Together they checked the stairs where every single piece had snapped on the stairs, but they saw nothing. They did feel hot air if someone was breathing next to them and hearing footsteps coming down the stairs. The Haywards packed up and left Port Arthur forever. 

As mentioned, it is not a new haunted place, and we have written documents back to 1893 about the strange things happening in the house. This is an article from The Clipper: 

“On one particular night, Mrs. Price was unable to sleep… Suddenly she became conscious that somebody had entered her room, and glancing towards the door beheld a human figure draped in white. Her first thought was to make a move or to speak, but it struck her that the intruder might be a burglar in disguise intent upon robbing her of her jewel-case… and that to attract attention to herself might possibly mean something serious against her life. She therefore lay motionless, but with half open eyes followed the movements of the supposed burglar.

The mysterious figure having entered the room went through the motion of striking a match upon the wall, and immediately afterwards there was the appearance of light as from a lucifer. This done it then made its way round the foot of the bed to a cot in which one of the children slept. For a moment it stood looking at the sleeping child, then turning round, glided silently out of the room and was gone.”

It’s not only old stories about the hauntings either. In recent times, although how recent is debated, two builders and their apprentice spent the night at the house. They were working long hours restoring the house and decided to just sleep there. 

One night their apprentice woke up pinned to the bed and felt like he was strangling. Both of the builders had to pull him up and when he recovered, he said he felt like there was something heavy, sitting on his chest. When he had opened his eyes, he saw a bearded man telling him to leave his house and never return. 

There is also a story of a mother, asking what her daughter was doing, seeing her talk to no one outside the house. Her daughter answered that she was talking and playing with another child. 

When the parsonage was converted to a restaurant for a while, it is said they had to close it down because of strange occurrences with flying cutlery, the light that kept going on and off and the furniture that kept moving around in front of the customers. 

The Medical Officer’s House

There is also a ghost story about a little girl seen outside the Medical Officer’s Residence. People inside have seen out the window and claim to have seen her face pressed up against the glass, looking in at them. 

There is also a story of when some contractors had sanded and varnished the floors in 2003 in the Junior Medical’s House. They locked the doors and let it dry overnight, but when they came back the next morning, they had found footprints, looking like a woman and a child by the fireplace. 

Other Ghosts Roaming Port Arthur

There is also said to be a soldier wearing red around the Tower Cottage and people have seen a head without a body, hovering in the dissection room underneath the Visiting Magistrate’s House. 

A little girl has been seen in The Commandant’s House. They think she died after falling down the stairs as she is seen laying at the bottom of the stairs in a pool of blood with her arm twisted as if broken. There are also those claiming that the rocking chair, called The Nanny’s Chair has been seen rocking on its own. 

Haunted Rocking Chair: Interior of the Commandant’s House/Source
Commandant’s House: Built in 1833 as a four room timber house before expanding. It was later used as the Carnavon Hotel. // Source

In the asylum right next to the separate prison, there have been stories of an elderly woman and a young girl. The light is flickering and there is supposedly the sound of footsteps. This building also functioned as a schoolhouse for a while. 

Port Arthur Asylum: Source

A short boat ride from Port Arthur is the Isle of the Dead, where over 1,100 people were buried—including convicts, soldiers, and settlers. The tiny island is known for its uneasy silence and ghostly apparitions and visitors have reported on spirits standing above the graves..

Source

The Haunted Legacy of the Separate Prison and Port Arthur

The Separate Prison in Port Arthur, Australia, is a place that is steeped in history and intrigue. It was designed to be a place of punishment and reform, but it was also a place of isolation and silence. The conditions inside the prison were harsh, and prisoners were subjected to brutal punishments and torture.

Despite its dark past, the Separate Prison is also a place of great historical significance. It provides us with a glimpse into the past and reminds us of the importance of prison reform and the need to treat prisoners with dignity and respect.

The haunted history of the Separate Prison is also a reminder of the power of the past. The ghosts of the past still haunt the prison to this day, and their presence serves as a reminder of the harsh conditions that prisoners were subjected to in the past. By exploring the history and hauntings of the Separate Prison, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the past and the lessons it has to teach us.

Newest Posts

  • The Lady of Losby Manor and other Ghosts Lingering
    A gathering place for the elite class in Norway, Losby Manor house in the countryside outside of Oslo housed kings and queens. It is also said that some of its residents are haunting the place, especially the ghost of The Lady of Losby, who dedicated her life to her home.
  • Westown House and the Ghosts Rising from the Ruins
    In the Naul outside of Dublin, the Westown House was for a long time abandoned and left to ruins. Now the work of restoring the building has started, but the question is, how about the ghosts said to linger there? Are they still haunting their ruins?
  • The Unseen Guests Haunting Lothes Mat & Vinhus
    In the Norwegian coastal city, Haugesund, Lothes Mat & Vinhus is one of those restaurants that keeps things traditional. But could it be that some of the former residents of the house are behind the strange things that have been going on for decades?
  • A Cautionary Tale of the Vampiric Guaxa from Asturia
    Stalking the northern valleys in Spain, the vampiric Guaxa witch from Asturian legends stalks the night. Although no one is safe, the starved and thirsty monster is especially after the blood of the children.
  • Rathfarnham Castle and the Lingering Ghosts Haunting it
    The whole estate of Rathfarnham Castle in south Dublin is said to have its ghosts. From the antique ballroom, its icy lakes and roads leading up to it, ghosts are said to linger.
  • The Ghost of the Psychic Anne Brandfjell Haunting the old Sjømannsskolen in Oslo
    Is the ghost of Anne Brandfjell, a famous fortune teller and wise wife from Norway haunting the old Maritime school in Oslo?
  • John Mulligans and the Pub Ghost on Poolbeg Street
    A stop on the haunted pub crawl through Dublin, one of the stops would be John Mulligan’s. Stories about glass and bottles flying from the shelves has haunted the place for decades now according to the people behind the bar.
  • The Ghost of General Birthe of Elingaard
    Ruling her Elingaard Manor house with an iron fist, the noble Birgitte Kaas is said to haunt it in her afterlife as well. But what is the truth of her strange disappearance and whispers about a deal with the devil?
  • Loogaroo: The Shape-Shifting Vampire of Caribbean Folklore
    Hanging her skin in trees every night, the vampiric Loogaroo across the Caribbean goes out to hunt for blood to quench her thirst as well as pay her dark lord for her dark powers.
  • The Devil’s Castle in the Aubinger Lohe and the Hidden Treasure
    Said to be the location of a hidden treasure, the old nobles from the Devil’s Castle in the Bavarian hills are said to roam the forest, still searching for it.
  • The Devil’s Footprint in Frauenkirche in Munich
    Inside one of Munich’s landmark churches, something devilish is said to be stamped on the floor. In the middle of the room, a black footprint is clearly seen, named The Devil’s Footprint, as he was said to have left it there.
  • The Cursed Black Cat at Promenadeplatz in Munich
    Once the house of a greedy grain speculator, the haunted house at Promenadeplatz in Munich is said to be haunted by the man in the form of a cat, as penance after a curse drove him to ruin.

References:

Dark Tasmania – Port Arthur Ghost Tour

Full article: Ghosts of the Anthropocene: spectral accretions at the Port Arthur historic site

Australia’s most haunted place: The story of Port Arthur and the Blue Lady.

Marimari.com : Ghosts of Port Arthur 

Port Arthur Ghost Tour 

Ukategorisert

The Haunted Legacy of Kawaiʻahao Church Cemetery: Spirits of the Past

Leave a comment
Advertisements

In one of the oldest churches in Hawai’i, the Kawaiʻahao Church Cemetery in Honolulu is said to be haunted. People from ancient Hawai’i before the cemetery opened as well as those buried here, seems to linger in the Hawaiian Westminster Abbey of the Pacific.

In downtown Honolulu, Kawaiʻahao Church Cemetery stands as a hallowed site rich with both history and haunting tales. Together with the Mission Houses, it makes the Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and parts of the service still use the Hawaiian language as the oldest church on O’ahu. The church was once upon the time the national church of the Hawaiian Kingdom, chapel of the royal family and was known as the Hawaiian Westminster Abbey of the Pacific.

Read More: The Haunted Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site 

Known for its serene beauty and historical significance, the Kawaiʻahao Church Cemetery is a place where the past is palpably present, making it a hotspot for paranormal activity. From ancient high chiefs to royal ghosts, the cemetery is a stage for restless spirits who have left an indelible mark on this sacred ground.

Kawaiʻahao Church Cemetery: Source

Historical Significance of the Kawaiʻahao Church Cemetery

Kawaiʻahao Church, often referred to as the Stone Church, was established near the natural spring of Hao in 1842. For many years, Hawaiians dove into the sea and 20 feet deep down they carved by hand over 14000 slabs of coral reef to build the church. Kawaiʻahao means the water of Ha’o. This spring, crucial to the local community, was a cleansing site for High Chiefess Hao of Kaimuki. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA

Every year, she would purify herself in the spring’s waters, and her spirit is said to linger near the fountain where the spring once flowed. The church, initially called the King’s Chapel or Native Chapel by missionaries and congregants, was officially named Kawaiʻahao in 1863. It has since become an enduring symbol of Hawaiian heritage and spirituality.

Ghostly Apparitions

Many claim that the church is one of the paths that the Night Marchers walk, dead Hawaiian chiefs. 

There have also been reports about a congregation of ghosts in the church that made the newspaper all the way back in 1871 when a policeman reported seeing the spirits of the Hawaiian royals debating inside. All the way up to modern times, it seems the police have with several instances chased what seemed to be ghosts, and they are also said to have set off the water sprinklers.

The Ghost of High Chiefess Hao

The Kawaiʻahao Church Cemetery is not only a resting place for Hawaii’s notable figures but also a theater for eerie manifestations. Among the most notable spirits is that of High Chiefess Hao. Her annual ritual of cleansing in the natural spring has ensured that her spirit remains connected to this sacred site. Visitors and caretakers have reported sightings of her ghost near the fountain, where she is often seen in traditional attire, her presence a solemn reminder of the past.

Kawaiʻahao Church Cemetery: Source

The Ghost of King William Charles Lunalilo

Another prominent figure interred at Kawaiʻahao is King William Lunalilo, the sixth monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii, affectionately known as “The People’s King.” Although a popular person, his reign was cut short only a year in and he died of tuberculosis, only 39 years old.

Lunalilo’s crypt is a focal point for his lingering spirit. Guards and visitors alike have reported eerie occurrences, such as whispers in the night requesting “please bring me my tobacco.” The king, an avid pipe smoker during his lifetime, seems to be searching for his beloved tobacco even in the afterlife. These ghostly requests add a chilling layer to the reverence and respect held for this monarch.

The Hawaiian King: Lunalilo (William Charles Lunalilo; January 31, 1835 – February 3, 1874) was the sixth monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii from his election on January 8, 1873, until his death a year later. Now, he is believed to be haunting the Kawaiʻahao Church Cemetery.

The Kawaiʻahao Church Cemetery is also home to the spirit of a young boy, who is often seen running around the grounds. His playful apparitions offer a stark contrast to the more solemn figures that haunt the cemetery, yet they contribute to the site’s unsettling atmosphere. Witnesses have described the boy as a fleeting presence—an ethereal figure who darts between graves and vanishes as quickly as he appears. His spirit, like others, seems to be bound to the location, unable to leave the grounds where he once played.

The Skeletons

In the basement of the church there are also 660 skeletons of people from the 19th century, dug up from the land on the side of the church in 2008 when they were making room for a new activity center. The skeletons, or iwi, were wrapped in linen and placed in lauhala baskets and stored in its basement for years. 

This was surprising for the church as they thought they had excavated them all in the 1940s. So who were these people? Do they have some connection to the haunted rumors about what goes on in the cemetery?

After an intense legal battle of what to do with the remains, they decided in 2022 to rebury them on the land they were found in and be restored as it was. Perhaps this will give the cemetery its peace?

Haunting Experiences at Kawaiʻahao Church Cemetery

Visitors to Kawaiʻahao Church Cemetery have reported various supernatural experiences. The feeling of being watched, unexplained cold spots, and the sensation of someone brushing past you when no one is around are common. The cemetery’s atmosphere is thick with history and mystery, making it a powerful setting for paranormal phenomena.

At night, the cemetery takes on a different character. The moonlight casts long shadows, and the silence is punctuated only by the occasional rustle of leaves. Those brave enough to visit after dark have reported eerie sounds—soft whispers and footsteps echoing through the graveyard. These noises often have no identifiable source, adding to the sense of unease.

Security guards patrolling the grounds have shared their own unsettling experiences. The sounds of unexplained movement and the sensation of unseen eyes watching them are frequent occurrences. The request for tobacco from King Lunalilo is a particularly poignant reminder that the spirits here are not entirely at peace.

Kawaiʻahao Church Cemetery remains a significant site of historical and spiritual importance. Its peaceful grounds are intertwined with tales of spectral inhabitants who refuse to leave their sacred resting place. The ghosts of High Chiefess Hao, King Lunalilo, and the young boy all contribute to the cemetery’s eerie reputation, ensuring that the past remains a living, breathing part of the present.

Newest Posts

  • The Lady of Losby Manor and other Ghosts Lingering
    A gathering place for the elite class in Norway, Losby Manor house in the countryside outside of Oslo housed kings and queens. It is also said that some of its residents are haunting the place, especially the ghost of The Lady of Losby, who dedicated her life to her home.
  • Westown House and the Ghosts Rising from the Ruins
    In the Naul outside of Dublin, the Westown House was for a long time abandoned and left to ruins. Now the work of restoring the building has started, but the question is, how about the ghosts said to linger there? Are they still haunting their ruins?
  • The Unseen Guests Haunting Lothes Mat & Vinhus
    In the Norwegian coastal city, Haugesund, Lothes Mat & Vinhus is one of those restaurants that keeps things traditional. But could it be that some of the former residents of the house are behind the strange things that have been going on for decades?
  • A Cautionary Tale of the Vampiric Guaxa from Asturia
    Stalking the northern valleys in Spain, the vampiric Guaxa witch from Asturian legends stalks the night. Although no one is safe, the starved and thirsty monster is especially after the blood of the children.
  • Rathfarnham Castle and the Lingering Ghosts Haunting it
    The whole estate of Rathfarnham Castle in south Dublin is said to have its ghosts. From the antique ballroom, its icy lakes and roads leading up to it, ghosts are said to linger.
  • The Ghost of the Psychic Anne Brandfjell Haunting the old Sjømannsskolen in Oslo
    Is the ghost of Anne Brandfjell, a famous fortune teller and wise wife from Norway haunting the old Maritime school in Oslo?
  • John Mulligans and the Pub Ghost on Poolbeg Street
    A stop on the haunted pub crawl through Dublin, one of the stops would be John Mulligan’s. Stories about glass and bottles flying from the shelves has haunted the place for decades now according to the people behind the bar.
  • The Ghost of General Birthe of Elingaard
    Ruling her Elingaard Manor house with an iron fist, the noble Birgitte Kaas is said to haunt it in her afterlife as well. But what is the truth of her strange disappearance and whispers about a deal with the devil?
  • Loogaroo: The Shape-Shifting Vampire of Caribbean Folklore
    Hanging her skin in trees every night, the vampiric Loogaroo across the Caribbean goes out to hunt for blood to quench her thirst as well as pay her dark lord for her dark powers.
  • The Devil’s Castle in the Aubinger Lohe and the Hidden Treasure
    Said to be the location of a hidden treasure, the old nobles from the Devil’s Castle in the Bavarian hills are said to roam the forest, still searching for it.
  • The Devil’s Footprint in Frauenkirche in Munich
    Inside one of Munich’s landmark churches, something devilish is said to be stamped on the floor. In the middle of the room, a black footprint is clearly seen, named The Devil’s Footprint, as he was said to have left it there.
  • The Cursed Black Cat at Promenadeplatz in Munich
    Once the house of a greedy grain speculator, the haunted house at Promenadeplatz in Munich is said to be haunted by the man in the form of a cat, as penance after a curse drove him to ruin.

References:

Bones in Purgatory: 660 Skeletal Remains Languish in Church Basement – Honolulu Civil Beat 

Honolulu Haunts 

In historic decision, more than 600 iwi to be reburied at Kawaiahao Church

Haunted Kawaiaha’o Church and Graveyard — Mysteries of Hawai’i Honolulu Ghost Tours 

Kawaiahaʻo Church – Wikipedia

Ukategorisert

The Haunted Legacy of St. Andrew’s Cathedral: Where Royal Spirits Linger in Honolulu

1 Comment
Advertisements

The St. Andrew’s Cathedral as well as the boarding school hall right next to it is said to be haunted by the royal specter of Queen Emma of Hawaii. 

St. Andrew’s Priory in Honolulu stands as a monument to both faith and lingering spirits of Hawaii’s past. Adjacent to the church is a hall where students used to board and they are both said to be haunted.

Read more: Check out all ghost stories from the USA

The priory started and is to this day an all girls school and is filled with ghost stories. It used to be a boarding school and the students lived in what used to be Queen Emma hall, now named Kennedy Hall. And it is from these borders that we get the haunted stories form. But who is it that is haunting both the halls as well as the St. Andrew’s Cathedral?

The Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew: Also commonly known as St. Andrew’s Cathedral, located at 229 Queen Emma Square. //Source: Flickr/Wally Gobetz

A Cathedral Born of Royal Devotion

The story of St. Andrew’s Cathedral begins with Kamehameha IV and his queen consort, Queen Emma, both devout members of the Church of England. Their deep friendship with Queen Victoria of England further cemented their commitment to bringing the Anglican tradition to Hawaii. In 1862, they succeeded in bringing Bishop Thomas Nettleship Staley to the islands, laying the groundwork for the Anglican mission in Hawaii.

Interior: Chancel of the Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew, Honolulu, Hawaii. // Source: Farragutful/Wiki.

Inspired by their devotion, Kamehameha IV commissioned the construction of a grand cathedral that would serve as a symbol of faith and unity for his people. Tragically, the king never saw his vision realized. He passed away on the feast day of Saint Andrew in 1863, leaving the project unfinished. His brother, Kamehameha V, took up the mantle, and in 1867, he laid the cornerstone in honor of his late brother, marking the beginning of the cathedral’s long and storied history.

Read More: Check out more haunted churches

The same happened with the school which is adjacent to the St. Andrew’s Cathedral. She wanted to create a school for girls where they would have the same quality of education as the boys.

From England Queen Emma brought the Sisters of the Church of England to Hawai’i to run the school that opened on Ascension Day in 1867. In 1902 the Episcopal Church of the United States took over the school and it was run by the Sisters of the American Order of the Transfiguration until 1969.

The Haunting Presence of Queen Emma

Queen Emma, who shared her husband’s passion for the St. Andrew’s Cathedral and school, continued to be deeply involved in its development until her death in 1885. It is said that her spirit, still deeply connected to the church she helped inspire, returns to St. Andrew’s Cathedral, especially during the Day of Ascension—a day of great significance in the Anglican faith. On this day, many have reported seeing a faint, regal figure moving silently through the church, her presence felt by those who are particularly attuned to the spiritual.

Read More: Check out more haunted schools

The student who used to board at the school also claims to have met the queen in the hall, and that she is the ghost behind the creaking of the floors after the lights are off, turning the lights on and off and opening and closing doors. 

Queen Emma: Emma Kalanikaumakaʻamano Kaleleonālani Naʻea Rooke (January 2, 1836 – April 25, 1885) was queen of Hawaii as the wife of King Kamehameha IV from 1856 to his death in 1863. She was later a candidate for the throne but King Kalākaua was elected instead.

This is not the only place Queen Emma is said to be haunting though. Her ghost is also said to reside in the Nuʻuanu Valley on Oʻahu at the Queen Emma Summer Palace, also known as Hānaiakamalama.

Unseen Specters and Strange Sounds

But what about inside the St. Andrew’s Cathedral itself? There are also those who have reported hearing the soft strains of piano music from the cathedral’s grand piano, playing tunes that were known to be among Queen Emma’s favorites. The eerie part? No one is ever sitting at the instrument when the music begins. Some say it’s as if the queen herself is playing from beyond the grave, her fingers dancing across the keys in a final, ghostly performance.

Window: Interior of the Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew, Honolulu, Hawaii. // Source: Farragutful/Wiki

The St. Andrew’s Cathedral, with its high ceilings and echoing chambers, is a place where sound carries easily—but not all sounds have a logical explanation. On more than one occasion, visitors have reported hearing disembodied voices, soft whispers that seem to come from nowhere, as if the walls themselves are speaking. These strange sounds often occur when the cathedral is empty, lending an eerie sense of being watched or followed.

Shadowy figures are another common phenomenon. Visitors who stay a bit too late after a service or event often describe the unsettling feeling of being observed by something—or someone—lurking in the shadows. These figures are never fully seen, only glimpsed out of the corner of the eye, disappearing as soon as one turns to face them.

The Legacy of Faith and Spirits of St. Andrew’s Cathedral

St. Andrew’s Cathedral is more than just a place of worship; it is a living testament to Hawaii’s royal past and the enduring spirit of Queen Emma. The cathedral’s Gothic beauty is matched only by its reputation as one of Honolulu’s most haunted locations. Whether it’s the faint strains of a ghostly piano, the shadowy figures that move in the periphery, or the unmistakable presence of Queen Emma herself, St. Andrew’s Cathedral and the boarding halls next to it is a place where the spiritual and the spectral coexist.

More like this

Newest Posts

References:

Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew (Honolulu) – Wikipedia 

St. Andrew’s Schools – Wikipedia 

https://www.riseupparanormal.com/hawaii.htm

Ghost of Queen Emma Haunts St. Andrew’s Priory — Mysteries of Hawai’i Honolulu Ghost Tours 

The 50+ Most Haunted Places in Oahu – 52 Perfect Days

Ukategorisert

The Ghost of Madeline La Framboise at Mackinac Island

Leave a comment
Advertisements

One of the most successful fur traders in the Northwestern Territory was a Metis woman named Madeline La Framboise. After her grave was disturbed she has been known to haunt Saint Anne’s Church as well as her former home, Harbor View Inn. 

In the glistening waters of Lake Huron between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, Mackinac Island is a serene retreat known for its picturesque beauty, historic charm, and an eerie reputation for the supernatural. In fact, Mackinac Island was called the most haunted town in America in 2021, with many stories having been covered over the years. And with only a full time population of around 583 people, the ghosts perhaps even outnumber the living. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA

With no cars allowed and transportation limited to bicycles and horse-drawn carriages, the island offers a unique step back in time. Some come to enjoy the quiet seaside and enjoy the famous fudge. The island has become a perfect summer destination for Americans, but after the tourists leave in the fall, the fog from the Straits comes rolling in, and the leaves turn color, the ghost of the island remains to haunt it. 

A Brief History of Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island’s history stretches back thousands of years, with indigenous peoples such as the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Huron considering it a sacred place long before European settlers arrived. The island’s name itself, derived from the Ojibwe word “Michilimackinac,” means “big turtle,” referring to the island’s shape when viewed from above.

Read more: Check out all ghost stories from Mackinac Island

The French established a fur trading post here in the 17th century, and the island later became a strategic military outpost during the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. In the late 19th century, it became more of a summer colony and a tourist destination that it still is. 

Chateau La Framboise: House of Madeline La Framboise on Mackinac Island taken sometime prior to 1900. Her home as well as her church are said to be haunted by her spirit after her grave was disturbed.

The Ghost of Harbour View Inn or Chateau La Framboise

Born Marguerite-Magdelaine Marcot: The youngest child of a French fur trader and his Odawa wife, Marie Nekesh. Her maternal grandfather was Chief Kewinoquot of the Odawa.

The mansion now known as the Harbour View Inn used to belong to the successful business woman, Madeleine La Framboise. Back then it used to be called Chateau La Frambouise. Her husband was murdered and she took over his fur business and expanded, doing well and amassing a fortune, becoming one of the most successful fur traders in the Northwest Territory. Born in 1780, she was of French and Odawa descent, speaking English, French and native languages, giving her an advantage in the trade. 

The mansion Madeline La Framboise built on Main Street as a place for her to retire in 1822 from the trade, often nicknamed as The Chateau La Framboise. Her plan was to live a quiet life with her family, sitting on the massive fortune she had amassed. In her time at Mackinac Island she founded a catholic school for native children and was a big supporter for the catholic church on the island. 

Madeline La Framboise life of tragedy and death didn’t stop when she came out from the fur business filled with conflict and intrigue. She had a daughter who died in 1820 during childbirth and it hit her very hard. Madeleine herself died in April, 1846. The whole family was buried on Mackinac Island together, under the white marble sepulcher altar of Sainte Anne Church. 

This church was a Roman Catholic one. After the War of 1812, the parish was saved by Madeline La Framboise, who worked with a succession of visiting priests to restore the church’s status as a place of worship. Built on the land Madeline La Framboise donated, she was hoping for eternal rest underneath the altar.

The Haunting starts in the Saint Anne’s Church

But Madeline La Framboise eternal rest seemed short lived. During the 50s or 60s, the church wanted to add to the basement and moved the remains of Madeleine, her daughter as well as the daughter’s baby. The reason for it was that they wanted to build a gift shop in the basement. Meanwhile, they were storing them in a yard crypt for a time before returning them in 2013 and giving them a proper burial. 

The Haunted Church: St Anne’s Church where Madeline La Framboise were buried

Many believe that this is when the haunting started, as if Madeline La Framboise had cast a curse on the church and a ghostly presence at the old mansion as well within the church. Even the foundation of the church itself started to crumble, leaning to the side. Some say it started even earlier, perhaps as far back as her time of death. 

Many people staying at the inn claim to feel a strange presence, like if they are being watched by an unseen entity. Could this be the ghost of Madeline La Framboise?

Madeleine La Framboise Haunting Mackinac Island

Because of her grave being disturbed, they think she is haunting this place as well, and churchgoers claim to have encountered her spirit, even after her body was re-interred in her final resting place. There is also said to be a strange blue mist hovering above the altar where her grave was originally, which individuals have reported seeing during late-night vigils, casting an otherworldly glow that both fascinates and terrifies those who witness it.

Despite the church having upgraded their wiring four times due to the persistent electrical problems believed to have been caused by her restless spirit, the lights continue to flicker sporadically, casting an eerie glow on the ancient stone walls. This unsettling phenomenon has led many to speculate about the lingering presence of the spirit, with some congregants even reporting ghostly whispers during evening services and unexplained cold drafts that sweep through the nave.

To appease her spirit, the church decided to install two statues in the courtyard of Saint Anne’s Church. Perhaps this will soon give her ghost peace. 

More like this

Newest Posts

References:

Ghostly or ghastly: There’s a Mackinac Island tour for you when you win $500 prize – mlive.com

St. Anne’s Church | Upper Peninsula Wiki

Magdelaine Laframboise – Wikipedia

Haunted Places to Sleep at in Michigan

Ukategorisert

San Fernando Cathedral and the Ghosts Haunting it

Leave a comment
Advertisements

The oldest church in San Antonio, Texas is said to be haunted by the spirits of those entombed in it. The San Fernando Cathedral holds many legends and myths, and some of them might be of the paranormal sorts.

Inside of the San Fernando Cathedral, located in the heart of San Antonio, Texas a group of people is renovating the Gothic revival church. When working away, they come across bones entombed inside of the building. The work disturbs the bones’ peace and awakens their spirits. Today, they are still said to haunt the place. 

The church stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and cultural heritage, predating the United State as a nation even. Established in 1738 by a group of 15 families from the Canary Islands, it holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating religious community in Texas. The cathedral’s Gothic Revival architecture, with its imposing spires and intricate stained-glass windows, has long been a focal point for both worshippers and tourists. It even got a visit from Pope John Paul II in 1987. 

Read More: Check all ghost stories from the USA

In addition to worshippers, there is also a trail of ghost pilgrims that have started to seek out the ghosts that are said to haunt the church. 

The History of San Fernando Cathedral

The 56 Canary Islanders came to the New World in 1731 wanting a new life with land and the Spanish title of hidalgo. But they had been lied to, the King of Spain only wanted to send some countrymen to the territories before the French came and claimed it instead. 

They had to start from scratch as there was nothing there. That is when they started to build the Cathedral, also known as Cathedral of Our Lady of Candelaria and Guadalupe and named after Spain’s Ferdinand III of Castille. For this reason the interior is an image of the Virgin of Candelaria, the patroness of the Canary Islands.

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from Haunted Churches

Perhaps they thought it would keep them safe from the Lipan Apache, who declared war on the Spaniards that had arrived on their land, even before the Canary Island settlers arrived. 

Throughout its existence, San Fernando Cathedral has witnessed numerous historical events, including the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. 

Remember the Alamo!: The Battle of the Alamo, fought from February 23 to March 6, 1836, was a pivotal event in the Texas Revolution. A group of Texian defenders, including notable figures like James Bowie and Davy Crockett, fortified the Alamo Mission against Mexican forces led by General Antonio López de Santa Anna. Despite a fierce 13-day siege, the Mexican army ultimately overran the Alamo, resulting in the deaths of almost all Texian defenders. This battle became a symbol of resistance and sacrifice, galvanizing Texians to continue fighting for independence, which they ultimately achieved later that year.

Legend has it that Mexican General Santa Anna raised a flag of “no quarter” from the cathedral’s tower, signaling the commencement of the siege. A sign meaning that there would be no prisoners taken and all would die. Today it is considered a war crime. It is said that the Texans only answered by shooting their cannons. 

Over the centuries, the cathedral has undergone various renovations and expansions, each adding layers to its storied past.

Unearthed Secrets Within the Church Walls

Back to the story of unearthing the bones said to haunt the church. In 1936, during a significant renovation project, construction workers made a chilling discovery near the cathedral’s altar: bones, nails, and fragments of military uniforms. Many believe these remains belonged to soldiers from the Battle of the Alamo, interred hastily during the tumultuous period. Perhaps it was Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie?

If this burial by Colonel Juan Seguin really happened or not is uncertain. There were no survivors of the battle, and the defenders of Alamo were said to not have been given a proper burial by General Santa Ana and simply burned on pyres or tossed in the river. 

This is what has been said was the catalyst for the haunting that has been talked about ever since. But was it only the unearthed bones now haunting the church, or something else that was awakened?

Ghost Stories From the Cathedral

San Fernando Cathedral is reputed to be one of the most haunted locations in the United States. Dark silhouettes have been observed moving silently along the cathedral’s interior, often vanishing when approached. 

San Fernando Cathedral: Although a wonderful thing to look at without the light shows, the lights help chase the shadows away. Source: Wikimedia

Some individuals have reported sudden drops in temperature, the faint scent of incense when none is burning, or even the strong smell of rotten eggs. There are also those speaking of the distant echo of disembodied voices during quiet moments.

Orbs in Photographs

Photographs taken inside the cathedral sometimes reveal unexplained orbs of light, which some interpret as manifestations of spiritual energy. 

A history from 2007 is put forth to showcase this phenomenon, when a tour-goer went on Halloween and got a picture of a shadowy figure, some say, a face kissing a skull. The church was going through renovations at the time, and according to rumors, the workers inside felt a chill and saw three balls of light hover at the entrance.

Although one of the most retold stories, not many sources provide picture evidence though. 

Haunting Legends of the White Horse

Visitors and parishioners have reported a variety of unexplained phenomena, even a white stallion prancing about outside. 

When the Apache tribe tried for peace in the 1730s, they dug a hole in the ground and buried their hatchets, quite literally, as well as their arrows and clubs as a sign of a peace offering. They also buried a white horse, still alive. Horses were significant to their culture after the Europeans brought them over, and the white color symbolized peace. They danced around the hole in the ground and enjoyed their peace, even if it was only for a short time. 

The Ghost of the Monk Haunting the Church

Witnesses have described encounters with spectral figures clad in monk-like robes, silently traversing the aisles with his hood drawn over his face. This is the ghost most reported seeing and it is said to mostly appear in the back of the church and appears as quickly as he vanishes.

The tradition of burying priests and parishioners was common back in the day, and it’s not a stretch to speculate that a monk is one of the people buried within the foundations of the church. Perhaps he was worshipping in the church, or perhaps helped build it even. 

Read Also: The Murder Monk in Franziskaner-Klosterkirche, The Chanting Monks Haunting La Boquería Market, The Ghost Monks at Lyseklosteret and Ghost of the Cathedral — The Bloody Monk in Nidarosdomen for more ghost stories about monks.

One of the strange rumors from demonologists though, is that this is not a monk at all, but a dark spirit acting like one, and say that whatever you do, you should never follow the figure. 

Interior of the Church: San Fernando Cathedral is still a place of worship, even though it has been commercialized through tours, ghost tours being one of those. Perhaps you will see the ghostly monk said to roam there?

The Shadows of a Man

Additionally, the apparition of a man dressed in black has been reported near the back of the church. The story tells of a guest on one of the ghost tours listening to the guide in the church. She felt the stares and when she looked, she saw a man in dark clothes from another time, lurking just behind them, following the tour. In the end, he simply disappeared into thin air. 

A true story, or a good marketing strategy from the many ghost tours moving through the church? We will never really know. But according to the legend, this particular shadow of a man has been witnessed by more than one tour-goer, some sources claim six people saw the same..

A Living Monument

Despite its haunted reputation, San Fernando Cathedral remains a vibrant center of faith and community. It hosts regular masses, including the renowned Mariachi Mass on Sundays, blending traditional liturgy with lively musical accompaniment. 

Whether one is drawn to its architectural grandeur, its pivotal role in Texas history, or the haunting legends that envelop it, the cathedral offers a profound and captivating experience for all who cross its threshold.

More like this

Newest Posts

References:

I visited San Antonio’s San Fernando Cathedral, the oldest church in Texas, to meet a ghost

San Antonio Ghost Tours: Ghosts of the San Fernando Cathedral 

https://ghostcitytours.com/san-antonio/haunted-places/san-fernando-cathedral/?srsltid=AfmBOopBMMu5pnCRx1I7LpwM-mXSfH-D9goA5sfrvEyjEjTlFhSXjUZZ

San Fernando Cathedral: A History Of Shadows

Inside The Cathedral Said To Be One Of The Most Haunted Places In Texas – Grunge 

Ukategorisert

The Haunted History of Three Kings Chapel in Goa

Leave a comment
Advertisements

Despite no seemingly root in reality as the ghost story is told today, the legends about the three kings that are haunting the Three Kings Chapel in Goa keep being told and they are said to come out at night when no one is supposed to stay. 

The Three Kings Chapel on top of Cuelium hill shines white against the blue sky of Goa. The old church is also known as the Church of Our Lady of Remedies and is found in South Goa in India. The allegedly haunted church has long been associated with ghost sightings, supernatural activities, and unexplained occurrences. 

Read more: Check out all of the ghost stories from India

The church’s dark past is riddled with tales of Portuguese invaders, brutal battles, and tragic deaths that have left their mark on the very foundation of the building. The locals believe that the spirits of the fallen soldiers and innocent civilians still haunt the Three Kings Chapel making it one of the most haunted places in Goa. 

Three Kings Chapel: Source

History of Three Kings Chapel

The Three Kings Chapel was built in the 16th century by the Portuguese in the village of Cansaulim on top of a hill called Cuelim over the coconut trees below. The Portuguese invaded Goa in 1510 and defeated the Bijapur Sultanate. Portuguese rule lasted for about 450 years, and heavily influenced Goan culture, cuisine, and architecture.

The Three Kings Chapel’s original name is apparently Remedios Saibini Church or Our Lady of Remedies. It was built in 1599 by Fr Gonzalo Carvalho S.J. During this time the Portuguese Empire ruled Goa. 

Why the name was changed is uncertain though. The Three Kings Chapel refers to the three wise men in the bible that visited Baby Jesus in his crib. Every year the Christians celebrate the Feast of the Three Kings on the 6th of January that marks the end of Christmas, especially for the Spanish and Portuguese. 

The Three Kings Coming to Goa

There are many legends connected to this The Three Kings Chapel that are said to be the source of the legends and ghost stories coming from there. One being that there once were three Portuguese kings that were fighting for power in the area, or in some cases prince brothers that all fought to be the single ruling king. 

One of the Kings invited the other two for dinner once and claimed he wanted to find a peaceful solution to their quarrels. When the dinner party arrived though, he poisoned their food and declared himself king after they died. 

His plan backfired though when his brother’s supporters found out what he had done though and he was aware about the repercussions. Fearing the wrath of the other two kings supporters though, he drank the poison as well and died along with them. 

The Haunted Cemetery

Together they were all buried in the cemetery of the Three Kings Chapel. It is said that their spirits still roam around in the graveyard on top of the hill, still governing their kingdom they wanted so much and died for. 

People visiting the hill the Three Kings Chapel sits on claim to have seen something ghostly in the dark, and felt something they describe like a strong presence. 

Read more: Check out more ghost stories from cemeteries around the world

The locals advise to not visit the haunted church late at night, as the story goes you will never be seen again. Some say that they only say this to keep lovers away from this secluded place though. 

There is also the legend of a tree that is outside of the church. When you leave, you must never look back at it. People are also said to get sick or if they are not baptized when visiting and so on. 

Three Kings Chapel: Source

Legends and Myths Surrounding the Church

As history goes, we do know where the Portuguese king was throughout the times, and it wasn’t in Goa. So who was supposedly quarreling by the Three Kings Chapel? Some speculate that the legend could be of a more local power struggle when the Portuguese claimed the land. Throughout the times though, the local warlords became more royal for the story’s effect.

In some sources they call the King that poisoned his brothers, King Holger Alvunge, but as it is a Scandinavian sounding name, it has most likely no base in reality. But even in old days in the Goa governance, they usually kept records, and there have been no leaders with the name of Holger Alvunge. 

There are also claims of lights coming from the haunted church that are like a ghost procession for the kings in the dead of the night, gliding around the church and coming down the hill. But that may very be during the Three Kings festival where people parade to the top throwing coins. After they usually stay back a couple with light to collect them. 

More like this

Newest Posts

References:

The Haunted Three Kings Chapel is not Haunted. 

Three Kings Church, Cansaulim (Goa) – Haunted Places of Goa – Holidify 

IS THE THREE KINGS CHAPEL REALLY A HAUNTED PLACE IN GOA? – That Goan Girl 

Three Kings Chapel, Goa: Is It Really Haunted? | LBB 

Ukategorisert

St. Michan’s Church Vaults and the Irish Mummies

Leave a comment
Advertisements

Deep down in the vaults under the St. Michan’s Church in Ireland, there is a crypt filled with coffins of mummified corpses. Some of prominent families in the local area, and some nameless that are perhaps a millennial year old. 

Hidden behind Dublin’s Four Courts on Church Street, just a stone’s throw from the Jameson Distillery in Smithfield, stands St. Michan’s Church, an ancient place of worship with a history as chilling as it is rich in Dublin. 

Established in 1095 as a Norse chapel, this parish church holds the distinction of being the oldest on the northside of Dublin and that has a Viking foundation. Its rebuilt exterior, dating back to 1685, conceals a treasure trove of eerie secrets that beckon to those brave enough to explore its depths.

The Mummies in the Vault

Beneath the church’s hallowed grounds, a world of the macabre unfolds. Through imposing metal doors secured by chains and down a narrow stone stairway, visitors find themselves in burial vaults that cradle the mummified remains of Dublin’s most influential families from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.

Read More: Check out all of the ghost stories from Ireland

The question that lingers in the minds of all who visit St. Michan’s crypts is how these bodies have been preserved for centuries. Some attribute it to the constant dry atmosphere, others to the limestone walls, and yet others to the mysterious methane gas seeping up from the damp ground beneath. Whatever the cause, the result is a chilling tableau of history frozen in time.

St. Michan’s Church Vaults: Underneath the old church from Norman viking times, there is a burial vault filled with mummified corpses that dates back almost a millenia ago.//Source: wikimedia

Family Feuds in Death

The vaults under  St. Michan’s Church was once the property of wealthy families, and this ownership extended even beyond the grave. Some coffins are elaborate, exuding opulence with gold accents and intricate designs. 

Venturing inside the individual vault under St. Michan’s Church cells reveals a haunting sight: coffins stacked haphazardly, generations of families laid atop one another as in anyone’s messy cupboard or room guests are not allowed to enter. 

Some of the coffins in the vault, unable to bear the weight of those above, have collapsed, leaving skeletal limbs protruding into the dim light.

Crypt’s Best-Known Residents

The vaults are home to legendary figures, including the Sheares brothers, republican revolutionaries who faced the gruesome fate of being hung, drawn, and quartered after their involvement in the Irish Rebellion of 1798. 

They were arrested on the eve of The Irish Rebellion of 1798, and executed at Newgate Prison. Now their mummified bodies have an eternal rest underneath St. Michan’s Church. At least so far. 

The Irish Rebels: The Sheares Brothers, Henry (1753–98), and John (1766–1798) were Irish lawyers and republicans. After witnessing revolutionary events in Paris, in 1793 they joined the Society of United Irishmen. They were arrested on the eve of the risings of 1798 and executed at Newgate Prison and buried and mummified in the vaults of St. Michan’s Church.

The Earls of Leitrim, their highly decorated coffins adorned with gold studs and ornate plaques, rest here alongside Wolfe Tone’s haunting death mask. But it is not necessarily the big names that have made St. Michan’s Church Vaults known, but rather the really old ones that no one really have a name for: 

The ‘Big Four’ in St. Michan’s Church

The most conspicuous occupants of the vaults are four mummified corpses displayed without coffin lids, each covered in a layer of dusty skin. These eerie figures, known as the Unknown, the Thief, the Nun, and the Crusader, appear shockingly lifelike despite being nearly a millennium old.

The Nun as well as The Unknown, are both women that we don’t really know much about. Who they were or how they died, it is all a mystery.

The Big Four: Some of the oldest mummies found in the burial vault is dubbed the big four as they have no names attached to themselves anymore. The Unknown, the Thief, the Nun, and the Crusader is now all exposed without their lids for anyone that chooses to visit the vaults.//Source: James Walsh/Flickr

The Crusader, a giant by the standards of his time, rests with his legs broken and crossed beneath him to fit within his casket. One of his hands stretches out, fingers slightly raised, a superstition claiming that those who touch his finger will be blessed with good fortune.

In 2019 the 800 year old Crusader’s head was actually decapitated and stolen, after a man in his 20s broke in and vandalized the vaults of St. Michan’s Church. 

“The Thief,” another mummy among the ‘Big Four,’ suffered a grisly fate, with his feet severed and his right forearm missing, supposedly as punishment for his crimes. While modern research has cast doubt on the authenticity of these stories, they continue to add an air of mystery to these chilling figures.

Echoes in the Darkness

But what about the rumors about the vaults being haunted? Who of these mummies are said to haunt their eternal resting place?

The Bram Stoker Connection: These burial vaults are just some of the places in Ireland htat Bram Stoker visited and found interesting. Could they have helped giving an inspiration to his writings?

Are these vaults truly inhabited by the restless spirits of the departed? Some certainly think so and since Victorian times, those daring enough to descend the vault steps have encountered the enigmatic St. Michan’s mummies.

Even Bram Stoker, the author of “Dracula,” is believed to have explored these crypts, as his family’s burial plot resides here. Some even claim that the macabre and haunted places in Ireland and its history helped him carve out the story of Dracula, perhaps more than even himself realized?

Over time, the legends and mystery keeps growing about what happened down in the crypts, in sort of the same macabre interest people have for the Catacombs in Paris for comparisons. What should be an eternal resting place for our ancestors, turns into something scary and dangerous for the living. 

Could the vaults underneath the ancient church of St. Michan’s Church in Dublin be haunted by the restless ghosts of the mummies? Could there be something vampiric going on behind the closed doors? The many legends and rumours only continue to grow as time passes and the mummies stay the same.

For those who seek eerie inspiration and eccentric sightseeing, St. Michan’s Church Vaults beckon, promising a spine-tingling adventure into the unknown. If you dare to court the supernatural, venture forth into this cryptic world—a place where history and the supernatural converge in a macabre dance that continues to captivate the curious and the brave.

More like this

Newest Posts

References:

Sheares brothers – Wikipedia 

https://thefairytaletraveler.com/2014/10/14/st-michans-church/

St. Michan’s Church, Dublin – Wikipedia 

Supernatural Dublin – St Michan’s Church Man arrested after 800-year-old skull stolen from St Michan’s Church in Dublin – Irish Mirror Online

Ukategorisert

The Ghosts of St. George’s Church in the Czech Republic

Leave a comment
Advertisements

One of the more well known haunted places in the Czech Republic are the spooky ghosts sitting inside of the abandoned and decaying St. George’s Church. But for what reason did the locals make them?

For those who love exploring the supernatural and the mysterious, St. George’s Church in the Czech Republic is a must-visit destination and perhaps the most eerie and scary place in the country. 

St. George’s Church, or Sv. Jiří in Czech is located in the picturesque town of Lukova, in the Czech Republic, over two hours from Prague. The small village is found in the Manětín-regionen with its deep and somewhat dark forests. 

The church is over 700 years old, and it has a rich and complex history that is intertwined with the history of the town itself. 

The Church of Ghosts: St. George’s Church in the small village of Lukova has been left to decay for decades after an accident. There have been not enough funds to restore it and rumours about it being haunted made people stay away from it.//Source: Zdeňka Bušková/Wikimedia

The church was originally built in the early 14th century, consecrated in 1352, and it was dedicated to St. George, the patron saint of soldiers. Over the centuries, the church underwent several renovations and restorations, and it played an important role in the religious and cultural life of the town.

The Haunted and Cursed St. George’s Church

However, tragedy struck in 1968, when the roof of the church collapsed during a funeral service. This led to the locals believing that the church was haunted or possibly cursed and started to hold mass outside of the building. The congregation was devastated, and the church was left abandoned for over 30 years. 

The Praying Ghosts: The little village is today most known for being the home of many statues of ghosts as an art project. // Source: MiroRosa/Wikimedia

But it wasn’t really what was behind the haunted legends that made the church famous as it was first when they tried to raise money in a unique way that it became known as one of the most haunted places in Europe. 

The 32 Ghosts in the Church

During that time, the church fell into disrepair and decay, and it became a symbol of the town’s decline. But in the early 2000s, a group of local artists decided to take matters into their own hands, and they began a restoration project that would transform the abandoned church into a hauntingly beautiful work of art.

The artist Jakub Hadrava made 32 life-sized ghost statues that are now living inside of the haunted church as part of his bachelor in art in 2012. 

They are supposed to represent the Sudeten Germans, or German Bohemians, an ethnic group that lived in the area a long time ago. They were all expelled from the country after World War 2. 

Raising Money for Restauration: The church installed the ghosts in part to raise money to restore their old church. Many people have visited to experience the eerie sight of the statues.// Source: MiroRosa/Wikimedia

The stunt helped to get the attention of the church, and the congregation who once didn’t have money to repair the roof, have now raised more than 600 000 koruna. 

St. George’s Church is a truly unique and haunting destination, steeped in history, legend, and mystery and a place where art meet the legends and perhaps even fuels them. 

More like this

Newest Posts

References:

Featured Image: MiroRosa/Wikimedia

Look Inside the Abandoned St. George’s Church Filled With Ghosts 

Ukategorisert

The Strange Haunting of the Strange Sagrada Familia Church

Leave a comment
Advertisements

Sagrada Familia Church is perhaps the most well known landmark in Barcelona, Spain. It was designed by the renowned architect Gaudi and strange things started to happen after his death. It is still unfinished and people have talked about the peculiar church and the strange things that seems to go on there ever since.

Spain is known for its rich history of architecture and fascinating landmarks. Among these landmarks is a haunted church that catches the attention of many tourists. The church is known for its dark history and the fact that it is haunted by a ghost that has been lingering there for many years. The eerie stories about this church have fascinated many people around the world, making it a popular spot for thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts.

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories from Spain

The strange church with gothic and art nouveau curves, eccentric spires and attracts huge numbers of tourists every year. The design of the church is a controversial one and keeps inviting strange legends and mysteries. 

The Unfinished Sagrada Familia Church

The Sagrada Familia is perhaps the most iconic sight in Barcelona, Spain, but did you know it is still not completed? The full name is The Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família and is a church designed by Antoni Gaudi, a famous Barcelona architect, at least, he took over from another architect and put his mark on it. Now it is time for future architects to do the same. 
The Sagrada Familia is the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world as Gaudi never got the chance to see the church as he had envisioned it. When it’s completed it will be the world’s tallest church. That is if it ever gets completed. 

Read more: Check out all of our stories from Haunted Monasteries and Churches from all around the world.

Gaudi died in 1926 after being run over by a tram at the intersection of Barcelona’s Carrer de Bailén and the Gran Via. Taxi drivers refused to take a man they mistook for a beggar to the city hospital. He was badly hurt after the collision and brought to a hospital for poor people in El Raval as the locals mistook him for a beggar. There he passed away three days later and the project was less than a quarter completed. 

Sagrada Familia: Today the unfinished church is a popular tourist attraction for those visiting Barcelona that wants to see the remarkable work left behind by Gaudi and those who picked up the work after him. But perhaps not everyone knows about the strange lights above the church, or the things that happened in the crypt were the architect were buried.

For his funeral, he was buried in the crypt of Sagrada Familia and thousands of people stood in line in the streets for his funeral.  
and they tried to progress with his plans, but the universe was set in halting the massive project. And as Gaudi himself said: My client is in no hurry, as he thought God would be patient. 

Only a decade after his death strange things started to happen. 

The Scars of the Spanish Civil War

The Spanish Civil War started and the project was once again stopped. In 1936 a group of anarchists from the FAI attacked the building and set fire to the former workshop of Gaudi where he had kept his materials. 

After setting fire to his workroom they headed for the crypts where he was buried. Together in the crypt, Gaudi’s patron, Josep Maria Bocabella was also laid to rest. His tomb was desecrated by the anarchists, but Gaudi’s tomb was left untouched.

After the civil war the project, Gaudi and his art startet to be forgotten, looked down on and it wasn’t until the 1950s that they really started to pick up the pace and see the value of this very controversial church. 

The Blue Lights Above the Church

After this desecration of the crypt there were several reports about strange blue lights on the Sagrada Familia towers and the rest of the building in the night. 

The police were even called, but couldn’t find a reason or cause of the mysterious blue lights. What was it? A reminder from the crypt about the project that needed to be completed?

The Blue Lights Above the Church: Churches have always been a place where strange things are said to have happened. Some of the things that are said to happen is strange blue lights lingering over the church after Gaudi’s crypt were disturbed.

This caused people to speculate that it could be the spirit of Mr. Bocabella whose tomb had been disturbed. Or it could even be Gaudi himself haunting the place because of the attack on his masterpiece as an architect?

The Ghost of Gaudi

This church is not the only place the rumors of Gaudi’s ghosts are being passed around. It is also said he is haunting the Hospital de la Santa Creu where he passed away. 

Antoni Gaudí i Cornet: Gaudi (25 June 1852 – 10 June 1926) was a Catalan Spanish architect and designer from Catalonia, known as the greatest exponent of Catalan Modernism that adorns his hometown Barcelona especially.

Through the rest of the century, people have constantly tried to finish the work, and lately the construction has sped up. By 2010, they were midway through their plans although some of the greatest building challenges remained. 

They were hoping that by 2026 they would present the complete church as the architect had envisioned it, but after the production halt during Covid, they must once again postpone the completion. 

More like this

Newest Posts

References:

Gaudí’s La Sagrada Família: Genius or folly? – BBC Culture

Sagrada Família – Wikipedia

13 Barcelona Haunted Houses & Places that will creep you out

Ukategorisert

The Haunting Santuario de la Virgen de Balma in the Mountain Rocks

Leave a comment
Advertisements

Up in the mountain there is a sanctuary carved out from the rocks. The Santuario de la Virgen de Balma or Sanctuary of the Virgin of Balma has had strange legends from the start, from a place where the Virgin Mary showed herself, a place for exorcisms and a strange witch cult. 

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the captivating history of the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Balma. Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Catalonia, this hidden gem of religious significance has stood the test of time, captivating visitors with its enchanting beauty and rich historical heritage. 

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories from Spain

Dating back to the 13th century, the sanctuary holds a special place in the hearts of locals and pilgrims alike, serving as a sacred haven of peace and spirituality. From the moment you set foot on its hallowed grounds, you will be transported to a bygone era, where tales of miracles and divine intervention intertwine. 

Historical Significance of the Sanctuary

The Sanctuary of the Virgin of Balma holds immense historical significance, playing a vital role in the religious and cultural fabric of the place and is an important pilgrimage center for the nearest towns. This is a small sanctuary carved out in the rocks near Zorita del Maestrazgo village in the Province of Castellon in Spain. 

Read more: Check out all of our stories from Haunted Monasteries and Churches from all around the world.

Santuario de la Virgen de Balma origins date back to the 13th century when it was built as a place of worship for the local community. Over the centuries, it has become a place of pilgrimage, drawing people from far and wide. The sanctuary witnessed various historical events and has been a witness to the changing times. It has survived wars, political unrest, and natural disasters, making it a symbol of resilience and faith.

The Strange Place where it is Built

Balma is a Celtic name that refers to a cave underground and this is exactly what this is. Santuario de la Virgen de Balma is embedded into the very rock of the mountain and you have to walk through the cave to get there. It is almost half a building, the rest of the half is a natural shelter of caves. 

Carved into the Mountain: Santuario de la Virgen de Balma is carved into the rocks of the mountains in Catalonia, Spain.Source//Millars/Wikimedia

To reach the place you have to trek up a steep slope until you reach a little chapel of the Virgen de la Balma next to a river. Then you begin the climb up the sacred mountain until you reach the sanctuary.

Religious Importance of Santuario de la Virgen de Balma

The role of the Sanctuary in local religious practices is of great importance. Santuario de la Virgen de Balma has been a place of worship and pilgrimage for centuries, attracting believers seeking solace, healing, and spiritual guidance. The sanctuary holds regular religious services, attracting both locals and visitors alike. It serves as a place of reflection and introspection, where individuals can connect with their faith and find inner peace. The serene ambiance and breathtaking beauty of the surroundings make it a perfect setting for prayer and contemplation.

Santuario de la Virgen de Balma used to be the ultimate destination for those possessed by the Devil and people would come to the sanctuary in search of divine healing and holy treatments. 

Many of these possessions today have a name, like epilepsy, and many exorcisms were performed on those visiting. 

Legend of the Virgin Mary in the Caves

The Sanctuary of the Virgin of Balma is not just a place of historical and religious significance; it is also steeped in legends and myths that have been passed down through generations. But what was the origin story behind this so-called sacred place?
One such legend tells the story of a poor shepherd who witnessed the apparition of the Virgin Mary at the site where the sanctuary now stands in the 14th century. The Virgin Mary said to the shepherd that she was going to become a protector of this region and she wanted a temple in her name at this place. 

The Virgin Mary in the Cave: The Santuario de la Virgen de Balma is said to have been placed in these caves after a shepherd met the Virgin Mary that told him to build a temple for her in this place. Source//Wikimedia

According to the legend, she performed a miracle to prove who she was. She cured his arms. In some versions his arm was paralyzed in other it was amputated. In any case, she cured him of his affliction and he decided to make her temple happen. 
He also found a sculpture of the Virgin and went back to town to tell the local priest all about it. Together they went back to the cave and found the sculpture. They brought it back to their local church, but it wouldn’t stay. The next morning it had disappeared and was back in its original spot in the cave. So the Santuario de la Virgen de Balma was built there instead. 

According to the legend, the shepherd was guided by a bright light to a cave, where he saw the Virgin Mary, who spoke to him and performed miracles. This event marked the beginning of the sanctuary’s spiritual journey, and the shepherd became a devout follower, spreading the word of the miracles he had witnessed.

The Witch Cult of Women

Another fascinating aspect of the sanctuary’s history is its association with a strange 18th-century sect of women that started to take more place than the usual pilgrim. These women believed that they were possessed by the Devil, so called Endemoniadas and sought refuge and exorcism at the Santuario de la Virgen de Balma. The sanctuary became a destination for those possessed, and many exorcisms were performed on those visiting. These events added to the mystical aura surrounding the sanctuary and its reputation as a place of divine intervention.

In truth, a lot of these Els Malignes, or conditions were epilepsy or other mental illnesses. According to the stories though, it started with being controlled by the parish priest, but somewhere along the lines, it shifted.  It is said that it then was a council of three witches from the Aragonese town of Caspe, called the Caspolinas, that oversaw the exorcisms at Santuario de la Virgen de Balma.

The Witch Cult: The people that were said to have done the exorcisms of those coming to Santuario de la Virgen de Balma were described as a coven of witches.

It was said that witches, spiritists and others that wanted to make money from exorcism took over the place. The so-called healings took three days and the sick were placed in the caves where they were tied with ribbons. The ribbons on their fingers and toes would make the demon leave their body. Ribbons on their eyes, ears and mouth made the demon blind, deaf and mute. Together the group chanted psalms and the demon supposedly left their body. 

This cult in Santuario de la Virgen de Balma existed all up to the 20th century and in 1929 a visiting journalist called Alardo Prats y Beltran wrote down his experience in the sanctuary. 

The Sanctuary of the Virgin of Balma Today

There are perhaps no more cults, demonic possessions and strange rituals in the Santuario de la Virgen de Balma anymore. But it is still a pilgrimage now with a restaurant and cafe and a museum dedicated to its story for those visiting. 

In conclusion, the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Balma is a treasure trove of history, faith, and miracles. Its enchanting beauty, rich architectural heritage, and captivating legends make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and spiritual seekers alike. 
Whether you’re seeking solace, exploring the wonders of medieval architecture, or simply immersing yourself in the serene surroundings, the sanctuary promises an unforgettable journey back in time.

More like this

Newest Posts

References:

Featured Image: Millars/Wikimedia

El Santuario de la Balma y sus endemoniados

Subterranea of Spain: Santuario de la Virgen de la Balma

Mysterious and Haunted Places in Spain

Santuario de la Virgen de la Balma – Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre