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The Haunted History of Three Kings Chapel in Goa

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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. 

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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 

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St. Michan’s Church Vaults and the Irish Mummies

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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.

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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

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

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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. 

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References:

Featured Image: MiroRosa/Wikimedia

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

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The Strange Haunting of the Strange Sagrada Familia Church

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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. 

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References:

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

Sagrada Família – Wikipedia

13 Barcelona Haunted Houses & Places that will creep you out

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

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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.

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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

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The Devil’s Monastery in Carmona

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The ruins of Huerta de San José Monastery in Carmona, Seville were once thought to be haunted by demons and the devil himself. After a horrible tragedy that ended in the death of all the monks, the place has been known as The Devil’s Monastery or the Monastery from Hell. 

Spain is famous for its haunted history and tales of angels and demons. With its rich history and diverse culture, there are many places that are said to be haunted. In Carmona in Seville, Spain there is the ruins of a monastery that is said to be cursed by the devil himself. 

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

The church known as The Devil’s Monastery is known for the mysterious and spooky presence of a ghost, who is rumored to have been lingering there for centuries. The stories surrounding this The Devil’s Monastery are fascinating and are sure to give you chills down your spine. In this blog post, we will explore the history of the haunted church in Spain and the ghost that haunts it.

The Monastery from Hell

Huerta de San José Monastery, belonged to the religious order of the Carmelites of Saint Joseph. The cloister dates back to the 17th century but was never completed. The building close to the small and sleepy village was only used for a couple of decades before a horrible tragedy befell the monastery. 

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

A group of Franciscan-Dominican friars came to the hilltop to build their monastery to both be a convent as well as a boarding school for the locals. Here they would serve the words of their lord in peace. But the fact was that their dream about Huerta de San José Monastery would never be true and the convent would never be remembered as the place of god, but The Devil’s Monastery.

In 1680, Don Jaime Malvidas joined the convent as a new monk. According to the documents that were made from the case about the Huerta de San José Monastery at the time, Maldives woke up in the morning and found out his door was bolted from the outside.

The fact that the door was locked wasn’t an unusual thing, as the Dominican monks had a habit of locking themselves in after Vespers before opening the doors in the morning. But this time, there was no one there to open it. 

He tried to meditate as he waited for morning, but the sound of steps outside made him curious. They stopped right outside and the door was opened with a bang. But when he looked outside, he found no one. 

He thought maybe he was late for mass and hurried toward the chapel they were building. But there was no one. The only thing he heard was a wailing he almost thought came from himself. He started to investigate and went down into the basement. There he found all of the friars hanging from hooks, all dead. 

And according to his testimony he also said this:  I, gentlemen, upon seeing that infernal and bloody setting, began to see some small beings, who crowded around the dead bodies, ate their meat.

A fire broke out in now The Devil’s Monastery, and the monk ran out screaming that Satan was here. Some say that the monk really did meet the devil in the basement and left him alive to tell the world about his arrival. No one believed him and he was arrested after reporting it all to the authorities.

Satan Appearing in Huerta de San José Monastery

The next day the locals approached the burnt The Devil’s Monastery with crosses and bibles burying the dead monks. As they did it was as the sky darkened and what seemed like the face of Satan himself appeared between two columns of Huerta de San José Monastery.

Carmona City: The entire city had to live with the after effects of the cursed monastery. For years the city tried to repent for what happened that night in the convent.

They entered the building with their protection, but it was all for nothing as Satan was watching from the bell tower. He threw them around “like dolls” according to the documents. but an earthquake forced them out and further damaged the building. 
Huerta de San José Monastery was purged with salt and the whole city had two years of masses to absolve them from the evil they had encountered those days. 

Read more: Have a look at the story about Haunting in Hardtkapelle Wielenbach where the devil also is said to have appeared. 

In the ruins of what is left of the The Devil’s Monastery, it is said the souls of the murdered monks are still trapped inside and haunt the place, all the documents signed by the Archbishop of Jerez. 

The Ghost of The Devil’s Monastery

People that have visited the ruins of The Devil’s Monastery claim to have heard whispers and ghostly silhouettes of the monks. Gregorian voices and chants have been heard as well as strange lights floating around the place. 

Today the ruins of Huerta de San José Monastery is abandoned except for those wandering in the outskirts of the nearby village or the nightly ghost tours they have to try to catch a glimpse of the murdered monks trapped forever where they died. 

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References:

El misterio del ‘Monasterio del Diablo’

Monasterio Huerta de San José – Carmona

Huerta de San José monastery, Carmona, Spain, December 2017 | Derelict Places – Urban Exploring Forum

Abandoned Devil’s Monastery, Seville, Spain

Ten paranormal places that you can actually visit in Spain

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The Chanting Monks Haunting La Boquería Market

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Every year it is said that a procession of ghost monks are haunting La Boquería market in Barcelona. They are still mad about how the monks that lived in the monastery that were there behaved, and the story is that it ended bloody. 

The thought of a haunted place is enough to make many people shiver. Some people love nothing more than to explore the creepy corners of spooky locations, while others run the other way. But what happens when a church is haunted? In Spain, there is a former monastery that has been the subject of many spine-chilling stories. The haunted church is known for the ghost that is said to be lingering there. Are these stories true or just a legend?

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

Right by the bustling La Rambla in Barcelona there is a famous food market called La Boquería or The Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria. Fresh vegetables, traditional food, al within the enclosed marked that has become a staple of Barcelona landmarks now. But there used to be a time were it was a place of worship, and ended with a visit from the devil himself.

La Boquería Marked: Today the place is a bustling marked for food and no one really pays any attention to the haunted legends about this place. But it is said that every year a procession of ghost monks wanders and chants after the devil himself made an appearance in the monastery that used to be there.

The first mention of the La Boquería is from 1217 when a few tables were put up by the old city gate to sell meat. Until the 1800s the market wasn’t officially recognized and not enclosed as it is today. It was simply growing and spreading until the city decided to make a roof over the stalls and recognize it as a proper marked. 

La Boquería market was built on top of an old monastery built by the Carmelites Descalços in 1586. There was a time in Barcelona filled with riots towards the monesteries and churches and it is from this place the ghost story takes place. 

The Broken Traditions in the Monastery

The haunting incident happened in 1835 and according to the stories the monks had become too relaxed in their ways of worship. Their whole tradition was built on prayer and celebrating their patrons and weren’t even praying on the date of their patron saint Our Lady of Carmen. 

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

There was only one monk who cared about their lacking ways and spoke up about it to the higher ups. But the convent prior didn’t care about the young monks’ warnings and the monks relaxed ways continued until the warnings came back to haunt them. 

According to legend the place became haunted when a group of dead friars suddenly appeared to the brothers of the convents, singing to them, perhaps cursing them, perhaps warning them about their oncoming demise?

The Chanting Skeleton Monks

One night the monks in the convent woke up by the chanting and went to the church where the sound came from. They found a choir of skeletal monks singing a sinister psalm, one more sinister than the other to the monks of the monastery. The skeleton monks chanting to them were all dead brothers of the order that used to live in the convent.

The living monks waited in terrified silence until the singing was over before they lit up the candles and led the ghosts back to their tombs in the convent cemetery. The tombs of the skeleton monks were already open and didn’t close before the chanting skeleton monks returned from their nightly choir session.

The Murder of the Monks

Why did the ghost monks appear to them? What did they want, chanting sinister psalms to their living brothers? There are several stories about what happened, and they all ended in fire and blood.  

One version of the legend is that the monks returned to where the choir had been singing and found the young monk that had complained about the lack of prayer dead. Why he died and by what means was never found out. There is also a version that tells that he was the only survivor of his brothers. Because what happened next was a bloodbath.

The Chanting Monks: Only one monk is said to have spoken up about not honoring their traditions and responsibilities as monks. The monks were all murdered in a riot after he warned them in the place were the La Boquería market today is.

Because, ten days after the apparition of the ghostly friars chanting their ghost songs, the monastery was attacked and burnt to the ground in the riots and the monks that lived there were all killed. It was because of riots that happened against religious buildings at the time and the day was remembered as Burning of the Convent. 

There is a really complex and long history of why the convents were attacked. Barcelona was in a state of unrest, and a riot were culminating under the lid, only waiting for a chance to blow up.

The riots started after an especially bad bullfight in El Torrin which was a bullring in Barcelona not too far from La Boquería market. The angry people watching the bullfight turned into a mob and started rioting, dragging decapitated heads of the bulls around the city and set fire to churches. And the convent were La Boquería is now standing was dragged into the mess.  

The Chanting Annual Ghosts at La Boquería

After the destruction of the convent the city of Barcelona decided to expand on the La Boquería market to fill the empty void the convent left. The blood bath was soon forgotten, and people returned to discuss meat and vegetable prices across the stalls, not vague talk about ghost monks and the devil appearing… at least for most of the year. 

According to legend the monks come back every year to haunt the La Boquería marked on the place were the monastery was. On the day the monastery was burned, July 25th, you can still hear the ghostly voices of the monks singing through the whole market. 

There are also those that say that the singing on La Boquería market happens on July the 15th on Our Lady of Carmen’s Eve. 

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References:

The Gothic Arch of Sant Adrià: Gateway to Barcelona

History of the Boqueria | Market of the Ramblas of Barcelona

La Boqueria – Wikipedia

13 Barcelona Haunted Houses & Places that will creep you out

Haunted and Mysterious Places in Barcelona | 19 Local Legends

Halloween: Spain’s most haunted places – The Local

Visiting Spain’s Most Haunted Locations | Right Casa Estates

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The Haunted Halls of Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral

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Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has been a site of intrigue and mystery for centuries— its haunted halls filled with stories that spark the imagination with ghosts on the roof and an ironworker that sold his soul to the Devil.

The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has captivated visitors for centuries with its stunning architecture, stirring religious artifacts, and gripping tales of mystery. People come to hear the bells ring to remind us about the hunchback of Notre Dame and see the frightening gargoyles along the roof.

Rumors of hauntings have further cemented the cathedral’s reputation as a supernatural hot-spot, leaving its visitors to ponder whether these rumors are just urban legends or based on fact.

History of the Notre Dame Cathedral

Noted by visitors from all across the world, the Notre Dame Cathedral’s captivating architecture has inspired many throughout the ages. Built of limestone and characterized by its two towers flanking its main entrance, it has stood tall for centuries as a testament to Gothic style. Its intricate carvings, majestic details, and mesmerizing sculptures carve a path for learning about the history that lies within its walls and contributes more to the speculation of paranormal activity.

From its construction in 1163 to its destruction by fire in 2019, the iconic cathedral has served as a beacon of faith for thousands of years and amassed tales that might never be fully unraveled. 

The Devil and the Ironworker

One of the most enduring tales of hauntings in Notre Dame is that of a mysterious ironworker who sold his soul to the devil in exchange for mastery over his craft. According to legend, the best ironworker, Biscornet was commissioned by the church to create the metal for the cathedrals door at the inauguration in 1345. 

The work was too much and he was in danger of not being done in time. But at the inauguration the metal work was done, there was only one problem. No matter how hard they tried, they were unable to open the door. 

Read also: The Bell Tower Goddess of Beijing

When they went to Biscornet to ask him about it, they found him hanged with a note warning them to spay holy water on the door to make them open. 

It was then believed that the ironworker had made a pact with the devil and sold his soul to get the work done in time for the opening day. 

The Women on the Notre Dame Roof

The creepy story about the demonic front door is not the only legend about the old cathedral. According to legend, there are also spotted some ghosts as well.

Two female ghosts haunt the roof of Notre-Dame cathedral were they can be seen between the grey gargoyles and gothic carved stone. Apparently you can see them walking on the cathedrals roof before either jumping off the roof or disappearing as soon as you see them. 

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Haunting in Hardtkapelle Wielenbach

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A haunted chapel known as Hardtkapelle Wielenbach can be found in the darkness of the Bavarian forest, surrounded by black hellhounds and a woman in white. This place is of the more unholy sorts. 

Forests in Germany are where the darkness creeps in and where stories about ghosts and ghouls take form. 

In this particular Bavarian forest in the city of Weilheim in Wielenbach, perhaps a mere hour away from Munich, there is a small but still frightening chapel according to the legends that is said to be particularly dark and where the devil himself appeared.

The Haunted Hardtkapelle Wielenbach

The building from the outside of the Hardtkapelle Wielenbach looks innocent enough as the white walls and church tower looks like any other little chapel in these parts. 

Still, there are many young and hopeful visitors who visit each year to get a taste of the haunted place, not necessarily of the godly kind, but perhaps many of them get a little more than they bargained for. Because according to those visiting, they report about being nauseous and being dizzy, some even suffering a panic attack after spending enough time in that place.  

It is said that the Hardtkapelle Wielenbach is surrounded by huge black hellhounds as the dark forces have been plentiful around these parts for centuries. One can wonder if the chapel is really what keeps the evil inside, or if it attracts it all together. You can hear the hellhounds growling in the background between the trees. 

The Haunted Hardtkapelle Wielenbach: The chapel look cozy and innocent at day among the green trees, but when the sun goes down and the trees grows darker, the ghosts come out to play. Gras-Ober/wikimedia

At night a light is always burning at the small chapel when no one is there to light it up. Sometimes a woman in white is suddenly appearing at night close to the chapel. Who she is, friend or foe, is difficult to say. 

The chapel we see today was built as a pilgrimage church in 1865 with the Patroness being Saint Anne, the mother of Mary. It was built on the grounds of a chapel that used to be there but was demolished back in 1250. 

The Devil’s Kick

There have been many reports about this strange place and one of the legends dates back to the time before there ever was a Hardtkapelle Wielenbach there. When this was is unclear as not much of Germany’s history dates back in written form before the 1200s.  

But according to this legend there was a huge fight among the neighboring villagers. Citizens of the town of Weilheim and Haunshofen fought about grazing rights for their animals in the surrounding area and the arguments were getting heated with harsh words being thrown back and forth. 

A man stepped out from the crowd and they say he was the devil in the form of a shepherd who had come to join them. He put a big stone on the ground and yelled out 

“When I kick this stone, this belongs to Haunshofen”

Then he kicked his foot into the ground, creating a hoof-like hole that he disappeared into. 

This stopped the argument and the Hardtkapelle Wielenbach was built around the stone with the hoofprint to protect the evil from it to come out again.

If they really were successful remains to be seen. 

The Devil’s Hole: At the altar at the Hardtkapelle Wielenbach in Bavaria, Germany, you can see the hole the chapel was built around. // Source: Henning Schlottmann//wikimedia

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Hardtkapelle Weilheim

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/hardtkapelle-wielenbach

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The Haunted and Holy Mont Saint-Michel

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The tidal island of Mont Saint-Michel in France holds many secrets of the sea and is said to be haunted by both monks disturbed of their eternal rest as well as soldiers from the bloody battlefields of the Hundred Year War. 

Mont Saint-Michel, the mysterious and spectacular island off the coast of France, has fueled an array of mysterious stories for centuries. It’s a little tidal island in Normandy, northwest in the country, one-half nautical mile off the mainland.

The tidal island of Mont Saint-Michel has served many purposes, mostly as a monastery and today it is a small village with around 50 villagers. It has also been a location for many battles and a prison known as The Bastille of the Sea. 

While people may debate if Mont Saint-Michel is really haunted, locals and visitors alike have shared stories about eerie figures, ghostly voices, and strange sightings which add to the legends surrounding this awe-inspiring destination.

History and Legends of Mont Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel is an ancient destination and pilgrimage site that has been embraced by nature. Its sides are steep and nearly inaccessible from the mainland, with huge cliffs around its shoreline. The island was a great reminder of pilgrimages that they were indeed on the right path. 

Mont Saint-Michel’s tides are the product of complex natural interactions between wind, waves and the gravitational pull of the sun and moon. This happens when large masses of water on the earth’s surface respond to these forces. 

The tides of Mont Saint-Michel vary greatly, at roughly 14 meters between highest and lowest water marks. Popularly nicknamed “St. Michael in peril of the sea” by medieval pilgrims making their way across the flats, the mount can still pose dangers for visitors who avoid the causeway and attempt the hazardous walk across the sands from the neighboring coast.

Ghost Monks of Mont Saint-Michel

Most of the people living in this little tidal island were pious monks in the abbey. When the monks died it was common to bury them inside of the walls of churches and abbeys. When the French Revolution came around for Mont Saint-Michel, a lot of abbeys and churches were desecrated as they needed the building material of the building or even the fortune the monks kept. 

Some say that the monks buried inside of the walls who had their eternal rest disturbed by the revolution are haunting the place as their souls were awoken to roam Mont Saint-Michel. 

The Ghost from the Hundred Year War

Mont Saint-Michel has had a long, dark history and its fair share of battles. One of the most famous and mysterious tales is that of “Le fantôme de la guerre de 100 ans” because this haunting story dates back to an incident during the Hundred Year War. 

The Hundred Year War really impacted generations of French people and the mindset of the French. It was here heroes like Joan of Arc stepped forward, but also many lost their lives during it as most of the waring happened on French soil. And even if the victory ended with French victory, the people, the land as well as their history going forward would be tainted by the blood of the long war. 

During the Hundred Year War, England tried several times to take over the Mont Saint-Michel, but were unable to because of the natural as well as human made fortifications. They tried in 1423 and 1433 but the island knew how to protect itself. 

It is said that there were several soldiers who were killed in battle defending Mont Saint-Michel from the English troops on the nearby beaches on one of the bloodiest days in the war. More than 2000 Englishmen were killed under the command of Captain Louis d’Estouteville. 

According to legend the souls of the soldiers that perished in the battle are now haunting Mont Saint-Michel, especially near the water. The ghost of Captain Louis d’Estouteville has also been spotted around Mont Saint-Michel, still protecting the abbey. 

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Mont Saint Michel Castle: France’s Haunted Island Village – Mysterioustrip