Victims from the Spanish Civil War Haunting the Arteaga Castle

The former Arteaga Castle now turned hotel is said to be haunted by the ghosts from the Spanish Civil War that were imprisoned in the fortress and executed. It is said that they are still haunting the fairytale castle that was their prison.

These ancient castles are known to be some of the most beautiful and impressive buildings in the world, with a rich history that spans centuries. However, beyond their beauty lies a darker side. Many of these castles are said to be haunted, with ghosts and spirits roaming the halls at night.

Close to Bilbao in the Basque Country in Spain, this captivating fortress stands as a testament to a bygone era, shrouded in mystery and haunting legends from the not so far past.

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The Haunted History of Arteaga Castle

Arteaga Castle, despite its romantic French chateau-like appearance, holds a dark and mysterious past. The fortress is closely linked to Eugenia de Montijo, wife of Emperor Napoleon III and unlike Spanish castles built for defense, it was built for its beauty on a plain meadow surrounded by trees like a setting for a fairy tale.

The former Arteaga Castle now turned hotel is said to be haunted by the ghosts from the Spanish Civil War that were imprisoned in the fortress and executed. It is said that they are still haunting the fairytale castle that was their prison. — **Arteaga Castle**: The castle is supposedly haunted by the victims of the Spanish Civil War that died there when it was used as a prison.//Source: Wikimedia

Arteaga Castle’s Neo-Gothic architecture is a sight to behold. With its intricate stone carvings, towering spires, and pointed arches, the castle exudes an air of both elegance and foreboding. The design was heavily influenced by the Gothic Revival movement that swept across Europe in the 19th century. This architectural style aimed to revive the medieval aesthetics of the past, creating a sense of grandeur and romanticism.

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Originally constructed in the 8th century as a manor house, Arteaga Castle was built, destroyed and rebuilt many times. By the 19th century it was rebuilt from a farmhouse and the castle’s Neo-Gothic architecture adds to its haunting allure.

As the years went by, the castle underwent several transformations, some more harrowing than others.

The Ghosts of the Victims from the Spanish Civil War

Arteaga Castle served as a prison and scaffold during the Spanish Civil War, where countless prisoners met their demise through torture, execution of diseases. The souls of these unfortunate victims are said to linger in the castle, trapped between the realms of the living and the dead.

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Visitors have reported eerie whispers, cold drafts, and inexplicable feelings of dread as they explore the castle’s dimly lit corridors. The spirits of the prisoners seem to be eternally bound to the castle, unable to find peace.

Now a Hotel to Stay in with a Haunted Rumor

Today, Arteaga Castle has been transformed into a hotel, offering brave souls the opportunity to spend a night in its haunted halls. Those who dare to stay have reported encounters with shadowy figures, unexplained footsteps, and even physical interactions with unseen forces.

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Guests have reported a range of paranormal experiences during their stay. Some have witnessed shadowy figures lurking in the corners of their rooms, while others have heard disembodied voices whispering in their ears. Objects have been known to move on their own, and temperature fluctuations have left guests with an eerie sense of being watched. These encounters, though unsettling, have only fueled the curiosity of those seeking a thrill.

Arteaga Castle as a Haunted Landmark

Arteaga Castle’s haunting history and architectural splendor make it a captivating destination for those seeking an unforgettable adventure into the supernatural. From its tragic beginnings to the restless spirits that still reside within its walls, the castle offers a glimpse into a world beyond our own.

The stories of the prisoners’ suffering and the inexplicable phenomena experienced by visitors serve as a chilling reminder of the atrocities committed during the Spanish Civil War. Arteaga Castle stands as a silent witness to the dark chapters of history, reminding us of the enduring power of the supernatural and the importance of acknowledging the past.