Floor creaking, doors opening, strange noises … Who is there? Silence. It's probably just the wind. Many people still had to visit castles or old mansions, from being in which they shiver down the back. Perhaps this is because of their Gothic charm or atmosphere that takes visitors back to the days of knights and ladies, medieval dramas and glories that have long been history. Perhaps this is due to the tragic stories of the former inhabitants of the castles, captured in the numerous portraits hanging on the walls of the halls.
The reasons for ghost stories vary. Perhaps something happened within the walls of some castles and old estates that frightened residents and guests. But if you face it, most of us just want ghosts in this or that castle. Secret passages, dungeons, secret rooms, old, cold, dark atmosphere - this is enough to scare most of the visitors. We offer an overview of castles with good old ghosts.
10. Warwick Castle, England
Built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, Warwick Castle has seen more fighting than any other castle in Europe. Probably, all of its rooms, without exception, are imbued with the spirit of violence and war.
The most visited part of the castle is the ghost tower and the ghost house of Sir Fulk Greville, who was killed by his own servant in 1628. The owner of the house is said to materialize late at night from a portrait that hangs on the wall in the tower. The dungeon is another scary place. Many visitors complain of nausea and dizziness at the mere touch of rusty bars and instruments of torture.
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9. Predjama Castle, Slovenia
Predjama Castle was built in a mountain cave in 1274. Its powerful fortress has withstood numerous fierce battles.
It was used for both defensive and offensive purposes, but as a result of a series of prolonged sieges and earthquakes in the 14-15 centuries it was destroyed. In 1567, the castle was rebuilt along with numerous secret tunnels and passages, which are said to be haunted by the ghosts of many dead warriors, so from time to time you can hear mysterious footsteps and noises there.
8. Dragsholm Castle, Denmark
Built at the end of the 12th century, Dragsholm Castle is currently used as a luxury hotel. But he became truly famous thanks to 100 ghosts that wander the corridors every night. Three of them are even known: the Gray Lady, the Lady in White, and the Earl of Boswell.
The castle has a sad legend that a lady in white fell in love with a peasant. Her father found out about their romantic relationship and locked her in a room. After that, no one ever saw her. In the 1930s, workers were rebuilding a wing of the castle and found the skeleton of a young woman in a white dress, walled up inside the wall. As for the Earl of Boswell, in the 16th century he was imprisoned in the castle, where he died. The Gray Lady has worked as a hotel maid all her life. After her death, she was never able to leave the castle, so she returns every time to check if everything is in order.
7. Lip Castle, Ireland
One of the castles loved by ghosts is Lip Castle in Ireland. His chapel has a very interesting history. It was there that in 1532 he killed his brother-priest with a sword, the ghost of the latter still wanders in the chapel, which is called "bloody".
The dungeon has several horror stories of its own. It had a high ceiling with a hatch through which prisoners were thrown down to the bottom of the dungeon, covered with numerous spikes. Another manifestation of something otherworldly is a creature about the same size as a sheep with a human face and black hollows instead of eyes. When a ghost appears, you can smell the terrible smell of rotting flesh.
6. Castle Gouska, Czech Republic
There is an amazing castle in the woods north of Prague. It is a defensive structure, but it could not withstand a single attack. The castle also has the ghost of a headless black horse and a woman who often looks out the window. Legend has it that once upon a time there was a bottomless pit on this place, from where winged creatures, half people, half monsters, flew out.
In the 13th century, Czech rulers decided to close the pit, which they called "the entrance to hell". For this, the castle was built. However, before that, several soldiers were lowered into the pit with a rope. Once there, the first soldier screamed, and when they pulled him out, it turned out that he had aged 30 years and died a few days later. In the 1930s, Gouska Castle attracted the attention of Adolf Hitler. The Nazis used it to carry out a series of occult experiments. Several corpses of Hitler's soldiers were found here, most likely executed and tortured. They say that even the skeletons of unearthly creatures were found.
5. Castle Musham, Austria
A wonderful example of Austrian architecture and also a source of ghost stories. The Musham Castle, built in the 12th century, is also known as the Witch's Castle. This building was once the site of the bloodiest witch trials. In the years 1675-1687. thousands of women were convicted of witchcraft and sentenced to death.
They were tortured and executed by beheading within the walls of the castle. That is why most of them continue to wander the halls after death. In addition, Musham Castle is also considered a werewolf's lair. In the 19th century, the mutilated corpses of cattle and deer were found next to it. As a consequence, some Moosham residents were convicted and imprisoned as werewolves.
4. Castle of Brissac, France
Chateau de Brissac is the tallest castle in France with seven floors. Located in the heart of the picturesque Loire Valley, it is one of the most visited castles in the world.
In the 11th century, Jacques de Brese was the owner of the estate. His wife, Charlotte, had an affair with a young man, and for their romantic meetings, they used the bedroom next to her husband's room. Every night he heard their passionate moans, until the two lovers mysteriously disappeared. Perhaps the deceived husband had a direct part in their disappearance, but it was not possible to completely get rid of the couple in love. Every night he still heard their groans until he lost his mind and fled the castle. They say that the sounds of their passion can be heard today, from night until morning.
3. Edinburgh Castle in Scotland
Built in the 12th century, Edinburgh Castle is one of those places where all unbelievers, barely stepping on the threshold, become believers. Built on the site of an extinct volcano, it is the symbol of all Scottish castles. In this place, various paranormal phenomena are very often manifested. Many visitors see ghostly figures.
Lady Glamis is often seen wandering the dark halls. She was accused of witchcraft and burned at the stake in 1537. Since 1650, a headless ghost has also wandered around the castle. There is also the ghost of a bagpiper, an old man in a leather apron, and even the ghost of a dog galloping around the cemetery. And from the dungeon you can still hear the groans of French prisoners during the Seven Years' War.
2. Chillingham Castle, England
The English Castle of Chillingham in Northumberland is very popular with tourists, although it is an incredibly gloomy place. Death reigned here. John Sage worked as an executioner for three years in the dungeons of the castle. They say they tortured about 50 Scots every week. You can still hear John Sage dragging corpses at night.
Another famous castle ghost is the Blue Boy, also called the Glow Boy. He frequently visits the Pink Room. These are the bright colors that can be found in a ghost story! Guests reported that after hearing a long, loud cry, they saw blue flashes of light above their bed. After lengthy repairs, the bodies of a man and a boy were revealed, walled up in a three-meter brick wall.
1. Castle Berry Pomeroy, England
Walking near the ruins of Berry Pomeroy Castle, you can meet the Blue Lady, who lures everyone into the tower, where they meet their death. This is the ghost of Norman's daughter, the owner of the castle, who was raped by her own father. As a result of incest, a child was born, who was then strangled by his father.
Some say that the girl herself killed the child. Her ghost still wanders in and around the castle and is considered an omen of death. She's not the only ghost. The White Lady is believed to be the ghost of Margaret Pomeroy, who was locked up by her jealous sister Eleanor and left to starve to death. Both sisters were in love with one young man.