Top 5 Most Haunted Locations In The World
Photo Credit: ThinkstockEastern State Penitentiary
Pennsylvania, United States
Eastern State Penitentiary is one of the most feared haunted locations in the world. The penitentiary was designed to hold 253 prisoners in solitary confinement during their entire stay. It opened its doors in 1829. It is believed that a combination of being confined and the cruel treatment prisoners suffered drove many of them to go insane. Many paranormal investigators have explored the penitentiary and believe that its conditions when in operation helped fuel the many paranormal occurrences experienced there.
Reports of paranormal activity at Eastern State Penitentiary started back in the 1940s; however, occurrences and experiences have increased since the prison was abandoned in 1971. Some reports of paranormal activity include shadow figures that run away when approached, a dark figure in the guard tower, evil cackling in cell block 12, ghostly faces in cell block 4 and strange sounds. Some of the strange sounds reported include disembodied voices, footsteps and banging of cell doors when no one else is around.
The Eastern State Penitentiary is open daily (excluding select holidays) from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and tickets are available for adults ($14), seniors ($12), students and kids ($10). Members receive free admission. Please note that visiting the penitentiary is not recommended for children under the age of seven. The penitentiary does host special events for Halloween, including night time ghost tours. Eastern State Penitentiary is located at 2027 Fairmont Avenue in Philadelphia. For more information call (215) 236-3300.
New South Wales, Australia
The Monte Christo Homestead is one of the most haunted locations in Australia, and is believed to be fueled by the many tragic events which have occurred in the homestead's history. Throughout the family's history, they faced many tragic deaths, including some resulting in falls over the home's balcony. Reports of paranormal activity at the Monte Cristo Homestead involve seeing a child playing around the stairs, shadow figures, strange noises and things being misplaced.
The Monte Cristo Homestead is open to the public on Fridays through Mondays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Ghost tours are available, including meals and accommodations. The Monte Cristo Homestead is located at 1 Homestead Land in Junee, New South Wales. For more information call +61 2 6924 1637.
Gloucestershire, England
The Ancient Ram Inn is now the private residence of John Humphries and it is believed to be one of the most haunted locations in all of Great Britain. This location, which was built back in 1145, was home to many terrifying occurrences including child sacrifices, devil worshiping and the land was once an ancient Pagan burial ground. Could all of these activities be the forces behind the abundance of paranormal occurrences the owner and visitors experience? Many paranormal investigators believe it could be. Reports of paranormal activity in the home include being grabbed by the arm, strange noises, being dragged out of bed, items disappearing and sightings of apparitions and spirits. The owner has even reported being violently attacked several times.
Photo Credit: ThinkstockCastle Of Good Hope
Cape Town, South Africa
Built back in the 17th century, the Castle of Good Hope is the oldest building in South Africa. This building was once a fort, but now functions as a showcase for the area's early days. The fort was completed in 1679 and since then has been restored to its 18th-century look and is a must-visit museum when in the area.
In 1915, the first report of paranormal activity was made claiming that an apparition of a tall gentleman was spotted on one of the ramparts. There were no reports of this man again until 1947, when he was seen several times by multiple people over the course of two weeks. Some have even reported seeing him jump off the side of the castle walls. Other paranormal reports include seeing soldiers roaming the grounds, sightings of the Lady in Grey (which stopped after a body was found during an excavation) and sightings of a black dog that disappears after pouncing on visitors.
The Castle of Good Hope is open daily (except on Christmas Day and New Year's Day) from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. (Last entry is at 3:30 p.m.) Guided tours are available throughout the day. The Castle of Good Hope is located at Darling Street and Buitenkant Street in Cape Town. For more information call +27 21 787 1260.
Italy
Poveglia Island is a small island that sits in the Venice Lagoon between Venice and Lido. This island was completely abandoned in the 14th century by residents, but was later used as a quarantine colony during an outbreak of bubonic plague and then again in 1630 when the Black Death swept through Venice. Despite statements denying it, the island appears to have been the site a mental asylum back in the 1800s. The island's history and usage could be what is fueling all of the paranormal reports. Locals refuse to step foot on the island for fear of it being cursed and fisherman do not fish in the waters around the island for fear of bringing up bodies. Paranormal occurrence reports include ghosts of patients and victims during quarantine periods. Other reports include voices, screams, dark shadows and possession.
