Castles are believed to be some of the most haunted places here on earth. They have stood for hundreds of years and have witnessed many gruesome and ghastly things – from murderous plots against royalties, to savage attacks and siege, and even persecution and execution.
There are many things that make a castle creepy, from the sad and dismal stone walls to the creepy gargoyles in the towers and the turrets. But if you think that the outside is scary enough, wait until you get the chance to explore the interior of the following castles which are believed to be the most haunted in Europe.
Witches Castle
This castle is located in Unternberg, Austria. The history of the castle is bathed in blood, as this is where the famed trials of hundreds (possibly thousands) of women who were accused to be witches were held. The many halls of this castle is said to have been where the trials were conducted, and if the woman denies witchcraft, they are then tortured and made to suffer until they are forced to confess to being witches. Take note though that not all of the women condemned here are actual witches. So as the name and story suggest, the inside of the castle is haunted by apparitions of the women’s spirits – the innocent ones seeking justice and the guilty seeking revenge.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh castle is located in Scotland, and is one of the longest standing structures in the country, dated to be over 800 years old. This castle has witnessed many conflicts and wars, and so it is but natural that many restless spirits walk its halls. There are also countless stories that further intensified its being one of the most haunted places in all of Scotland, like the haunted musicians of the castle. There is this piper who was lost among the castle’s underground, and up to this day you can hear him playing down in the halls. There is also the headless drummer boy who plays the battle drums. It is also said that within the dungeons of the castles thrives the spirits of thousands of sick people who died there of the plague. Which of them actually exists? Well, would you dare to find out?
Predjama Castle
The Predjama castle is located in Slovenia. This castle was built in the 1200s, and is creepy because it is built within a cave of the rock mountain which further increases its ghastly appeal and story. It was once the abode of the thieving baron who was fleeing the wrath of the Roman Emperor. Once the emperor found out where he was hiding, there began a series of siege which started the violent history of the castle. There are various ins and outs in the castle which the baron built in order to move his stolen goods, some leading into the dark recesses of the cave which holds ghastly secrets of their own.
So should you find yourself in Austria, Scotland, or Slovenia this Halloween, why not take a quick tour of the castles mentioned above? Now, wouldn’t that be a great way to spend the Day of the Dead?
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Photo by mallitch on Flickr
