If you’re anything like me, you probably love researching scary movies, articles and documentaries. Then, you immediately regret it as you’re lying in bed at night, and the image of that one haunted doll pops up in your head. Is it terrifying? Yes. But that does not mean that I’ll stop researching, because being the masochist that I am, I keep on reading more and more articles and watching countless documentaries, to the point where I’ve become immune to them.
As a so-called expert on the subject, I’ve gathered a list of the seven most haunted places, that I hope someday I’ll have the chance of visiting:
- Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
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Located in Weston, West Virginia, this asylum – formerly known as the Weston State Hospital – was once home to thousands of patients with mental illnesses during the 19thcentury. During a span of 1OO years, hundreds of patients died due to poor treatment and lack of resources, before it closed the asylum finally closed its doors in 1994. For years, the building remained abandoned, until 2007, when tours became available for visitors to experience the thrilling sites of this establishment for themselves. According to visitors, as they walk into the building, the air is heavy, as they feel the presence of the hundreds of people who died there.
- Château de Brissac
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With such a breathtaking architecture, no one would suspect the mysteries that hide inside the stone walls of this gorgeous castle located in the northwestern region of France. Honored as the tallest castle in France, Château de Brissac was built during the 11thcentury. It is, however, a love story that brings this castle into our list of most haunted places. In 1462, Jacques Brézé -who was in possession of the castle at the time – murdered his wife, Charlotte, and her lover after finding them together as he came into their room. Legend says that Charlotte’s spirit is trapped inside the highest tower of the castle. She can be seen roaming around the halls of the castle in a green dress, receiving the nickname of the “green lady” from the current residents of the castle, who have become accustomed to seeing her around.
- Isla de las Muñecas (Island of the Dolls)
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If you thought Anabelle – the creepy doll that gained popularity after being featured in the conjuring franchise – was creepy, then you clearly haven’t heard of this creepy forest in Mexico. The story of this forest started when a little girl was found drowned on this island near Mexico City. The circumstances surrounding her drowning are unknown. Don Julian Santana, the man who found the girl saw a floating doll near the drowned body. He picked up the doll and hung her up on a nearby tree as a way of honoring the little girl. Apparently, Julian was then haunted by the spirit of the little girl, and so began to hang up more dolls, in attempts to please her spirit and stop the haunting. After years of hanging up dolls and trying to get rid of this evil spirit, Don Julian was found dead in 2001, drowned in the exact same spot where he had found the girl many years ago.
- The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
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This historic hotel located in Alberta, Canada, has been receiving guests for over 100 years. Famous for its close proximity to ski resorts and beautiful landscapes, this hotel is also known for its dark mysteries. One of the most popular ghosts that haunt this hotel, Sam Macauley, was a bellman during the 60’s at this same location. Although it is a mystery how he died, his spirit still haunts the hotel to this day. He is said to appear to guests – dressed in his uniform from the 60’s – and helps them with simple tasks such as taking their luggage.
- Bhangarh Fort
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Also known as the Fort of Ghosts, Bhangarh Fort – located in India – used to be a small city in India, before being abandoned around 1783, for unknown reasons. According to an ancient legend, the city was cursed by a magician, after being rejected by the princess of this fort town. He cursed the town, by saying that it would end up in a state in which no one could live – which ended up coming true, as what’s left of this once great and powerful city are ruins. It is said that anyone who enters the gates of this abandoned city, will never come out again.