Grayson West
Some buildings give off cozy, welcoming vibes, and then there are the ones that practically hum with an eerie energy. Maybe it’s their crumbling facades or the way they seem to whisper secrets in the wind. Whatever the reason, these places demand attention. So, here are 20 buildings that are about to send shivers down your spine.
The Winchester Mystery House
The Winchester Mystery House in California is one of the most famous haunted buildings in the world. Built by Sarah Winchester, widow of the firearm magnate William Wirt Winchester, the house became a labyrinthine estate filled with staircases that lead nowhere and secret passageways.
The Tower Of London
Tower Hill’s eerie reputation isn’t just due to its history. Here, Anne Boleyn’s ghost reportedly haunts the grounds, often seen near the Tower Green. Built nearly 1,000 years ago, this fortress housed prisoners, royal treasure, and dark secrets. A true site of chilling intrigue.
The Biltmore Estate
As America’s largest privately-owned home, the Biltmore Estate has a rich and haunted history. Some claim to hear unexplained footsteps or notice ghostly figures wandering the grounds. This grand mansion, built in 1895, is an architectural wonder that holds many secrets—perhaps too many to uncover.
Chateau De Brissac
In the Loire Valley of France, the Charlotte de Valois hides a tragic tale. In the 15th century, Charlotte de Valois, also known as Charlotte de Breze, was murdered by her husband. Her restless spirit, known as the “Green Lady,” is said to roam the castle’s halls, with some hearing her eerie cries echoing through its stone walls.
The Myrtles Plantation
The Myrtles Plantation in Louisiana is notorious for its supernatural activity. Known as “one of the most haunted homes in America,” its ghostly residents include a former slave named Chloe. Visitors have seen her ghost and experienced strange happenings throughout the historic property.
Edinburgh Castle
Rising high above the city, Edinburgh Castle’s royal history is as haunted as its battlements. Among the most chilling legends are the sightings of a headless drummer boy, seen by soldiers and visitors alike. Its ghostly residents make the castle more than just a historic landmark; it’s a living, breathing tale of the past.
The Eastern State Penitentiary
It’s hard to imagine a prison more terrifying than Eastern State Penitentiary. Built in 1829, it’s infamous for its solitary confinement practices, which led to madness for many prisoners. Now, eerie voices, ghostly sightings, and cold spots make it a top paranormal destination for thrill-seekers.
The Lizzie Borden House
The haunting legend of Lizzie Borden and her gruesome axe murders on August 4, 1892, lives on in Fall River, Massachusetts. The crime claimed the lives of Andrew and Abby Borden, and the house where the killings occurred is now a bed-and-breakfast. Moreover, guests often report hearing unexplained sounds and seeing apparitions.
Monte Cristo Homestead
Bidgee/Wikimedia Commons
In Australia’s New South Wales, the Monte Cristo Homestead holds a dark legacy. Known as “Australia’s most haunted house,” it was the site of multiple tragic deaths. Paranormal activity is rife, with reports of ghostly figures and mysterious footsteps. Its story of woe continues to echo through its grand rooms.
The Stanley Hotel
Stephen King’s “The Shining” was inspired by the eerie isolation of the Stanley Hotel in Colorado. Opened in 1909, the hotel’s haunting stories abound—ghosts playing piano, whispers in empty rooms, and shadowy figures are part of the experience.
Houska Castle
Houska Castle, located in the Czech Republic, was built over what is believed to be a gateway to Hell. Some say that it was constructed to imprison demons rather than serve as a fort. Its unsettling aura and strange history have led to countless supernatural legends surrounding it.
The Catacombs Of Paris
Beneath the streets of Paris lies the eerie Catacombs, holding the remains of millions. This underground ossuary is known for its labyrinthine passageways, where visitors sometimes report strange sounds or ghostly sightings. It’s a chilling place that reflects the city’s history of the supernatural.
The Old Changi Hospital
Once a WWII Japanese prison camp, The Old Changi Hospital in Singapore has gained a reputation for ghostly encounters. Visitors hear unsettling footsteps and see figures in the shadows. The hospital’s dark past of torture and death has left it with a legacy of hauntings that persist to this day.
The Skirrid Mountain Inn
The Skirrid Mountain Inn is said to be haunted due to its dark history, particularly its role as a place of execution. In the past, the building served as a courthouse where criminals were hanged on the beams above the pub. Ghostly sightings are often attributed to the restless spirits of those who met their end there.
The Villisca Axe Murder House
This Murder House in Iowa is the site of one of America’s most chilling unsolved crimes. On June 10, 1912, eight people, including six children, were brutally murdered while they slept. The killer was never caught, leaving behind a house shrouded in mystery.
The Ridges
Once home to the Athens Asylum in Ohio, The Ridges is notorious for its chilling history. The asylum was known for its brutal treatment, and ghostly figures and unexplained voices were common occurrences. The building’s ominous exterior and dark history set the perfect stage for supernatural tales.
The Ancient Ram Inn
This one on the list was built in 1145 and is said to be haunted by restless spirits, including children and former residents. Moreover, part of its dark history is speculated to involve pagan rituals, witchcraft, and violent deaths, all of which contribute to its eerie atmosphere and reputation as a notorious horror hotspot.
The Pyramids Of Giza
Though typically known for their ancient significance, the Pyramids of Giza also have a supernatural side. Many legends surround their construction, including theories of ancient spirits and extraterrestrial involvement. The sheer mystery of these ancient structures creates an atmosphere of the unknown.
The Menger Hotel
The Menger Hotel has been the site of countless paranormal experiences since its opening in 1859. Former owners, including a Victorian-era businessman, are said to still roam its halls. Plus, visitors claim to see shadowy figures and hear strange noises, adding to its haunted reputation.
The Queen Mary Ship
Docked in Long Beach, California, the Queen Mary is an iconic ocean liner turned hotel notorious for its haunted reputation. Guests claim to see ghostly figures, hear unexplained sounds, and even feel cold spots. This retired ship holds secrets of its tragic past, still floating through time.