Real-Life Haunted Villages Around the World

1. Bhangarh, India

History: Located in the Aravalli range of Rajasthan, Bhangarh was built in the 17th century. It was a thriving town until it was cursed, according to local legend.

Ghost Stories: The most famous tale involves a sorcerer named Singhia, who fell in love with the beautiful princess Ratnavati. He cast a spell on her, but she saw through his magic and turned it back on him, leading to his demise. Legend says that the village was cursed, and those who enter after sunset never return. The Archaeological Survey of India has even put up a sign warning visitors to avoid entering the ruins after dark.

2. Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy

History: This medieval village, perched on a hilltop in the Lazio region, dates back to Etruscan times and is known as the “dying town” due to its eroding cliffs.

Ghost Stories: Locals speak of the “ghosts of the past,” with many claiming to see apparitions of its former residents wandering the empty streets. The village is said to echo with whispers and laughter, remnants of a vibrant community that has dwindled over centuries. Some visitors report feeling an inexplicable sadness as they walk through the deserted alleyways.

3. Houska Castle, Czech Republic

History: Built in the 13th century, Houska Castle is not a traditional castle but rather a fortification built over a large hole in the ground, believed to be a gateway to Hell.

Ghost Stories: Many believe the castle is haunted by the souls of those who were imprisoned or executed there. The ghosts of these tortured souls are said to roam the halls, with reports of strange noises and shadowy figures. Visitors often claim to feel an intense heaviness in the air, especially near the infamous "gateway."

4. Salem, Massachusetts, USA

History: Known for the infamous witch trials of 1692, Salem has a long history steeped in superstition and tragedy.

Ghost Stories: The village is filled with tales of witchcraft, with many claiming to see apparitions of the accused witches. The Salem Witch Museum shares stories of spectral evidence, while ghost tours often recount chilling tales of hauntings at sites like the Old Burying Point Cemetery, where spirits are said to linger, seeking justice for their wrongful executions.

5. Pluckley, England

History: Nestled in Kent, Pluckley is often called the most haunted village in England, with a history dating back to the Domesday Book.

Ghost Stories: With over 15 reported ghosts, stories include a highwayman, a crying woman in white, and the specter of a monk. The village is known for its haunted pub, the Black Horse, where visitors have experienced strange noises and sightings. Pluckley has become a hub for ghost hunters seeking to capture evidence of its many spirits.

6. Aokigahara, Japan

History: Also known as the Sea of Trees, this forest at the base of Mount Fuji is known for its beauty and tragic history, often linked to suicides.

Ghost Stories: While not a village per se, Aokigahara is steeped in local folklore and haunted tales. Many believe that the spirits of those who have taken their lives linger in the forest. Visitors report an eerie silence and a sense of being watched, with some claiming to hear whispers calling them deeper into the woods.

7. Château1. Bhangarh, India

History: Located in the Aravalli range of Rajasthan, Bhangarh was built in the 17th century. It was a thriving town until it was cursed, according to local legend.



Ghost Stories: The most famous tale involves a sorcerer named Singhia, who fell in love with the beautiful princess Ratnavati. He cast a spell on her, but she saw through his magic and turned it back on him, leading to his demise. Legend says that the village was cursed, and those who enter after sunset never return. The Archaeological Survey of India has even put up a sign warning visitors to avoid entering the ruins after dark.