From those urban myths you first heard on the playground, to the real life horrors that happen every day on a global scale, it seems that everyone’s got a scary story they can share when the subject comes up...
As one of the world’s most historical continents, Europe is full of myths and legends. Ghosts, ghouls, goblins and tales of unsolved mysteries have been fireside fodder for centuries, but at this time of year, Europe seems just that little bit extra scary. We’ve taken a look into some of the most haunted cities on the map, just in case you feel like a bit of ghostbusting.
The Scottish capital Edinburgh is perhaps one of the spookiest cities in Europe, with its cobbled paths, narrow alleys and antiquated buildings. Its infamous castle stands on the site of an ancient volcano, from which a series of secret tunnels head down the Royal Mile. Legend has it that when the tunnels were discovered, a man went down with a pipe and played it as he walked, so that people could hear where he was. Half way through, the piping stopped. The man had simply vanished! Apparently the piper’s ghost still haunts the tunnels and occasionally, you can hear his music in the castle.
The castle’s dungeons were scientifically “proven” to be haunted in 2001, when a team of researchers studied the reactions of people in various parts. The visitors who had no clue of the dungeon’s reputation still reported feelings of uneasiness in exactly the spots that were allegedly haunted.
First appearing in historical records as early as the 8th Century, there’s a lot about Krakow you won’t read in the generic city guidebooks. Many of the ghost stories surrounding this pretty Polish city revolve around Wawel Hill and the castle and cathedral that still stand there. This is the spot where Krakow’s Kings were both crowned and buried and is reputedly haunted by a group of dead kings who gather in one of the many underground chambers for a conference on Christmas Eve every year. You might have heard of Krakow’s dragon, who’s statue stands by the Vistula river at the foot of its legendary lair. Folklore states the dragon is actually the embellished memory of a pagan serpent goddess who lived in a cave within the hill. It’s true that there are a host of mysterious pagan mounds throughout the city. The next time you’re climbing one, watch out for fire-breathing dragons, and the ghost of the King Sigismund’s jester, who’s hat bells can still be heard jiggling in the night. Scared yet?
Beneath the streets of Paris, the bustling French capital, lie the remains of over seven million Parisians, their souls long departed but their bones left sleeping on display. We’re talking the catacombs, where people were stored after Paris’s cemeteries became too crowded. The eerie remains form the walls of an extensive walking passage and if you’ve got the nerve you can visit next time you’re in town. They call it the Empire of the Dead. Apparently it’s practically impossible to take a decent photograph down there, and those naughty people who’ve tried to touch the skulls have witnessed strange blue lights and sudden drops in temperature. Only for the brave, we tell you.
Another spot for your ghost-watching tour-de-France is the Place de l’Opera, the theatre infamous for inspiring the musical ‘The Phantom of the Opera’. Built in 1875 the building is said to
have its very own phantom woman, who committed suicide when her man scarpered in favour of a younger model. Workers, locals and tourists alike have reported seeing her ghost roaming the streets around the opera house.
The fairytale city of Prague is known to be one of the most haunted cities in Europe, so if you’ve just stocked up on ectoplasm remover, don’t be afraid to stop in. Legend has it that the medical facility of Karolinium is haunted by a little bony man, who in life, was wanted by a University professor for his diddy skeleton. Thinking he would by far outlive the professor he sold his bones for 30 crowns, but ironically died that night in a drunken brawl. His skeleton, naturally, went to the professor and apparently his two-foot tall ghost haunts the Karolinium, begging passers-by for change so he can buy his bones back. Spine chilling stuff right? Mind you though, if a trip to Prague is on the agenda, after a couple of shots of absinthe you’ll be spooking yourself stupid wherever you end up.
However you spend Halloween this year, just remember that sometimes, the things that go bump in the night aren’t always your flatmates falling up the stairs. - Becky Wicks
Go ghosthunting in Edinburgh, Krakow, Paris and Prague from just £98 with lastminute.com
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