Houska Castle, Czech Republic
This castle has no fortifications, no kitchen, and was never occupied. It does, however, have something inside that no other castle in the world has – a large hole in the ground that many believe to be a gateway to hell. Houska was built strategically over the hole to seal the gateway and keep demonic creatures from entering the world. The story gets even creepier, however. Before sealing it off, prisoners were granted pardons if they agreed to be lowered into the hole by a rope and reporting what they saw. When the first prisoner was lowered, he began screaming a few seconds in. When he was raised back up, it’s said that he appeared to have aged 30 years.
Houska Castle, Czech Republic
Bran Castle, Romania
Dracula’s castle – it doesn’t get creepier than this. Bran Castle is (loosely) linked to the historical character who inspired author Bram Stoker – Vlad III Dracula, otherwise known as Vlad the Impaler. Yes, that means exactly what you think it means. Some believe Bran Castle was one of the sites where Vlad II reigned terror on Transylvania. Nowadays, the castle is a museum and it contains a rather spooky artifact – a golden casket that holds the heart of Romania’s Queen Marie.
Bran Castle, Romania
