Halloween Special
Looking for a spooky spot to visit this Halloween? These European capitals have enough haunted history to ensure some sleepless nights and chills up the spine. Take a look – if you dare.
Prague
There’s a lot to pick from in Prague, its tiny streets and gothic architecture are the homes to many myths, legends and horror stories giving its beauty a very dark underbelly. The Old Jewish Cemetery is often regarded as one of the most spectacular, if spooky cemeteries in Europe, it’s also one of the largest. But top of the pile is the Sedlec Ossuary, a small chapel decorated entirely with human bones. It’s estimated that between 40,000 – 70,000 skeletons have been used for this ghoulishly artistic type of interior design. Creepy.
Rome
Having been the home to gruesome gladiatorial battles and bloodshed the Colosseum’s reputation as one of Italy’s most haunted locations is well-deserved. The site of spectral soldiers and the sound of swords clashing have all been reported. After that Rome has over 40 catacombs, many of which are open to the public and, much like Prague, a batch of skeleton covered chapels in the form of the Cuppician Crypt.
Edinburgh
The black stone, Scott Monument’s towering dominance over the city gives it a slight Mordor feel, but to really give yourself the heebie-jeebies try climbing to the top of it. The stairwells and doors become nefariously small and tight making your ascent increasingly claustrophobic. Not one for the faint-hearted. If a spot of ghostbusting is more your thing then a visit to Edinburgh Castle could bring you face-to-face with a headless drummer – if it’s possible to get face-to-face with something that doesn’t have a head?
If this takes your fancy then book yourself a bed ahead of the rush at St. Christopher’s Hostel.
London
Like the Colosseum the bloody history of the Tower of London is well known. Those who got on the wrong side of the law could guarantee a pretty awful trip to the Tower. If you like a little more mystery you can always get involved with a Jack the Ripper tour. They’ve become big tourist business but what could be more fun then stalking the same streets as a notorious Victorian serial-killer?
Paris
While it may be one of Europe’s most popular romantic getaways, Paris certainly has a sinister side. Paranormal goings-on in the Paris Catacombs are not uncommon and, renowned for its huge, labyrinth like tunnels, it’s one of the best (or worst depending on your point of view) places to hear things go bump in the night. Paris also possesses one of the most infamous ‘celebrity’ cemeteries, Pere Lachaise is the final resting places for the likes of Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison.
If this is more your style then book yourself into St. Christopher’s Hostel.
Dublin
The creator of Dracular- Bram Stoker originated from Ireland and the Irish have been celebrating Halloween for decades so what better place to join in on the festivities. To start off the night there is a Spooky Parade which consists of people in costume and plenty of light and sound illusions. Next on the agenda is a Hidden Halloween walk around the Hellfire Club, a traumatised old building where an 18th century cult where polytheistic religions rituals were executed. Many strange things and feeling have said to have been sensed including a documented vision of the Devil himself. If you feel this would all be a little too much you could always head to Lillie’s Bordello Halloween Night at one of Dublin’s most talked about night-club. They host an annual themed Halloween with the guests expected to be in full Halloween costumes. Particularly attractive even to those who dislike Halloween is the gigantic drink menu.
If you want to slide away from the gore and horror then book yourself into Avalon House.
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