Top 20 Most Terrifying Places in the World

Moundsville Penitentiary, located in Moundsville, West Virginia, was constructed in a Gothic architectural style. It operated from 1876 until its closure in 1995. An estimated thousand inmates died here during their imprisonment, many due to illness, while others perished from brutal beatings.

Despite its closure, people continue to believe that the spirits of these former prisoners still roam the halls and cells, unable to rest in peace. Visitors often report sightings of ghostly figures lurking in the dark, desolate corridors.

One of the most notorious apparitions here is known as the Shadow Man. Tourists frequently claim to encounter this ghostly figure during their visits.

Today, the prison has reopened as a tourist attraction, offering ghost tours that begin at sunset and continue into the eerie hours of the night.

While cemeteries are often eerie, Stull Cemetery in Kansas, USA is considered one of the most terrifying places.

Stull was a small village with a population of just about 20 people in the early 20th century. After two of the residents were mysteriously murdered, with the cause of their deaths still unknown, a series of killings and hangings occurred in the cemetery, and the perpetrators were never caught. Due to these sinister events, the area became known as the 'gateway to hell.'

This location was once a tiny town in Douglas County, Kansas, far from large population centers, with only around 20 inhabitants. Despite its isolation, chilling stories are buried in its history.

Two particularly terrifying incidents occurred early in the 20th century. The first was when a father burned down his farm, later discovering the charred body of his son. The second involved a man who went missing, only to be found hanging from a tree.

On top of its dark past, Stull Cemetery is also known as one of the seven gateways to hell in the United States. Its sinister reputation was so profound that when Pope John Paul II had to fly over the area, devout followers protested. During Halloween, local authorities patrol the cemetery to prevent anyone from visiting the site.

The Myrtles Plantation is rumored to be home to a wide array of spirits. Surrounded by countless mysterious tales, the plantation sits atop a burial ground, turning it into a place of death and legend.

Numerous visitors claim to have seen a woman with long hair wandering the grounds, crying out in the dark. Due to the abundance of complaints from the local residents, authorities were forced to close the plantation for several years.

Located on Francisville Road in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, The Myrtles Plantation is over 200 years old, having been established in 1796 by David Bradford, a law professor. Once a family residence, it has now become a landmark shrouded in ghostly legends.

Despite the terrifying rumors, the plantation still draws many tourists, all eager to see its infamous haunted mirror. However, this might not be the best mirror for your daily grooming... and the story behind the “cursed” mirror remains an unsolved mystery among experts.

Helltown is a small, abandoned town in Ohio, known for its decaying buildings and wandering spirits. Unlike other places, it is not a popular tourist spot, even for the brave.

Several ghost hunters have died while trying to unravel the mysteries hidden here. In the 1970s, the government acquired the town, forcing residents to leave. The houses were demolished for a national park project that was never completed.

Over the years, eerie tales have been woven around this place. Whether based on real events or vivid local imagination, the terrifying legends of Helltown still frighten those who pass through. Driving through this town at night is not for the faint of heart.

The most chilling aspect: Many elements contribute to the terrifying reputation of Helltown. At the end of Stanford Road lies an area known as the “End of the World.” Many believe that anyone who gets trapped here for too long may encounter wandering spirits in the surrounding woods.

A mentally ill escapee, a giant snake, or even the ghost of a Ku Klux Klan member could appear at any moment. If you get lost, you might stumble upon Boston Cemetery, where you could meet spirits, lunatics, mutants, or even haunted trees.

The Island of the Dolls in Mexico is one of the scariest places in the world, featuring a forest filled with over 1,000 decapitated and dismembered dolls hanging from tree branches.

According to local legends, three young girls were brutally beaten to death on the island, and their restless spirits now haunt the area. Since then, old, broken dolls with missing heads, arms, and legs have been hung on trees, slowly accumulating to create a truly horrifying sight.

The island is located south of Mexico City, nestled among a network of canals. It attracts many visitors, but it is only for those brave enough to handle its eerie atmosphere.

The story began when a man named Don Julian Santana Barrera, a resident of the island, discovered the body of a drowned girl in a canal within the forest. Nearby, he found a doll that was believed to belong to the girl. He hung the doll on a tree as a tribute to the spirit of the deceased child.

Soon, he became obsessed with the girl's death, and over the years, he collected and hung numerous dolls on the trees. For over 50 years, the island became completely covered with dolls.

In 2001, it was discovered that the man himself drowned in the exact same spot where he had once saved the girl. Decades of exposure left the dolls even more worn and terrifying.

Local residents claim to always feel a sense of unease on the island. Most visitors come out of curiosity, but after experiencing the eerie atmosphere, they often leave with a cold chill running down their spine. This place is truly for the brave-hearted.

This road is located in New Jersey and stretches for approximately 7 miles. The origin of its ominous name remains unclear. Some believe it is because many travelers have been robbed and murdered along its path, while others claim it’s named for a mass execution that took place here.

There are records of several murders in the 1920s-1930s in the area. In addition, the road has been the site of other serious incidents over the years.

What makes it even scarier: To the south of the road lies a lake known as the Ghost Lake. Many locals claim to have seen spirits wandering around its shores. Lenape Lane, a dead-end section of the road, is notorious for thick, persistent fog, and strange glowing lights are often spotted in the area.

Locals believe that spirits hide within the trees lining the road, ready to spring out and attack those who wander off course. What's even more chilling is that people who have gone missing here have left no trace behind.

The Gettysburg Battlefield in Pennsylvania is one of the bloodiest battlefields of the American Civil War. After the war ended, strange phenomena and ghostly sounds began to haunt the area.

The American Civil War was a brutal conflict in the history of the United States. Among the battles fought during this war, the 1863 battle at Gettysburg is considered the bloodiest.

It is estimated that over 50,000 American soldiers lost their lives in the bloody battles fought on this field. Moreover, the bodies of those soldiers were buried here. The Battle of Gettysburg is not only a pivotal event in the Civil War but also a symbol of the Union's victory.

As a result, their spirits are believed to return here to mourn the brutal conflicts that claimed their lives. This place is so eerie that local authorities have restricted access and even banned tourists from visiting.

It’s not just sightings of ghosts that have been reported; some visitors claim to hear the sounds of gunfire. More disturbing still, others report hearing the agonizing cries of soldiers suffering from their wounds. To this day, these mysterious occurrences remain unexplainable by science.

Mary King's Close is a narrow, old alleyway beneath the buildings in the old town of Edinburgh. This location was sealed off after a plague outbreak, and under pressure from the Royal Family, various urban legends, myths, and ghost stories began to surface.

According to researchers, this area is one of the most haunted locations in history, featuring a network of tunnels dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. After the plague, the area seemed to be abandoned, yet the spirits of those who died from the disease or were murdered are still said to haunt the place.

Many curious tourists who visit here have reported hearing footsteps behind them, eerie voices, and unsettling laughter. Some have even claimed to see the ghost of a little girl named Annie!

Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, researchers have confirmed that this location is truly haunted. Don’t tempt fate by testing your courage here, as it could send chills down your spine and potentially affect your life forever!

Aokigahara Forest, located at the base of Mount Fuji, is infamous as Japan's suicide destination. Originally known as the "Sea of Trees," it earned its darker reputation after becoming the site of frequent suicides, and is now commonly referred to as the "Suicide Forest."

With its dense, year-round foliage, Aokigahara is home to two notable attractions for visitors: the Ice Cave and the Wind Cave.

The forest has become notorious for the number of suicides that have occurred over the years. Along its paths, you will often find signs urging individuals to reconsider their actions. As you venture further, you might stumble upon abandoned personal items such as plastic bottles, cans, and even ropes hanging from the trees...

The eerie atmosphere of the forest is amplified by its dense vegetation. The twisted, gnarled roots of the trees create unsettling shapes, adding to the chilling aura. Aokigahara’s association with death is believed to have been solidified by the 1960 novel "Kuroi Jukai" (Black Sea of Trees), and it worsened after the 1993 publication of "The Complete Suicide Manual" by Wataru Tsurumi.

Some believe the forest is haunted by the spirits of the deceased. Today, volunteers patrol the forest in an effort to prevent further suicides. If you plan to visit, it is advisable to stick to the designated areas.

The Ridges, originally known as Athens Lunatic Asylum, became infamous after its acquisition by the state of Ohio. Hundreds of individuals with mental health issues were confined here from 1874 to 1993.

What makes it terrifying: The Ridges is listed as one of the 13 most haunted places in the world (according to the British Psychological Society).

The nearby Ohio University, which now owns much of the land where the asylum once stood, is also said to be haunted.

One of the most chilling stories is that of Billy Milligan, the notorious rapist, who was incarcerated here for a long period. Another infamous tale is that of a 54-year-old female patient who escaped and was missing for six weeks.

Her body was eventually discovered in an abandoned cell. Stripped of her clothes, she neatly folded them and placed them on the cold concrete floor where she died. Due to the decomposition of her body and its exposure to light, the stains from her corpse remain visible to this day, marking the floor. The woman’s ghost is said to haunt the room where she passed away.

History: These were once thriving mining towns in Chile, established in 1872 to extract and trade nitrates. However, after suffering severe economic impacts from the Great Depression, businesses stopped investing, and the mines closed in 1958. By 1960, both towns were nearly abandoned.

What makes it terrifying: There are rumors of spirits haunting the towns, with ghostly apparitions frequently appearing in photos of Humberstone. Locals claim that bodies from the LaNoria cemetery have been seen rising from their graves and wandering around the town, causing eerie scenes. The surrounding residential areas have isolated both towns, with no one daring to go near them.

Byberry Mental Hospital in Philadelphia, founded in 1907, became notorious for its severe mistreatment of patients. By 1960, it was overcrowded with over 7,000 patients.

Many horrific events occurred here, and in 1990, the hospital was closed due to its dire conditions. Afterward, it became a hotspot for vandals, and in 2006, the building was demolished.

What makes it terrifying: Unlike many other places, the terrifying stories here are entirely true. At Byberry, human waste filled the hallways, and patients slept in these unsanitary conditions. Staff members were known to abuse and beat the patients.

Patients were even subjected to tooth extractions without anesthesia, and one female patient was brutally murdered and dismembered. Even more horrifying, body parts of patients were found scattered around the hospital grounds. Shortly after the hospital's closure, the bodies of two patients were discovered dead in the Delaware River, just two days after being discharged from the facility.

This castle in Ireland is known for its chilling history. Built by the O'Bannon family in the late 15th century, it was later controlled by the O'Carroll family.

After the death of Lord Mulrooney O'Carroll, the family descended into bloody power struggles, turning Leap Castle into a place of imprisonment and murder. The most notorious killings occurred in the chapel, which became the site of some of the bloodiest assassinations in the castle's history.

What makes it terrifying: Legend has it that the castle is haunted by a large number of restless spirits, including a foul-smelling beast that exudes the stench of decay and sulfur.

During renovations, workers discovered a dungeon where prisoners were starved to death and executed. There, they unearthed three skeletons, their bodies pierced by sharp spikes.

This genocide museum is located in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Originally a high school, it was converted into a Khmer Rouge security facility in 1975.

It became a place of unimaginable suffering, where prisoners were tortured and executed. The majority of the detainees were soldiers and officials from the Lon Nol regime, though it later housed Khmer Rouge soldiers who had been labeled traitors. The school was transformed with electric fences, fortified rooms turned into prisons, and spaces for interrogations and torture.

What makes it terrifying: Around 17,000 victims lost their lives here, and their restless spirits are said to linger. While most of the victims were Cambodian, people from various countries—such as the UK, Australia, the Arab world, India, Pakistan, and Vietnam—also perished here.

Only about a dozen people are believed to have survived. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum now displays chilling photographs and documents that depict the horrific crimes of the Khmer Rouge, leaving visitors horrified.

Located beneath the streets of Paris, France, this vast underground tomb was once a former quarry stretching about 1.7 kilometers in length.

By the late 18th century, the Innocents cemetery, situated in the Les Halles district, had been in use for almost 600 years, creating major sanitation issues. Amid public outcry, the National Council decided to close the cemetery on November 9, 1785. Other cemeteries in Paris had also become overcrowded due to wars, plagues, and other historical events.

A disused stone quarry on the outskirts of Paris was selected to relocate the remains, and after renovations, the transfer began on April 7, 1786.

What makes it terrifying: The mere existence of a massive burial ground deep underground is enough to unsettle most people. Additionally, it is said to be haunted by restless spirits.

Visitors report hearing eerie screams echoing in the dark and seeing distressing marks left by those thrown into the grave while still alive. The difficult terrain also causes many to lose their way, increasing their fear.

Known as the "haunted swamp", the Manchac Swamp, located near New Orleans, Louisiana, is tied to a chilling curse dating back to the 1920s.

The legend tells of a curse cast by the Voodoo Queen, who was imprisoned by locals in the early 1920s for practicing witchcraft.

In 1915, three villages and their inhabitants mysteriously disappeared after a powerful storm. It is believed that the curse, followed shortly by the storm, led to the destruction of the villages.

The waters of the Manchac Swamp are dark and foreboding, with human bones scattered across the swampy ground. Torches are arranged in eerie formations, and the faint growls of unknown monsters can be heard, accompanied by the wind howling like mournful cries. The atmosphere is one that chills the spine.

The Manchac Swamp is a place steeped in supernatural dread, filled with giant graves, alligators, and sinister trees that only enhance the eerie mood in this area near Louisiana (New Orleans).

Bhangarh is a deserted town in Rajasthan, India, and is often regarded as the most haunted and terrifying place in the South Asian country. Legend has it that Bhangarh was originally built in 1573 to honor a prince in Indian history. However, due to a malevolent curse, the town was abandoned by 1783.

Over the years, the town’s ruins have made it a no-go zone for locals, particularly at dusk and nightfall.

If you ever plan to visit this eerie ghost town, the only time you can explore is between sunrise and before sunset. This timeframe has been recommended by Indian archaeological researchers, as there are numerous supernatural and scientific reasons that experts believe make the area dangerous if one dares to stay after dark.

Local residents have shared stories of curious visitors who attempted to stay overnight in the haunted fort, only to mysteriously vanish without a trace.

Pluckley is renowned as England's most haunted village, located near Ashford in Kent. It's believed to be a frequent haunt of countless spirits.

The most haunted locations include Fright Corner, where a man on horseback mysteriously died, and Woods Screaming, where it's said you can hear the tormented cries of the dead. The residents of Pluckley are used to the influx of ghost hunters who flock here every Halloween.

Pluckley even earned a spot in the Guinness World Records as the 'Most Haunted Village in England.' On bitterly cold winter nights, villagers lock themselves indoors, as those are the nights when the spirits gather, wailing and lamenting throughout the village.

The howling wind carries eerie, mournful groans that make even the bravest of souls shiver, causing them to pull the covers tightly over their heads.

The Riddle House, once a funeral home located in Florida, USA, is surrounded by a dark and eerie history. The tale tells of a servant who hanged himself in the attic, consumed by a bitter hatred for men. It’s no surprise, then, that strange and unexplainable events have occurred within these walls.

Riddle House is situated in Palm Beach County, Florida. Initially, it served as a funeral parlor but was later dismantled and relocated to Yesteryear Village in Southern Florida. In the 1920s, the house became the private property of Karl Riddle.

What makes this place so terrifying is the story of Joseph, a former employee, who took his own life in the attic. His ghost is said to harbor a deep animosity towards men and manifests this by attacking any male who dares to step into the attic.

There have been reports of injuries from those who entered this forbidden space, and as a result, men are now prohibited from accessing the attic. Other parts of the house are also said to be heavily haunted, with furniture frequently moving on its own.

The Bell Witch Cave is infamous for its connection to a witch’s curse in Tennessee. The story begins with John Bell, a farmer who lived with his wife and children in Tennessee in 1804. They enjoyed a peaceful life for 13 years.

However, by the summer of 1817, strange events began to disrupt their lives. Some family members saw odd creatures on their farm, and as night fell, they heard knocking on doors and eerie tapping sounds on the walls. One by one, the family experienced terrifying misfortunes.

First, John’s 12-year-old daughter, Betsy Bell, was relentlessly scratched and had her hair pulled by invisible hands. John Bell himself began to lose his ability to speak, and his health declined rapidly.

At the time, many believed that the cause of these strange occurrences was a haunting. It was believed that a witch named Kate Batts, a neighbor, was the one behind the terrifying events.

Locals recalled that while Kate was alive, she often claimed that the Bell family was a “fraud” and that she would seek revenge. Kate was said to be highly intelligent, able to be in two places at once, and capable of predicting the future...

On December 20, 1820, John Bell died, and many believed he was poisoned. After his death, Kate vanished, and the terror ceased for the family. However, before leaving, she promised to return in seven years.

In 1828, Kate returned and spoke to John’s children, revealing prophecies about the future and explaining why she had killed John. This led the locals to name a cave after her – the Bell Witch Cave. It was believed to be a gateway between the spirit world and the living world.