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Cemeteries are supposed to be the final resting place for our dead loved ones. However, throughout the ages, there have always been whispers of ghostly encounters, sightings, and strange events at the haunted locations.
You could go on a ghost tour, stop at a graveyard, and experience the spine-chilling thrill of ghosts. Taking ghost walks is a popular activity as it gives you ample opportunity to witness any strange events happening at a burial site. On a ghost walk, they sometimes tell the weirdest stories about the restless dead.
We’ve short-listed some of the most haunted graveyards to add to your travel itinerary. Let’s explore some haunted history as we walk through the graveyard and take a moment to catch sight of the spirits and their hauntings.
Top Rated
These are the top 5 haunted graveyards in the world:
- Greyfriars Graveyard
- Highgate Cemetery
- St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
- Père Lachaise Cemetery
- Recoleta Cemetery
1. Greyfriars Graveyard (Scotland)
Greyfriars Kirkyard is situated in Edinburgh, Scotland, and has a history dating back to the 1500s. While it is not the only Scottish attraction around, it will definitely have you shaking in your boots. In its early days, Greyfriars Kirkyard became a mass graveyard for people who died from the plague.
A religious group called the Covenanters was later brutally imprisoned in Greyfriars churchyard. While awaiting trial, the prisoners spent months out in the open, exposed to the elements, and were barely fed anything. The prisoners were treated similarly to those in a concentration camp. Many died in the graveyard.
Some ghostly residents have become famous, like the MacKenzie poltergeist and Bobby the dog.
The MacKenzie Poltergeist (Bloody MacKenzie)
This haunted graveyard is home to a tomb with a highly malevolent spirit known as the MacKenzie Poltergeist. The Black Mausoleum tomb can be found locked behind high walls and gates in Covenanter’s Prison.
In 1999, a homeless man broke into the tomb of George MacKenzie. George MacKenzie was the merciless judge and persecutor of the Presbyterians in the 17th century, and his spirit seems to have followed suit. There have been numerous reports of visitors whom an unseen assailant assaulted. It is believed that the MacKenzie Poltergeist physically attacked people in the churchyard.
The attacks escalated, and people tried to exorcise the malevolent being. However, one of the exorcists died a week later, supposedly from a heart attack. Perhaps it was related to his trip to the Black Mausoleum and Covenanters Prison. Things worsened and the City of Edinburgh closed Covenanter Prison to the public.
Jan-Andrew Henderson said, “If the Mackenzie Poltergeist isn’t a genuine supernatural entity, then I don’t think there’s any such thing. Not anywhere in the world.”
Greyfriars Bobby
It was a less eerie tale, but Bobby the terrier became famous when he sat in the graveyard at his owner’s grave. He did this every day for 14 years, until he passed away. There have been sightings of this loyal and loving dog still guarding his owner’s grave. Today there is a statue of this loyal dog because he truly proved who is man’s best friend.
2. Highgate Cemetery (England)
Highgate Cemetery is situated in London, England. It is home to the grave of Karl Marx. However, that is not the only reason why it is famous. This cemetery is also home to the Highgate vampire, a headless man, and a woman swathed in white.
The Highgate Vampire
For decades, stories of a blood-sucking figure that haunted the graveyard were told. In the late 1960s, reported sightings increased until the media got hold of the story, and it soon turned into media mayhem. The Highgate vampire is described as being tall, shadowy, having glowing eyes and a thirst for blood.
As the legend grew, more people started visiting the cemetery, hoping to see real ghosts and vampires. Some vampire hunters came out of the shadows searching for the vampire. Night vigils were held, but he was never caught.
Perhaps it is a supposition, but the vampire may have been a mediaeval Romanian man buried where the Highgate cemetery ended up. The vampiric hauntings caused fear for a long time, but it seems like the bloodsucker is dormant again.
3. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, New Orleans (America)
It should be no surprise that a cemetery in New Orleans appears as one of the top haunted graveyards in the world. New Orleans is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and jazz. But here you will also find a haunted graveyard that will send cold shivers down your spine.
St. Louis has graves and tombs that sit above the ground. With New Orleans’ deeply rooted voodoo connection, having rituals performed in the graveyard, surrounded by dead bodies, seems part of what should be expected. Many rituals have been performed amongst the tombs, which makes one wonder, “What if those rituals woke the spirits of the dead?”
One of the most famous sights at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is that of Marie Laveau. She was a voodoo queen in the early 1800s. Many visitors visit her grave to perform rituals and ask for blessings or curses. Visitors have reported having seen strange lights, heard disembodied voices, and encountered the spirit of Marie.
4. Père Lachaise Cemetery (France)
The famous graveyard, Père Lachaise Cemetery, has a few famous people buried in its grounds, including revolutionaries and artists. While not as prolific as Greyfriars graveyard, it certainly has its place in history as a haunted graveyard.
Jim Morrison’s grave
Jim Morrison is probably the most famous person laid to rest here, although there have not been reports of any sightings of him as yet. However, many fans leave behind cryptic messages and offerings. Some have even reported seeing strange lights and feeling uneasy around the tomb, particularly at night.
The grey lady
Some ghosts walk among the graves, and they can be seen, especially at night. The grey lady is a frequent sight as she wanders through the graveyard at night. You don’t even need to be on a ghost tour to see this lady, because she is easily found.
There are tales of wailing cries echoing from unmarked graves, shadowy figures flitting between mausoleums, and a feeling of being watched that chills you to the bone. This Parisian ghost apparition may be searching for someone or something, and until she finds it, graveyard visitors could catch sight of her.
5. Recoleta Cemetery, Buenos Aires (Argentina)
In Argentina, the Recoleta Cemetery is a stunning sight to behold. This haunted graveyard is both architecturally stunning and eerie, filled with mausoleums and sculptures. There are stories, though, that it is one of the most haunted cemeteries around.
One of the best-known ghosts that you would meet is that of Rufina Cambaceres. She was a young girl or woman who was mistaken for dead and then buried alive. The story is told that there were scratch marks on the inside of her casket, made as she tried to claw her way out of her living tomb.
It is said that young Rufina is still trying to live the life that was stolen from her. And if you are lucky enough to be visiting the area, try and catch a glimpse of this spooky apparition, as she is quite harmless.
FAQ
Is it scary to visit a haunted graveyard?
There isn’t any real danger, but the eerie atmosphere and possibly tragic stories surrounding the dead could make it feel a bit spooky. Be brave! It’s exciting to see ghosts and paranormal activity.
Conclusion
If you want to catch sight of a phantom or experience the chilling fear that accompanies such an encounter, then sign up for a ghost walk at a cemetery. When the ghost walks combine scary stories with the wickedest humour, it makes the night a memorable experience.
Whether you see or feel the merciless judge, Bloody MacKenzie in Greyfriars Kirkyard, or the sad lady in grey from the Père Lachaise cemetery, you could come into contact with a piece of history.
