Trifter

Once I got the opportunity to travel to Italy many years ago. You can’t help but fall in love with the people, the art, and its immense beauty. Considering it’s age and history, it’s not surprising that ghost stories surround the mystique of this ageless wonder. Most Italians are ready to give you a good story if you’re willing to listen. Others look at you with indifference, as if yet another American tourist has interrupted their peace. But if you ever get the chance to visit Italy, take the opportunity to see these places or search a local out who is willing to sit down and chat over a good bottle of wine.

Poveglia

Located between Venice and Lido is a tiny island called Poveglia. When traveling about Venice, you can take a water taxi to any of the local islands, with one exception. Poveglia is off limits to tourists. Its history is seeped in tragedy and dislocated spirits. During the three occasions when the plague ran rampant through Europe, the island became a death place and a place of burial for those who were either dead from the disease, or suspected of carrying it. People would be dragged forth from their homes and carried to the island where they would be left to rot. Bodies that had already died from the plague would be burned or buried in deep pits.

Over 160,000 people are said to have died here. In 1922, a psychiatric hospital was built to house those suffering from various illnesses. The mental patients began reporting that they could see the dead plague victims roaming about the hospital. The doctor of the hospital began to perform cruel experiments on his patients in order to figure out the meaning behind their visions. He would conduct lobotomies with chisels and hammers. Hacksaws and restraints still liter the crematorium. At some point the doctor himself went mad after beginning to see visions of his own. He reportedly flung himself from the bell tower. The remaining patients of the hospital took his body and sealed it inside the tower. People who pass by the area at night report hearing agonizing screams and cries. Fisherman won’t fish near here because it isn’t unusual to dredge up old body remnants. The “dirt” surrounding the island is claimed to be nothing more than the residual ashes of the many deceased.

The Coliseum

Scattered throughout Italy are arenas where gladiators fought ruthlessly for their lives. But none hold the wonder and awe that the Coliseum holds. It is the largest arena that housed those awaiting their fates. Thousands lost their lives here either as gladiators, or as persecuted individuals who held strongly to their religious beliefs. Animals lost their lives here as well. Many animals became extinct because of the Romans bloodlust. People who visit here often experience cold spots. Some have experienced the sensation of being pushed. Strange whisperings and crying can be heard throughout the Coliseum. The clanging of swords and the eerie discombobulated sounds of animals can be heard. Apparitions of ghostly spectators can occasionally be seen sitting amongst the seats, perhaps still waiting for a good match. Even A Roman guard has been spotted, still standing guard.

Cappuccini Catacomb of Palermo

Nothing says creepy like a bunch of dead bodies positioned in various positions and all in different forms of decomposition. It’s as if they haven’t realized they’re deceased. Some are suspended on the walls with hooks. Some even look as if they’re about to jump to life. It is a place that gives you an uneasy feeling, as if you’re being watched. Some of the bodies span back hundreds of years. The most recent is a child, Rosalia Lombardo, who died in 1920. She’s encased in a glass coffin, and looks like a living doll. Supposedly the corpses on the wall have been said to change their position. People have heard whistling and whisperings throughout the catacombs. If anything, it is a place you want to walk around with someone else, and it’s easy to get lost. I suppose this is why the place easily freaks out some people. But if you’re ever in Sicily, it’s a definite must see.

Piazza Statuto

Located in Turin is the Piazza Statuto. Many criminals and innocent people were executed here during Roman times. The original piazza was outside the city walls. Since there were no cemeteries, bodies of the dead and executed were thrown over the walls. Underground the piazza lays a series of tunnels. It is said that the gates of hell exist in these tunnels. Located at the piazza is a monument that was dedicated to workers killed while building the Frejus rail tunnel linking Italy to France. Some believe that the top figure of the monument is Lucifer himself. At the bottom of the monument is a manhole cover with the words “The Gates of Hell” on it. Apparently Turin is home to many satanical worshippers, some who have supposedly practiced the dark arts, which have included human sacrifices. Some people who live here don’t think twice about the rumors of dark magic. Others say they feel out of place, or that their spirits are heavy. Some even feel a sense of foreboding.

Ca’Dario

In Venice lies a house that looks as if it’s about to fall into the canal. When traversing the canal in a gondola, there’s no way you can miss it. The house is known locally by all as being the house of no return. It was originally built in the 15th century. Over the centuries it has seen its share of death and tragedy, and no one to date wants to buy it. It is said that the curse of the house began soon after its construction. Death has claimed the lives of 13 successive owners. Talk about an unlucky number. People who have lived here have either died from murder or suicide. Many have inquired about purchasing the house, but none have taken the offer for fear of the accursed dwelling.