Back in Time Today
Explore the spine-chilling allure of real-life locations used in famous films, where history and horror come alive.
From abandoned towns and eerie hospitals to haunted castles and crypts, discover 45 places that have graced the silver screen with their haunting presence.
1. Pripyat, Ukraine – Chernobyl Diaries (2012)
Pripyat, near the infamous Chernobyl reactor, is a haunting ghost town frozen in time. Once bustling with life, it’s now silent, with nature reclaiming the streets. The Ferris wheel stands eerily still, a reminder of what was lost.
The town’s radioactive legacy adds an invisible layer of horror, making it a fitting setting for films like ‘Chernobyl Diaries’. Despite the danger, it draws those fascinated by its tragic past.
The air here feels heavy, as if the town itself mourns its own fate. Curious travelers are advised to proceed with caution, respecting the area’s somber history.
2. Hashima Island, Japan – Skyfall (2012)
Hashima Island, often called “Battleship Island,” is a deserted place that feels like a relic from another world. Its crumbling concrete buildings rise starkly against the sea, creating a sense of isolation and decay.
Featured in ‘Skyfall’, this island’s stark, industrial landscape was the perfect backdrop for a Bond villain’s lair. Once home to a bustling coal mining community, it now stands empty, haunted by echoes of its past.
Visitors tread carefully, as the island’s fragile structures and eerie silence can unsettle even the most adventurous spirits.
3. Centralia, Pennsylvania, USA – Silent Hill (2006)
Centralia, the real-life inspiration for the town in ‘Silent Hill’, is a smoldering ghost town with an unsettling atmosphere. The ground beneath this Pennsylvania town has been burning for decades, causing streets to crack and steam to rise eerily.
Once a thriving community, it now lies deserted, enveloped in an otherworldly aura as nature begins to reclaim it. The air is tinged with the scent of sulfur, adding to its haunting presence.
Adventurers drawn to Centralia must navigate carefully, as the ground’s instability mirrors its ghostly legends.
4. Bodie, California, USA – Ghosts of Goldfield (2007)
Bodie stands as a preserved Wild West ghost town, a snapshot of a bygone era. Once a booming mining town, it now whispers tales of gold rush dreams and desertion. Wooden buildings line dusty streets, standing testament to time’s relentless march.
Featured in ‘Ghosts of Goldfield’, Bodie’s desolate charm is its allure. Its silent saloons and vacant homes create an eerie yet fascinating atmosphere.
For history enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike, Bodie offers a unique glimpse into the past, where each creak of wood seems to echo stories of old.
5. Craco, Italy – The Passion of the Christ (2004), Quantum of Solace (2008)
Craco, perched atop a rugged hill, is a hauntingly beautiful medieval village left abandoned due to landslides. Its stone structures and winding pathways tell tales of life long gone.
Featured in ‘The Passion of the Christ’ and ‘Quantum of Solace’, Craco’s dramatic landscape offers a cinematic backdrop like no other. The village’s eerie silence is punctuated only by the wind whispering through its empty streets.
Visitors to Craco find themselves captivated by its melancholic beauty, where history and nature intertwine in a dance of decay and resilience.
6. Varosha, Cyprus – Ghost Town Anthology (2019)
Varosha, once a thriving tourist hotspot, now stands as a ghost town frozen since the 1970s. Its empty hotels and overgrown streets tell a story of sudden abandonment and political upheaval.
Featured in ‘Ghost Town Anthology’, Varosha’s eerie allure comes from its untouched-for-decades appearance. The district’s desolation is both haunting and oddly mesmerizing.
Though off-limits, its mysterious aura draws the curious, who yearn to glimpse a past world captured in time, where silence reigns over what was once vibrant and alive.
7. Poveglia Island, Italy – Documentaries and horror shorts
Poveglia Island, shrouded in mystery and fear, has earned its reputation as one of the world’s most haunted locations. Once a plague quarantine zone and later an asylum, its dark history fuels chilling legends.
Local lore speaks of restless spirits that wander the island, making it a popular subject for documentaries and horror shorts. The eerie ruins and misty atmosphere create a haunting setting that captivates those with a taste for the macabre.
Yet, few dare to visit, as tales of curses and spirits keep even the bravest at bay.
8. Michigan Central Station, Detroit, USA – Transformers series
Michigan Central Station, once a symbol of Detroit’s grandeur, now stands as a monument to urban decay. Its towering columns and shattered windows evoke a sense of faded elegance and lost history.
Featured in the ‘Transformers’ series, its gritty, dystopian appearance makes it an ideal location for cinematic storytelling. The station’s empty halls and echoing silence offer a haunting reminder of the city’s past.
Intrigued visitors marvel at its architectural beauty amid decay, where each shadow seems to tell a forgotten tale.
9. Beelitz-Heilstätten Hospital, Germany – The Pianist (2002)
Beelitz-Heilstätten, a sprawling hospital complex near Berlin, exudes an eerie charm that lures the curious and the brave. Built during the early 20th century, this sanatorium once treated tuberculosis patients and served as a military hospital during both World Wars.
Featured in ‘The Pianist’, its decaying walls and overgrown surroundings create a hauntingly beautiful setting. Each corridor and room seems to whisper stories of its past, where history intertwines with the supernatural.
Though officially closed, Beelitz-Heilstätten remains a favorite for explorers seeking to uncover its spectral secrets.
10. Eastern State Penitentiary, Pennsylvania, USA – Return to Paradise (1998)
Eastern State Penitentiary stands as a testament to early American penitentiary ideals, designed to inspire penance through isolation. Its crumbling stone walls and narrow corridors create a stark and eerie atmosphere.
Featured in ‘Return to Paradise’, the penitentiary’s haunting presence is felt in every shadow. The building’s imposing architecture captures the imagination, embodying the spirits of its past inmates.
Visitors walk these corridors with a sense of reverence, aware of the weight of history and the haunting stories contained within its walls.
11. Sedlec Ossuary, Czech Republic – Dungeons & Dragons (2000)
Sedlec Ossuary, known as the “Bone Church”, is a macabre masterpiece that defies the ordinary. Its interior is adorned with the bones of over 40,000 people, artistically arranged to form chandeliers, crosses, and other patterns.
Featured in ‘Dungeons & Dragons’, the chapel’s chilling beauty captivates those with a taste for the unusual. As visitors enter, they’re met with an eerie sense of reverence and awe.
This unique site offers a poignant reminder of mortality, where art and the afterlife converge in a haunting embrace.
12. Highgate Cemetery, London, UK – Taste the Blood of Dracula (1970)
Highgate Cemetery, a gothic marvel in London, weaves tales of the past amid its overgrown pathways and shadowy gravestones. It’s the resting place of many notable figures and a location that exudes atmospheric charm.
Featured in ‘Taste the Blood of Dracula’, its Victorian allure makes it an ideal setting for tales of horror and mystery. Each visit feels like stepping into a bygone era, where history and legend intertwine.
Explorers tread softly here, respecting the spirits that linger and the stories etched on every stone.
13. Reilig Oran Cemetery, Scotland – The Secret of Kells (inspired)
Reilig Oran Cemetery, steeped in legend, is said to be haunted by ancient monks who once roamed its sacred grounds. Its Celtic crosses and mist-covered gravestones create a mystical atmosphere that inspires tales of the supernatural.
Though not featured directly in ‘The Secret of Kells’, its ethereal beauty and enigmatic aura contributed to the film’s inspiration. Visitors feel a profound sense of history and mystery here, where each gravestone whispers secrets of the past.
The cemetery’s haunting charm captivates all who wander its hallowed grounds.
14. St. Michan’s Church Crypt, Dublin, Ireland – Leap Year (2010)
St. Michan’s Church Crypt, home to real mummified remains, offers a chilling glimpse into the past. Its stone arches and flickering candlelight create an eerie atmosphere that draws the curious and the brave.
Featured in ‘Leap Year’, the crypt’s haunting beauty is both fascinating and unsettling. Each mummified figure seems to tell a story, frozen in time yet alive with history.
Visitors must tread respectfully here, as the spirits of the past linger in the shadows, watching the living with silent eyes.
15. Greyfriars Kirkyard, Edinburgh, Scotland – The Awakening (2011)
Greyfriars Kirkyard, a historic graveyard in Edinburgh, is famous for its resident ghost, the Mackenzie Poltergeist. Its ancient tombstones and misty atmosphere create a setting that is both beautiful and unsettling.
Featured in ‘The Awakening’, the graveyard’s haunting charm captivates those who dare to explore its shadows. The air feels charged with energy, as if the spirits of the past are watching.
Visitors often feel a chill as they wander the grounds, drawn to the mystery and history that Greyfriars holds within its gates.
16. La Recoleta Cemetery, Buenos Aires, Argentina – Highlander II (1991)
La Recoleta Cemetery, a symbol of Buenos Aires’ rich history, is renowned for its ornate mausoleums and intricate sculptures. This city of the dead is both haunting and beautiful, a place where art and memory converge.
Featured in ‘Highlander II’, the cemetery’s grandeur and melancholy make it a captivating setting for film. Each mausoleum tells a story, as elaborate as the lives once lived.
Visitors wander its paths, absorbed by the serenity and mystery of this sacred place, where history lives on in stone.
17. Mount Moriah Cemetery, Philadelphia, USA – The Sixth Sense (1999)
Mount Moriah Cemetery, once a grand resting place, now lies in a state of neglect and overgrowth. Its gravestones, shrouded by dense foliage, create a hauntingly atmospheric setting.
Featured in ‘The Sixth Sense’, the cemetery’s eerie charm enhances the film’s ghostly themes. Each stone tells a silent story, hidden beneath layers of history and nature.
Explorers are drawn to Mount Moriah’s mysterious beauty, where the past whispers through the rustling leaves and shadows dance among the forgotten graves.
18. Church of the Nine Ghosts, Lukova, Czech Republic – Spiritual documentaries
The Church of the Nine Ghosts, an art installation in Lukova, captivates with its ethereal beauty. Inside, ghostly white statues sit silently in pews, creating an atmosphere of haunting serenity.
Featured in spiritual documentaries, the church’s spectral art installation invites reflection on life, death, and the unseen. The silent figures seem to watch over the living, adding an otherworldly presence to the sacred space.
Visitors feel a sense of wonder and introspection here, where art blurs the line between reality and the supernatural.
19. Notre-Dame du Haut, Ronchamp, France – Le Corbusier docudramas
Notre-Dame du Haut, a masterpiece by architect Le Corbusier, stands as a symbol of modernist beauty and spiritual reflection. Its sweeping curves and striking architecture create a sense of harmony and peace.
Featured in Le Corbusier docudramas, the church’s unique design and haunting acoustics inspire awe and contemplation. The play of light and shadow within its walls evokes a feeling of transcendence.
Visitors are drawn to its serene beauty, where the spirit of innovation meets the sacred, creating a space for meditation and wonder.
20. Catacombs of Paris, France – As Above, So Below (2014)
The Catacombs of Paris, an underground labyrinth, house the remains of over six million souls. Its tunnels, lined with neatly stacked bones, create a hauntingly beautiful and eerie atmosphere.
Featured in ‘As Above, So Below’, the catacombs’ history and mystique make it an ideal setting for horror and adventure. Each turn and shadow within its depths holds untold secrets.
Visitors, with torches in hand, explore this realm of the dead, where history whispers through the silence, and mortality is laid bare.
21. Danvers State Hospital, Massachusetts, USA – Session 9 (2001)
Danvers State Hospital, often considered one of the most haunted places in the U.S., exudes an ominous presence. Its imposing gothic architecture and overgrown grounds create a chilling atmosphere.
Featured in ‘Session 9’, the hospital’s dark past and eerie aura make it a compelling location for horror films. Its empty halls echo with the stories of former patients and staff.
Explorers and ghost hunters alike feel the pull of Danvers, where each room seems to whisper secrets of madness and mystery.
22. Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital, New Jersey, USA – Stay (2005)
Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital, now demolished, once stood as a testament to the complexities of mental health care. Its crumbling walls and empty corridors told stories of despair and hope.
Featured in ‘Stay’, the hospital’s haunting presence lives on in film, capturing the imagination of those fascinated by its history. Each abandoned room held echoes of the past, where the line between reality and madness blurred.
Though gone, its memory endures, a reminder of the human stories that unfolded within its walls.
23. Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, West Virginia, USA – Inside Horror (doc)
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, with its imposing stone architecture, stands as a testament to a bygone era of mental health care. Its barred windows and overgrown grounds create a foreboding atmosphere.
Featured in the documentary ‘Inside Horror’, the asylum’s history of patient abuse and neglect adds to its haunting allure. Each room and corridor seems alive with the tales of those who once inhabited its walls.
Visitors feel the weight of history here, as they explore the shadows of a place where the past is never truly forgotten.
24. Pennhurst Asylum, Pennsylvania, USA – The Pennhurst Haunting
Pennhurst Asylum, closed due to abuse scandals, stands as a chilling reminder of past horrors. Its crumbling buildings and overgrown grounds create an atmosphere of decay and neglect.
Featured in ‘The Pennhurst Haunting’, the asylum’s dark history and ghostly legends make it a popular subject for horror films. Each shadowy corridor holds echoes of the past, where the spirits of former patients are said to linger.
Explorers tread carefully here, drawn by the allure of the unknown and the stories that haunt its halls.
25. Kings Park Psychiatric Center, New York, USA – Blood Night: The Legend of Mary Hatchet (2009)
Kings Park Psychiatric Center, partially demolished, stands as a stark reminder of the past. Its graffiti-covered walls and empty rooms evoke a sense of decay and abandonment.
Featured in ‘Blood Night: The Legend of Mary Hatchet’, the hospital’s eerie atmosphere and ghostly legends make it an intriguing setting for horror films. The silence within its halls is broken only by the whispers of history.
Adventurers and filmmakers alike are drawn to Kings Park, where the past’s mysteries and madness still linger.
26. Old Changi Hospital, Singapore – Haunted Changi (2010)
Old Changi Hospital, a site of wartime horrors, exudes an eerie charm that captivates the curious. Its peeling paint and empty corridors tell stories of its dark past. Featured in ‘Haunted Changi’, the hospital’s ghostly reputation is well-known, drawing those fascinated by its haunted history.
The lush, overgrown surroundings add to its spectral allure. Visitors feel a mix of fear and fascination as they explore its shadowy halls, where the spirits of the past are said to roam freely.
27. Byberry Mental Hospital, Pennsylvania, USA – Various short horror films
Byberry Mental Hospital, notorious for tales of abuse and neglect, stands as a chilling monument to the past. Its crumbling walls and broken windows create a haunting atmosphere.
Featured in various short horror films, the hospital’s dark history and ghostly legends make it a compelling subject for storytellers. The overgrown vines add to its sense of decay and mystery.
Explorers and filmmakers alike are drawn to Byberry, where the shadows hold whispers of the forgotten and the lost.
28. Waverly Hills Sanatorium, Kentucky, USA – Death Tunnel (2005)
Waverly Hills Sanatorium, known for its chilling history, stands as a testament to the tuberculosis epidemic of the early 20th century. Its long corridors and haunted atmosphere evoke a sense of dread and intrigue.
Featured in ‘Death Tunnel’, the sanatorium’s eerie presence and ghostly legends make it a popular location for horror films and ghost tours. Each room seems to echo with the stories of those who once suffered within its walls.
Visitors and ghost hunters are drawn to Waverly Hills, seeking to uncover its spectral secrets and hidden history.
29. Linda Vista Hospital, Los Angeles, USA – Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013)
Linda Vista Hospital, with its storied history of patient care and ghostly encounters, offers a chilling glimpse into the past. Its peeling paint and empty rooms speak of a time when it was bustling with life.
Featured in ‘Insidious: Chapter 2’, the hospital’s haunting presence and supernatural legends make it a compelling location for horror films. The misty, eerie atmosphere enhances its spectral allure.
Explorers and filmmakers are drawn to Linda Vista, where the lines between reality and the supernatural blur within its haunted halls.
30. Whittingham Hospital, UK – Documentaries & horror shorts
Whittingham Hospital, with its gothic architecture and overgrown grounds, stands as a haunting reminder of the past. Its empty halls and shadowy corners create an atmosphere of mystery and decay.
Featured in various documentaries and horror shorts, the hospital’s eerie presence and ghostly tales make it a fascinating subject for storytellers. Each room holds echoes of its history, where the line between reality and legend blurs.
Visitors are drawn to Whittingham, seeking to uncover its secrets and explore its haunted history.
31. Stanley Hotel, Colorado, USA – The Shining (inspiration + filming for miniseries)
The Stanley Hotel, nestled in the Colorado Rockies, inspired Stephen King’s ‘The Shining’ and served as the filming location for the miniseries. Its grand architecture and misty atmosphere create a sense of eerie elegance.
The hotel’s ghostly legends and captivating history make it a favorite for horror enthusiasts. Each room seems to whisper stories of the past, where reality and fiction intertwine.
Visitors to the Stanley are often drawn by its supernatural allure, eager to explore its haunted halls and uncover its spectral secrets.
32. Eastern Columbia Building, LA, USA – Zodiac (2007)
The Eastern Columbia Building, a Los Angeles landmark, stands as a testament to the city’s Art Deco heritage. Its intricate details and shadowy interiors create an atmosphere of mystery and allure.
Featured in ‘Zodiac’, the building’s haunting elegance makes it an ideal setting for tales of intrigue and suspense. Each shadowy corner holds secrets waiting to be uncovered.
Visitors are captivated by its beauty and history, drawn to explore its halls where the past and present converge in a dance of light and shadow.
33. Old Royal Naval College, UK – Sherlock Holmes (2009)
The Old Royal Naval College, a masterpiece of classical architecture, stands as a symbol of British naval history. Its grand columns and shadowy courtyards create an atmosphere of elegance and mystery.
Featured in ‘Sherlock Holmes’, the college’s stately presence and historical significance make it a captivating setting for film. Each stone seems to tell a story of the past, where history and legend intertwine.
Visitors are drawn to its architectural beauty and rich history, eager to explore its halls and uncover its secrets.
34. Manila Film Center, Philippines – Haunted Forest (2017)
The Manila Film Center, a site of tragedy and intrigue, stands as a monument to the complexities of history and art. Its imposing modernist architecture and eerie atmosphere create a sense of haunting beauty.
Featured in ‘Haunted Forest’, the film center’s ghostly legends and tragic past make it a compelling subject for storytellers. The building’s corridors hold echoes of the past, where reality and legend blur.
Visitors are drawn to its spectral allure, eager to explore its halls and uncover the mysteries that lie within.
35. Cahawba Ghost Town, Alabama, USA – Horror shorts & YouTube films
Cahawba, Alabama’s first state capital, now stands as a haunting ghost town, a relic of a bygone era. Its decaying structures and overgrown streets evoke a sense of mystery and nostalgia.
Featured in horror shorts and YouTube films, Cahawba’s eerie atmosphere and rich history make it a captivating setting for storytelling. Each crumbling building tells a story of the past, where history and legend intertwine.
Visitors are drawn to its haunting beauty, eager to explore its streets and uncover the secrets that lie within.
36. Bhangarh Fort, India – Bhoot Part One: The Haunted Ship (2020, inspired)
Bhangarh Fort, shrouded in legend and mystery, stands as one of India’s most haunted locations. Its crumbling walls and misty atmosphere create a sense of foreboding and intrigue.
Featured in ‘Bhoot Part One: The Haunted Ship’, the fort’s ghostly legends and eerie presence make it a compelling subject for filmmakers. Each stone seems to whisper stories of the past, where history and legend converge.
Visitors are drawn to its spectral allure, eager to explore its halls and uncover the secrets that lie within.
37. The London Dungeon, UK – Sweeney Todd (2007)
The London Dungeon, an interactive horror attraction, offers a chilling journey through London’s dark past. Its dim lighting and gruesome displays create an atmosphere of eerie excitement.
Featured in ‘Sweeney Todd’, the dungeon’s haunting allure and historical significance make it a popular setting for film and storytelling. Each exhibit tells a tale of terror and intrigue.
Visitors are drawn to its thrilling experience, eager to explore its halls and uncover the secrets of London’s grisly history.
38. Bannerman Castle, New York, USA – The Road (2009)
Bannerman Castle, perched on a small island in the Hudson River, stands as a testament to ambition and decay. Its crumbling stone walls and isolated location create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere.
Featured in ‘The Road’, the castle’s eerie presence and rich history make it a captivating setting for film. Each stone tells a story of the past, where dreams and reality converge.
Visitors are drawn to its haunting beauty, eager to explore its ruins and uncover the secrets that lie within.
39. Pyramiden, Svalbard, Norway – The Thing (2011 prequel, inspired)
Pyramiden, an abandoned Soviet mining town in the Arctic, stands as a relic of the Cold War era. Its empty buildings and snowy landscape create an eerie atmosphere of isolation and nostalgia.
Inspired ‘The Thing’ prequel, Pyramiden’s haunting presence and unique history make it a compelling subject for storytelling. Each building tells a story of the past, where history and legend intertwine.
Visitors are drawn to its haunting beauty, eager to explore its streets and uncover the secrets that lie within.
40. Sloss Furnaces, Alabama, USA – Ghost Adventures & Graveyard: The Movie
Sloss Furnaces, a National Historic Landmark, stands as a testament to Birmingham’s industrial past. Its rusted machinery and eerie atmosphere create a sense of haunting beauty.
Featured in ‘Ghost Adventures’ and ‘Graveyard: The Movie’, Sloss Furnaces’ ghostly legends and rich history make it a compelling subject for storytelling. Each piece of machinery tells a story of the past, where history and legend intertwine.
Visitors are drawn to its haunting beauty, eager to explore its halls and uncover the secrets that lie within.
41. Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, USA – Escape from Alcatraz (1979), The Rock (1996)
Alcatraz Island, home to one of the world’s most infamous prisons, stands as a symbol of isolation and intrigue. Its imposing stone walls and barred windows create a haunting atmosphere.
Featured in ‘Escape from Alcatraz’ and ‘The Rock’, Alcatraz’s ghostly legends and storied past make it a popular setting for film. Each cell tells a story of the past, where history and legend intertwine.
Visitors are drawn to its haunting beauty, eager to explore its halls and uncover the secrets that lie within.
42. Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin, Ireland – In the Name of the Father (1993)
Kilmainham Gaol, a symbol of Ireland’s turbulent past, stands as a haunting reminder of history and rebellion. Its stone cells and narrow corridors create an atmosphere of eerie solemnity.
Featured in ‘In the Name of the Father’, the gaol’s ghostly legends and historical significance make it a compelling subject for film. Each cell tells a story of the past, where history and legend intertwine.
Visitors are drawn to its haunting beauty, eager to explore its halls and uncover the secrets that lie within.
43. Château de Pierrefonds, France – The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999)
Château de Pierrefonds, a masterpiece of gothic architecture, stands as a symbol of France’s rich history and legend. Its towering spires and misty atmosphere create a sense of haunting beauty.
Featured in ‘The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc’, the castle’s ghostly legends and historical significance make it a compelling subject for film. Each stone tells a story of the past, where history and legend intertwine.
Visitors are drawn to its haunting beauty, eager to explore its halls and uncover the secrets that lie within.
44. Humberstone & Santa Laura, Chile – Various horror shorts & travel doc horrors
Humberstone & Santa Laura, once bustling saltpeter mining towns, now stand as relics of the past. Their rusted machinery and desert landscape create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere.
Featured in various horror shorts and travel documentaries, the towns’ ghostly legends and rich history make them a compelling subject for storytelling. Each piece of machinery tells a story of the past, where history and legend intertwine.
Visitors are drawn to their haunting beauty, eager to explore their streets and uncover the secrets that lie within.
45. Kumamoto Castle Ruins, Japan – Ghost in the Shell (2017)
Kumamoto Castle Ruins, a symbol of Japan’s rich history and legend, stand as a testament to the past and the future. Its crumbling stone walls and misty atmosphere create a sense of haunting beauty.
Featured in ‘Ghost in the Shell’, the castle’s ghostly legends and futuristic skyline make it a compelling subject for film. Each stone tells a story of the past, where history and legend intertwine.
Visitors are drawn to its haunting beauty, eager to explore its halls and uncover the secrets that lie within.