Top 10 most haunted places in the World

Top 10 most haunted places in the World

From a ghostly castle in France to a paranormal pub in Britain, these 'possessed' destinations are guaranteed to spook even the most sceptical of travellers ...

1: Château de Brissac, Maine-et-Loire, France

The Castle of Brissac, a renaissance castle rebuilt in the 15th century by one of the ministers to King Charles VII (Shutterstock)

The site: Dubbed as the ‘Giant of the Loire Valley’ this is the highest castle in France boasting seven floors, 204 rooms, numerous portrait galleries, and a private opera house which seats 200 people. It was a fortress built by the Counts of Anjou in the 11th Century and King Louis XIII dropped by in 1620.
The ghosts: The most active is La Dame Verte, (Green Lady), who was apparently the illegitimate child of King Charles VII and was later murdered by her husband in the château in the 15th Century after he caught her having an affair.  She is often seen in the tower room of the chapel, wearing her green dress, with gaping holes where her eyes and nose should be. When not startling guests by her appearance she can be heard moaning around the castle.
Current situation: The château is a popular hotel that hosts special events such as a Christmas market and tastings of the well-regarded wines, produced from its own vineyards. Guests who are brave enough to stay overnight enjoy rooms lavishly decorated with period furniture.

2: Monte Cristo Homestead, New South Wales, Australia

A family that has lived at Monte Cristo for the past 50 years have revealed the chilling tales from inside the 'most haunted house in Australia'

The site:  A late Victorian mansion, with intricate cast iron lattice work, built by wealthy landowner Christopher William Crawley in 1876. Reputedly Australia’s most haunted house.
The ghosts: Take your pick. There’s the young child who was dropped down the stairs, the maid who fell from the balcony or the stable boy who burned to death. The most active, however, is the ghost of the son of the caretaker who was found curled up next to the dead body of his mother and chained up for 40 years.
Current situation: The house currently operates as a B&B, offering dinner followed by a ghost tour where you can learn all about its gruesome past. Those who dare can spend the night in the haunted homestead.

3: Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan, India

Tourists visiting the ruined fortress in the ancient city of Bhangarh. This palace is said to be cursed and entry during night is prohibited (Dreamstime)

The site: The ruins of a fort city built in the 17th century, Bhangarh Fort consists of fort walls, bazars, havelis, royal palaces, and numerous temples, with three grand storeys you can explore. But do not be fooled by the beauty of these ruins as they are ranked as the most haunted fort in India.
The ghosts: A wizard called Singhia and a princess called Ratnavati who spurned his advances. Legend has it that the enchanted oil he hoped would make her love him turned into a boulder when she threw it away – and it crushed him. But not before he cursed the palace, condemning the inhabitants to death, without any hope of rebirth. Another story suggests a local ascetic cursed the fort because its shadow overpowered his property. And apparently, if anyone attempts to build a roof for the fort, it will collapse.
Current situation: Bhangarh Fort is now an archeological site, known as the ‘House of Ghosts’. It is possible to hire a guide who can show you around the site and give you the details of its eerie past. Be sure to visit in daylight as the fort is closed between sunset and sunrise, with locals convinced that anyone who spends the night amongst the ruins will never be seen again. 

4: Myrtles Plantation, USA

GHOSTS CAUGHT ON CAMERA , Myrtles Plantation , St. Francisville

The Site: Situated in the small town of St. Francisville, north-west of New Orleans is the mansion of Myrtles Plantation, boarded by a 125-foot veranda. The stained-glass front door leads into a grand foyer displaying a huge French crystal chandelier.
The ghosts: With 10 people being murdered in the mansion itself, it’s no surprise there have been so many reported ghost sightings, the most famous of which is Chloe, who had her ear cut off by her lover. She wears a green turban, peering intently at visitors while they’re in bed and has even appeared in a photograph. A more recent photo also shows another young girl, known as ‘Ghost Girl’ peering through the window of the house. More eerie sightings include a child bouncing on the beds, a soldier, a voodoo priestess and the ghost of a previous owner who was shot in the chest has been heard staggering up the stairs where he died.
Current situation: Despite being known as the most haunted house in America, the plantation is now a pretty Bed and breakfast offering 12 accommodations. Ghost tours are run from the site and you can choose between daily tours or the spookier and more popular evening tours. And soon a new restaurant on site will bring fresh, local food to visitors.

5: Dragsholm Slot, Denmark

Dragsholm Slot is a haunted hotel in Denmark (Shutterstock)

The site: Dragsholm Slot, or Dragsholm Castle, was originally built in 1215, making it one of the oldest castles in Denmark and reportedly the most haunted castle in all of Europe. In the 16th and 17th century parts of it were used to house prisoners of noble or ecclesiastical rank, and in 1694 it was rebuilt in a Baroque style.
The ghosts: The castle is thought to be home to at least 100 ghosts including the Earl of Bothwell, the husband of Mary Queen of Scotts who died as a prisoner in the castle. You may also see the White Lady wandering the halls, who’s skeleton was found encased in a wall by builders in 1930.
Current situation: The castle has been transformed into a luxurious hotel with lavish rooms and a Michelin-rated restaurant serving locally sourced food. The hotel offers their own guided tour explaining the history of the building but for a truly terrifying experience, book a ghost tour including a two-night stay, a tour highlighting the spooky occupants and dinner at the gourmet restaurant.

6: Ancient Ram Inn, Gloucestershire, England

Ancient Ram Inn

The site: Built in 1145, the inn was used by priests who kept slaves and workers in there to help build the St. Mary’s Church. Located in Wotton-under-edge, it is situated on two ley lines, places believed to have spiritual energy from Stonehenge. It has also been reported that it was the scene of a child sacrifice and devil worshipping.

The ghosts: It is widely believed that the redirecting of water on the Ancient Ram property caused a portal for dark energy to open up, meaning many ghosts haunt the inn. The ‘Witch’s Room’ is said to be haunted by a woman burnt at the stake in the 1500s as she was accused of being a witch. A high priestess has been spotted sitting on a bed, a centurion on horseback has been seen walking through the walls, the agonising screams of a girl heard, a monk in the most haunted room and even a succubus is said to slip into the beds of visitors.
Current situation: Despite being well known as one of the most haunted places in the world, featuring on TV programs such as ‘Most Haunted’ and ‘Ghost Adventures’, the inn has changed hands several times in the recent past, making the owners difficult to track down. However, many paranormal events are hosted at the inn.

7: Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town, South Africa

Castle of Good Hope

The site: Built in the 17th century by the Dutch East India Company, the Castle of Good Hope is South Africa’s oldest building.
The ghosts: The first ghost was spotted in 1915 when the apparition of a tall gentleman was seen jumping off the side of one of the castle walls, and then walking between the bastions Leerdam and Oranje. Another famous ghost, the Lady in Grey, was often seen running through the castle holding her face and crying hysterically, but has not been seen since a woman’s body was found during excavations. Other unexplained events include the bell in the bell tower ringing of its own accord and the ghost of a black dog that pounces on unsuspecting visitors, then simply vanishes into thin air. 
Current situation: Arguably one of the world’s best preserved 17th century buildings, the castle is now a popular tourist attraction with three prestigious museums, a memorial to Krotoa the leader of the Khoi nation and an opportunity to learn more of the hidden history surrounding the castle on a guided tour. You can also eat in the restaurant in the front courtyard and watch the Key Ceremony and cannon firing.

8: Hell Fire Club, Montpelier Hill, Ireland

Hell Fire Club

The site: The Hell Fire Club was a hunting lodge, built in 1925 for William Connolly, an Irish parliamentary speaker. The stones of the buildings are from ancient passage tombs, said to have angered the Devil, which first associated the site with the supernatural. The lodge reportedly became a gathering place for a small group of Dublin elites who met for debauchery and devil worship. Its ruins sit atop the summit of Montpelier Hill in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains.
The ghosts: Tales of animal sacrifice, black masses, cloven-hoofed men and murder are linked to the structure. The most popular tale tells of a visit by a satanic creature, in the form of a man, who was only discovered when one of the players dropped a card and on picking it up, noticed the guest had cloven feet. On his discovery, the creature disappeared in a ball of flames. There are stories about a big black cat, the size of a dog who took on a priest and haunts the lodge. The most regular ghostly visitor is a young lady, believed to have been placed in a barrel, set on fire and rolled down the hill for fun.
Current situation: The Hell fire club is a popular stopping point on a walking trail through the Dublin Hills. Ghost tours of the site are also available, with extra tours running for the week of Halloween.

9: Banff Springs Hotel, Alberta, Canada

Banff Springs Hotel

The Site: Styled after a Scottish baronial castle, The Banff Springs Hotel in Alberta Canada, is one of Canada’s great railway hotels and reportedly one of the most haunted buildings in the country.
The ghosts: There's a bride who fell down the staircase breaking her neck after panicking when her dress caught fire. She is often seen in the ballroom dancing, with the flames coming from the back of her dress. A family were murdered in room 873. The door to this room has since been bricked up, but the family can still be seen in the hallway outside the room. And former bellman, Sam Macauley who served at the hotel during the '60s and '70s still likes helping guests up to their rooms, dressed in his '60s uniform. If you try to tip him or make conversation, he disappears.
Current situation: Now part of the Fairmont chain of luxury hotels, the Banff Springs, also known as ‘The Castle in the Rockies’ still remains a landmark in the town of Banff, Alberta and remains a popular year-round resort.

10: Poveglia Island, Italy

Poveglia Island

The site: In the Venice Lagoon between Venice and Lido, this small island was a place where mainlanders fled to seek refuge from invaders. In the 14th century Venetians infected by the Bubonic plague were sent here to die – and, when they died, they were burned on giant pyres. The site was also used as a mental asylum during the 1800s where patients were experimented on and tortured.
he ghosts: Ask a local and they will tell you the island is full of ghosts and cursed with unhealthy spirits. Voices and screams are often heard, and visitors have reported seeing dark, fleeting shadows. Many visitors say they begin to feel an oppressive evil feeling as soon as they step on the island.
Current situation: Despite nearly being auctioned off to an entrepreneur, the island remains totally abandoned and off bounds to most visitors. Even if you were allowed to go to the island, you’d be hard to find someone willing to take you as many locals won’t step foot on Poveglia for fear of being cursed and fisherman refuse to fish in the area, worried they’ll drag up human remains.

Top 10 Most Powerful Countries in the World 2019

Top 10 Most Powerful Countries in the World 2019

Here are the top 10 most powerful countries in the world, based on the analysis of US News & World Report. Note that this list is different from the media company’s overall ranking of the best countries in the world.

10. United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates, each governed by an absolute monarchy. The emirates are Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain. Of the seven emirates, Abu Dhabi and Dubai are the two most well-known, with the latter being the more popular tourist destination. The fact that the country is more liberal and open compared to other Arab countries makes it more attractive to foreigners.

The UAE is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, thanks in large part to its rich oil and natural gas reserves. A member of the United Nations and a founding member of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the UAE has a very strong economic influence and has solid international alliances.

However, the UAE doesn’t have a large and powerful military, although its armed forces have seen significant upgrades in recent years. But it’s worth noting that the Armed Forces of UAE – the primary armed wing of all seven emirates – is equipped with modern weapon systems, purchased from other powerful countries.

9. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is one of the largest and most powerful Arab countries. It is considered a pro-Western Arab country due to its strong relations with countries such as the US and the UK. It is also very open to foreign workers, with a lot of personnel in private companies and institutions hailing from other countries.

Saudi Arabia has a strong political influence in the region and is allied with other powerful Arab countries such as Pakistan, considered by many as the closest ally of Saudi Arabia. Compared to the UAE, Saudi Arabia is a lot more conservative, though the government has recently made some significant changes to make the country more liberal. For example, last September, the country announced it is finally allowing women to drive.

The Arab country is also known for its military expenditures. It is one of the largest arms importers in the world, with the UK being a major supplier. Other supplying countries include the US (obviously) and Canada. Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, has received criticism for selling military equipment to the Arab country. Trudeau is an advocate of human rights – but has sold tools of war to Saudi Arabia, a country with a notorious record in regard to human rights.

8. Israel

Israel is one of the most powerful Middle Eastern countries. It has a large economy and has a high standard of living. Like Japan, Israel is one of the most educated countries in the world, which has played a huge part in making the country a powerhouse in regards to technology.

In terms of foreign relations, Israel is a mixed bag. On one end, it is allied with powerful countries such as the US and Russia. But on the other end, it has a strained relationship with other Middle Eastern countries. And the fact that Israel has a well-developed nuclear program only makes matters worse, though the Israel government has been pretty coy about the country’s nuclear capabilities.

On a related note, Israel has one of the most powerful militaries in the world. Though not exactly large compared to the US and Chinese armed forces, the Israeli Defense Forces are incredibly well-trained and are more than capable of neutralizing various threats, both domestic and international. Israel also has arguably the best intelligence agency in the world, Mossad.

7. Japan

Japan is one of the most influential countries in the world, especially in regard to technology. The East Asian country has long been considered the heart of technological innovation and is arguably more technologically advanced than the US. It has a highly skilled and well-educated population, the biggest reason for its economic prowess.

Japan has the third-largest global economy, right behind the US and China. The country is one of the world leaders when it comes to exporting products, with many of those products related to technology. A member of the United Nations, Japan also has strong relationships with other world powers, though it has had issues dealing with its neighbors, China and North Korea.

In regard to military power, Japan isn’t exactly blessed with the most powerful armed forces. Though it has one of the largest military budgets and has modern military weapon systems, the country primarily deploys its armed forces for self-defense and peacekeeping purposes. The Land of the Rising Sun proves that you don’t necessarily need a strong military presence in order to be considered a powerful nation.

6. France

Not only is France one of the top 10 most powerful countries, it is also one of the top 10 countries with the most powerful nuclear weapons, fielding a reported nuclear warhead count of about 300. It is an official nuclear-weapon state and fields one of the most capable militaries in the world.

Located in western Europe right below the UK, France has one of the largest economies in the world, trailing only a few other world powers such as the US, China, and Japan. A permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, France has very strong international alliances and is regularly involved in matters concerning global security and other international issues.

Considered one of the biggest players in the fashion industry, France has had huge contributions in the fashion world and is home to a number of notable fashion houses such as Chanel, Givenchy, and Yves Saint Laurent. The cultural influence of France is something that can never be accurately quantified.

5. Germany

Germany has long been one of the most powerful nations in the world. Every time the country has been ravaged by war and internal conflict in the past, the economy has been able to recover. The German economy consistently ranks in the top 10, thanks to its extremely skilled and highly educated population.

Located in central-western Europe, Germany is a well-developed nation with a high standard of living. It is one of the largest exporters and has a very strong global economic influence. It also has a strong global political influence and has strong international relations.

Germany is a member of the United Nations and North Atlantic Treaty Organization and is heavily involved in issues concerning global security. Known for having a rich cultural history and for having some of the most beautiful cities in the world, Germany also has a powerful military and has a very competent government led by leaders well-versed in all manners of political and economic affairs.

4. United Kingdom

Another permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, the United Kingdom – composed of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – is a highly developed country located in western Europe. Though it is currently surrounded by uncertainties due to the infamous Brexit, the UK still remains one of the most powerful countries in the world.

Like France, the UK is an official nuclear-weapon state and is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. It has one of the best navies in the world as well as one of the most capable foreign intelligence agencies, the Secret Intelligence Service, commonly known as MI6.

The UK has a very strong economic and political influence and has long been a trendsetter in various areas such as technology, fashion, culture, arts, and sciences. Known for having a high standard of living, the UK has also produced some of the most accomplished doctors in history, which is why it is included in our list of the top 10 countries with the best doctors in the world.

3. China

China is the most populous nation in the world. It holds a great deal of economic influence and has the second-largest economy in the world, just behind the US. Based on how the Chinese economy has rapidly grown within the last three decades, it is very much possible it could overtake the US economy in the near feature. The Asian country is also the world leader in exports, hence all the “Made in China” products that you see every day.

A member of the United Stations, China has a very strong political influence in the world, though many have criticized the Chinese government for employing questionable methods and for being too aggressive, most especially when it comes to flexing its military muscle.

Speaking of which, China has the largest military in the world and has a navy composed of hundreds of commissioned ships and aircrafts and over 200,000 active personnel. China also possesses nuclear weapons and has one of the biggest military budgets in the world. The country also maintains strong relations with other countries, especially with Russia, though the country has a strained relationship with its Southeast Asian neighbors.

2. Russia

Russia is the largest country in the world by area, entirely covering Northern Asia and the majority of Eastern Europe. It has one of the largest economies in the world, sustained by the extensive natural resources in the country. It is a world leader when it comes to oil and natural gas reserves.

A permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, Russia has one of the most powerful militaries in the world. The country is home to the largest stockpile of nuclear weapons with about 7,000 nuclear warheads. The way the Russian government has deployed its armed forces in recent years has received international criticism, however. Most notably, Russia received a lot of flak for its role in the Ukraine conflict.

With a political influence rivaling that of the US, Russia has strong relations with many countries, most especially China. Led by President Vladimir Putin, Russia has a very competent, albeit controversial, government. Not many people may agree with how Putin runs the country. But when it comes to results, the popular world leader definitely delivers for his country.

1. United States 

The United States is the most powerful country in the world. It has the largest economy in the world, thanks in large part to its massive entertainment and media industry. The economy in California alone produces about $2.5 trillion. Assuming California was a country, that number would have made the California economy one of the top six in the world. Imagine that.

In terms of political influence, the US is unparalleled. A founding member of the United Nations, the US plays a huge role in almost all international issues, especially ones regarding global security. Despite being currently led by a dude named Donald Trump, the US remains a powerhouse in the international community. But respect for the US government takes a hit every time Trump sends out a Tweet.

The US has the most powerful military in the world. It has the most modernized and sophisticated military weapon systems and possesses a huge number of nuclear warheads. And the US isn’t shy about showing its military power to the world, one reason why some countries often accuse the US of meddling with international affairs too much.

There is a very good chance that this list of the top 10 most powerful countries in the world will remain the same in 2020. One or two from the bottom-five countries might get replaced with a different country. But the top five countries are likely locks to hold their current position.

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10 Most Genius Child Prodigies of The World

10 Most Genius Child Prodigies of The World

God blessed some selected people with extraordinary talent. Some people are gifted with this magical talent since their childhood. They’re the super genius and really smart. Generally before 10 years old they showed their abilities comparable to those highly skilled adults in specific fields; hence the term child prodigy is used for them. There have been many child prodigies throughout history, and some of them even go on to be prolific adults. Most of them have done more intellectually by that time than we’ll do in our entire lifetimes. This list explores top 10 most genius child prodigies in various fields from around the world.

10. Priyanshi Somani

Priyanshi Somani is a mental calculator from India. She started mental calculation at the age of six. At the age of 11, she was the youngest participant of the Mental Calculation World Cup 2010 and won the overall title. She is the only participant who has done 100% accuracy in Addition, Multiplication, Square Root till date in all five Mental Calculation World Cups. She is the winner of “Pogo Amazing Kids Awards 2010” in genius category. Her name is also added in the Limca Book of World Records as well as the Guinness Book of World Records.

9. Elaina Smith

A straight-talking schoolgirl, Elaina Smith became Britain’s youngest agony aunt – at just seven years old. She is the youngest broadcaster ever seen. Her local radio station gave her the job after she called in and advised a listener who wanted to dump her boyfriend. The broadcaster was so impressed with her advice — “go bowling with pals and drink a mug of milk.” They offered her a weekly slot to give tips to thousands of adult listeners. The littler adviser tackles problems and offers many solutions about romance to the listeners on how to select a boyfriend.

8. Michael Kevin Kearney

Best known as the world’s youngest college graduate at the age of 10. Michael was born in 1984 and known for setting several world records and teaching college at the age of 17. Michael spoke his first words when he was just four months old. When he reached six months, he said to his pediatrician “I have a left ear infection” and learned to read at the age of ten months. In 2008, he became a reality show Millionaire, and earned $1,000,000 on the television game show Who Wants to be a Millionaire?

7. Gregory R Smith

Born in 1990, Gregory Smith was memorizing and reciting books at the age of 14 months and had enrolled in university at 10 years. When Gregory graduates, he was the youngest person ever to receive a master’s degree from the University of Virginia. This young man travels the globe as a peace and children’s rights activist and got the Nobel Prize at the age of 12 only. He is the founder of International Youth Advocates, an organization that promotes principles of peace and understanding among young people throughout the world.

6. Saul Aaron Kripke

Kripke was born in New York on November 13, 1940, and spent his childhood in Omaha, Nebraska. He was labelled a prodigy, having taught himself Ancient Hebrew by the age of six. He read the complete works of Shakespeare by the age of nine. Kripke mastered the works of Descartes and complex mathematical problems before finishing elementary school. He wrote his first completeness theorem in modal logic at the age of 17, and had it published a year later. In 1958, Kripke attended Harvard University and graduated summa cum laude obtaining a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. During his 2nd year at Harvard, Kripke taught a graduate-level logic course at nearby MIT.

5. Aelita Andre

The two-year old artist who showed her paintings in a famous Gallery. Born on 9 January 2007, Aelita Andre is an Australian abstract artist known for her Surrealist painting style and her young age. She began to paint when she was only nine months old. Her work was displayed publicly in a group exhibition shortly after she turned two. Her first solo exhibition opened in New York City in June 2011, when she was four years old.

4. Cleopatra Stratan

A three-year old singer who earns 1000€ per song. Cleopatra was born on 6 October 2002 in Moldova. She was the youngest singer to get the commercial success with her album named “La Varsta de Trei ani”. She also has a record for performing live for straight two hours in front of a huge audience. Cleopatra holds the record for the highest paid young artist. She’s the youngest artist to receive an MTV award and the youngest artist to score a No.1 hit in a country.

3. Arfa Karim

Arfa Karim was a Pakistani student and computer prodigy who in 2004 become the youngest Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), just at the age of nine years. She represented Pakistan on various international forums including the TechEd Developers Conference. She also received the President’s Award for Pride of Performance. A science park in Lahore – The Arfa Software Technology Park – was named after her. She was invited by Bill Gates to visit the Microsoft Headquarters in the USA. She died in hospital at Lahore on 14 January 2012, aged 16 years.

2. Akrit Jaswal

With the IQ level of 146, a young Indian Akrit Jaswal, who has been called “the world’s smartest boy”. He is considered the smartest person of his age in India. He came to public attention in 2000, when he performed his first medical procedure at his home. Jaswal shocked the people at the age of 7 years, when he did a surgery on a native girl who suffering from the burns on her hands.

1. Kim Ung Yong

Kim Ung Yong is thought to be the most Genius Child in the world. He was born on March 8, 1962, in Korea. He has broken the Guinness book records by the IQ level of 210. At the age of 4 years only he had the ability to read Korean, Japanese, English and German language, also solved complicated differential and integral calculus problems. He was a guest student of physics at Hanyang University from the age of 3 to 6. At the age of 7 he was invited to America by NASA. He finished his university studies, eventually getting a Ph.D. in physics at Colorado State University before he was 15. This Korean super-genius might just be the smartest guy alive today.

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