Brazil is famous for vibrant cities, warm beaches, and celebrating Carnival. A colorful country like this is almost never associated with ghosts, but Brazil has quite a collection of paranormal stories. These backstories involve events at old forts, abandoned buildings, and even modern-day skyscrapers. Several of Brazil’s best-known hauntings are connected to well-documented tragedies. For many, these historical accounts help make the tales more believable. Others are purely based on folklore but are just as creepy. Here are Brazil’s most haunted places.
Joelma Building — São Paulo
The Joelma Building is tied to a truly horrifying disaster. In 1974, the high rise caught fire, killing about 180 people and harming hundreds. In the years after the renovations, the building became known for strange activity. People said they heard screams and saw apparitions. One story involves 13 victims who were found huddled together in an elevator. They were buried together and became known as the Treze Almas, or “Thirteen Souls.”
Castelinho da Rua Apa — São Paulo
This small castle-like house stands out in modern-day São Paulo. In 1937, two brothers and their mother were found dead inside the home. They had all been shot. Authorities figured that one brother killed the others and then committed suicide, but this was never verified and the case is still considered unresolved. Neighbors report screams and human-sized shadows around the property, which now houses the Clube de Mães do Brasil, a nonprofit organization. Its Gothic-looking architecture only makes it all the more eerie.
Grande Hotel de Araxá — Araxá, Minas Gerais
The Grande Hotel was so named for a reason: it is huge! The luxury resort opened in the 1940s. One of its often told legends is about a woman who appears in the hotel without warning. The unknown female is described as wearing an old-fashioned dress. The hotel’s long hallways tend to spook guests. Unlike many supposedly haunted buildings, this hotel is open for business and curious visitors can stay here.
São João Batista Cemetery — Rio de Janeiro
Opened back in the 19th century, the expansive São João Batista Cemetery is home to many famous Brazilians. The cemetery is full of mausoleums, ornate statues, and elaborate tombs, giving it an eerie beauty. Over the years, both visitors and cemetery workers have had odd experiences and stories have circulated. They claim dark figures, disembodied voices, and the ongoing feeling of being watched. The cemetery is hauntingly beautiful during the evening hours, but you might want to leave before dark.
Fortaleza de Santa Cruz da Barra — Niterói
This historic fortress has views of the Guanabara Bay. It was constructed centuries ago and has witnessed many traumatic events related to warfare and imprisonment. Stories of paranormal activity abound. Some tales are specifically tied to prisoners who were supposedly tortured or executed at the fort. It’s difficult to explore the underground cells and stone passageways without getting the chills. Even during daylight, when tours are offered, the military complex has lots of dark and enclosed spaces. An old-timey prison overlooking the sea is pretty much ideal ghost-story material.
Teatro Amazonas — Manaus
Manaus’s Teatro Amazonas is a fancy opera house that opened in 1896, during the height of Manaus’s rubber-boom era. The building has ornate details and is quite extravagant. Despite the beautiful interiors, it has accumulated stories about paranormal activity backstage. The most interesting stories involve performers or workers from the theater’s past. There is quite a contrast between the gorgeous auditorium and the dark backstage area. Apparently even ghosts appreciate a nicely decorated theater.
Museu Imperial — Petrópolis
The Imperial Museum is located in a historical building – the old summer palace of Emperor Pedro II and his family. Paranormal legends state that the famous Brazilian family never truly left, even after death. Black figures have been spotted wandering through gardens. Employees have described weird sounds and brief apparitions of people dressed in old-timey clothing. Though none of the stories are historically established, a 19th-century royal palace is an excellent location for a haunting.
Ilha do Medo — Bahia
Near the island of Itaparica, just off the coast of Bahia, sits Ilha do Medo, or “Island of Fear.” The small island is connected to a legend about a priest who supposedly refused to perform a Mass. Because of this sin, he was condemned to wander the island after death. Locals says his ghost can be seen at night, and some say he beckons visitors to attend the Mass he failed to perform in life. Fishermen have also told stories of hearing screams and howls coming from the isolated island. As with many places where legends have been told for generations, the details are hard to substantiate.