Places To Visit If Witches Are Your Thing
Witches have been feared and a source of fascination for as long as humans have been around. In some places, they were highly regarded and were sought after for advice and healing, and in other places, they were feared and anyone who was different than you was considered a witch.
Because of their rich history, witches have cemented their place in pop culture. If you're into witches, there are places you can visit around the world to learn about them or feel like you're in a fairy tale waiting to meet one.
Pendle Hill, Lancashire
The trials of the Pendle witches are some of the most infamous in English history. The 12 women accused of witchcraft lived in the area of Pendle Hill, Lancashire. There are rumors that the area is haunted, but the thing that brings people to the area are the sculptures hidden in the forest and the ceramic plaques that each represent someone who was hanged for witchcraft.
Museum Of Witchcraft And Magic, Cornwall
Everything you've ever wanted to know about the history of witchcraft and magic can be found at the museum in Cornwall. There are relics and texts spanning all different kinds of disciplines including Wicca, Freemasonry, ceremonial magic, and folk magic. It has become a site of pilgrimage for British people with an interest in the occult.
Salem, Massachusetts
We couldn't make a list about witches without including Salem, Massachusetts. There are many sites to see in Salem, including the Witch House, the Witch Museum, and if you're brave enough, the Witch Dungeon Museum.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans has a deep and rich history with magic, specifically voodoo. One of the most popular attractions other than the Museum of Voodoo is the Saint Louis Cemetery I where it's believed that Marie Laveau, the voodoo priestess, is interred.
Mother Shipton's Cave And The Petrifying Well, England
Mother Shipton was thought to be a witch and a prophet who had a gloomy outlook on what was coming for man. It's thought that she was born in the cave and was to blame for all kinds of tragic events that happened in the area, including bewitching a local well to turn things into stone.
We now know that the well has a very high mineral content that quickens evaporation making anything dipped in the water look petrified.
American Museum Of Magic, Michigan
If you're looking for something a little less spooky and more kooky, you can visit the American Museum of Magic. There is a section dedicated to witchcraft, but the museum focuses more on the history of magic and has even been called the Smithsonian of American Magic.
The Witches Market, La Paz, Bolivia
The Witches Market in Bolivia isn't like your traditional farmer's market. This market is operated by witch doctors in the area called the yatiri. They all wear black hats and carry pouches full of talismans. They sell things like potions and plants that can be used in rituals.
The Magicum, Berlin, Germany
The Magicum, or the Magic Museum, in Berlin is another excellent place to visit if you want to take in the long history of magic. The museum has artifacts from many practices of magic including alchemy, astrology, occultism, witchcraft, and magicians. The coolest part of the museum? It's interactive, so you get a hands-on experience.
Harrisville Cemetery, Rhode Island
If you've seen The Conjuring, then you are probably familiar with Harrisville Cemetery in Rhode Island. It's the resting place of Bathsheba Sherman. It was thought that she sacrificed a baby to the devil, and there are even stories that when she was found dead she was turned completely to stone.
Lily Dale, New York
It's said that no one ever dies in Lily Dale because of its strong connection to the spiritual world. The permanent population is about 275, almost all of whom practice some kind of mediumship. It's become the largest center of the Spiritualist movement. One of the main draws is the Inspirational Stump that is thought to be a strong site of spiritual magic.
Town Of Witches, Triora, Italy
Triora is where the last witch trials took place in Italy, which is where it got the name Town of Witches. It's also been called the Salem of Europe. Several women were accused of being witches after the crops didn't turn out one year. You can still visit the homes of these so-called witches, and you can visit a museum that details the events in detail.
In the summer, they have a witchcraft festival, and they hold huge celebrations around Halloween.
Danvers, Massachusetts
Danvers, Massachusetts, used to be called Salem Village and did play a role in the Salem Witch Trials. Rebecca Nurse, who was one of the women convicted of witchcraft, and Samuel Parris, one of the priests who worked the cases, were from Danvers. They're both the real-life inspirations for characters in The Crucible. Nurse's house is still there for people to visit today.
Harz Mountains, Northern Germany
The Brocken, which is the highest point of the Harz Mountains, has been associated with witchcraft and sorcery for a long time. It's been said that ritual sacrifices have taken place there and that it's a meeting point for witches who only meet on April 30.
You can hike up to the spot and along the way see tiny statues of witches and devils in the woods. If that's not your style, various festivals are held celebrating the pagan heritage.
Siquijor, Philippines
Siquijor has been referred to as the Island of Witches by Spanish Colonizers in 1600, but it still has a lot of mysticism today. Every year, there is a huge healing festival right before Easter where they use ingredients that had been gathered over the previous seven weeks to create things like love potions, healing herbs, and even do readings.
Blå Jungfrun Island, Sweden
Local legend has it that Blå Jungfrun Island is the real-life location of Blåkulla, the place where witches and the devil would meet. People have been leaving offerings on the shore to appease whatever might live on the island.
It's now a national park where you can find an interesting stone labyrinth, prehistoric altars, and ritual caves. Even though everyone can go visit the island now, it still has some spooky rules. You have to leave before the sun sets, you can't leave the path, and you can't ever take anything from the island.
Turin, Piedmont, Italy
Turin is one of the three cities on the "white magic" axis, and one of the three cities on the "blank magic." While it's beautiful during the day, it turns into a less than hospitable place at night, when it's said that the streets are wandered by spirits. It's even said that the fountains in the city become gateways for those who want to follow the call of the Freemasons.
Hólmavik, Iceland
Hólmavik, Iceland, was a place where Christianity and pagan culture had coexisted until at least 1000 AD. It wasn't uncommon to practice a mix of Christianity and pagan practices, including spells, and mixing symbols. On the island, there is a museum that houses many incredible artifacts like pieces of wood that are said to be able to summon the dead or make someone fall in love with you.
Chalice Well, Glastonbury, England
The Chalice Well is thought to have been in continuous use for over 2000 years and has never failed, not even during a drought. Wells were often said to be openings to the spirit world, and this one has become a popular destination for people searching out the sacred feminine. It's also thought that the Holy Grail might even be down there at the bottom of the well.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina, is the oldest city in the state and is a hotbed of paranormal activity. There are tons of graveyards, unexplored wilderness, and many, many stories of haunted buildings and even roads!
But, a lesser-known fact about the area is they had a witch trial of their own, convicting one woman. It's said that they tried to execute her four times and she survived each one and end up living well into old age.
Tarot Garden, Riola, Italy
The Tarot Garden in Italy is a place to visit if the esoteric Tarot cards interest you. There is a sculpture for each card in the deck, some of them are even big enough to walk through. Walking among the sculptures, you can almost feel their psychic power.