(Image credit: MartinVeselka)
Houska Castle is in the city of Blatce in the Czech Republic (Czechia). It was built sometime between the years of 1253 and 1278 under the reign of Ottokar II of Bohemia as a sort of headquarters for the administration of his estates. No one lived there for a few hundred years until it was renovated in the 16th century. Why would such a castle be built in the middle of nowhere, on a mountain side where there was no water supply? And why were the fortification walls built facing inward, so that defenders could shoot into the compound?
(Image credit: ŠJů (cs:ŠJů))
Because the castle was built over a "bottomless" pit, said to be the gateway to hell. Legend tells us monsters, demons, and human-animal hybrids emerged from the pit. Anyone that ventured into it came back aged and traumatized, if they came out at all. The castle was meant to keep the demons enclosed. The castle's chapel is directly over the pit.
(Image credit: Tadehruska)
During World War II, the castle was occupied by the Wehrmacht, who are said to have conducted occult experiments there. There are tales of ghosts still roaming the castle. If you want a thrill while you're in the Czech Republic, you can visit Houska Castle, although getting there won't be simple. It's still in the middle of nowhere. -via Cracked