New Orleans is an inviting city, but it also has a dark past. Voodoo, slavery and vampires have left behind some fascinating places for visitors to explore in its city center.
The Ursuline Convent is at the core of local vampire lore, having housed brides sent here from Europe in the 1700s as brides. Today it serves as an attraction on haunted tours.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, commonly referred to as the Old Mortuary Church in New Orleans, is one of the city’s most haunted locations. During yellow fever epidemics, this church served as a morgue for bodies brought in during an epidemic – both those from elderly individuals as well as those affected directly. As a result, many believe they can see ghostly figures roaming these halls.
Even without taking an official tour of the cemetery, this spot will send chills down your spine. Additionally, during Halloween season the museum also houses the Scarecrow House with various horror themed rooms to add even more creepiness!
Old Absinthe House
The Old Absinthe House is an interesting bar with an intriguing past. During the War of 1812, General Andrew Jackson and Jean Lafitte met here to devise strategies to combat British forces attacking New Orleans from British-held Louisiana. Due to this history, some believe this building may be haunted, and have reported seeing visions seeking an Absinthe House Frappe lingering near it late at night.
Ghost City Tours often visit this haunted bar in search of Jean Lafitte and Voodoo queen Marie Laveau, as well as ghosts of military leaders such as General Jackson or French Generals such as Napoleon Bonaparte who may appear here too. Patrons have reported doors opening and closing by themselves and chairs, glasses and bottles moving about freely within the room – it is one of many haunted spots found here! Also consider The Ursuline Convent which once housed Casket Girls sent into New Orleans by their convent master to find husbands or lovers; in its former days this convent housed Casket Girls sent to search out husbands during World War I! It remains haunted to this day; in its former life it housed Casket Girls sent from Europe who traveled all across North America seeking husbands before being sent off to New Orleans to find husbands for them from its founder, Mary.
LaLaurie Mansion
LaLaurie Mansion stands as one of the city’s iconic structures in New Orleans’ central business district, overlooking St Louis Cathedral and Pere Antoine Alley. Renowned resident Delphine LaLaurie has made the LaLaurie Mansion one of the key stops on Ghost Tours around town; and was even made iconic through American Horror Story!
But in reality, Madame LaLaurie was much darker. During her first two marriages, Madame LaLaurie was generally described as gentle and pleasant; however, during her turbulent third union she earned notoriety for the cruelties she perpetrated against her slaves.
From Voodoo Queens to professed Vampires, New Orleans is filled with supernatural presences of every description imaginable – no surprise it is one of the world’s most haunted places! Join a ghost tour or seance and witness for yourself just how haunted New Orleans truly is.
St. Roch Chapel
Reverend Peter Thevis made this promise after being struck down with yellow fever during his time as pastor of New Orleans Parish in 1775; should his congregation survive, a chapel would be built and dedicated to him if possible. That chapel was completed and opened its doors for service in 1876.
People visiting the cemetery and chapel report strange experiences. For instance, some have reported hearing three-syllable words which they couldn’t decipher uttered by someone in the distance.
Apart from tombs, the two-room shrine contains an altar featuring St. Roch with his dog at his side. Within this small room are numerous ex-votos expressing thanks for divine intervention such as casts for feet, hands, heads and brains; leg braces; doll’s limbs and plaster heart shapes as offerings.
Hotel St. Pierre
Hotel St. Pierre first established as an estate for Marie Laveau back in the 1700s has witnessed much history since. Over time, guests have reported all sorts of ghostly happenings here–particularly within Peyroux House where several apparitions and feelings of coldness as well as sensations such as someone touching exposed skin have been witnessed by guests.
Visitors have reported seeing a ghost of a middle-aged man on the front porch and an old carriage master spirit. Many come to this hotel for paranormal-related activities like ghost tours and seances; LaLaurie Mansion on hotel grounds has long been considered haunted due to rumors that Madame LaLaurie was an abusive slave mistress.
