You would be hard-pressed to travel anywhere in Europe without being intrigued by the tales of hauntings and unusual, unexplained occurrences wherever you visit. Italy is no exception! From the days of the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius and its total decimation of the city of Pompeii, to a modern-day tale of ghostly “suicide” in a Venetian home, the Italian landscape is replete with stories of eerie happenings. One of the best restaurants Orlando, Christini’s Ristorante Italiano, invites you to read more about Italy’s haunted places…if you dare!
Mt. Vesuvius: Let’s begin with the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The city of Pompeii was said to have been the home to a thriving metropolis of approximately 2,000 citizens. Historical writings indicate that the city was completed destroyed by layers of lava, pumice and ash. Travelers to this area have reported hearing the screams and cries for help from the inhabitants of Pompeii. Others have reported smelling sulphur, which some believe is the smell ghosts emit, and seeing dark figures moving about the area.
Lucedio Abbey: Located in Vercelli, the Abbey was once a monastery which served as home for the order of Cistercian Monks. Many legends are interwoven with history of the Abbey. It is often said that the Devil sent young girls to the Abbey to seduce the monks away from their beliefs. Once the monks eventually gave into temptation, they slowly changed their ways from Catholicism and began to practice Satanism, trying to conjure a demon to life within the Abbey walls. Legend also includes stories of young men being tortured and of human sacrifice. When the Pope was apprised of the suspicious activities, he sent a Roman inquiry and the monks were driven from Lucedio. It is said that because such horrific things occurred there that a stone pillar on the property weeps to this day and a black swirling demon haunts the grounds.
Bardi Castle: Located close to Parma, Badi Castle is a tad less demonic in its haunting history. The story of this castle has more of Romeo and Juliet flair. Soleste was in love with a soldier named Moroello, who was considered to be a lesser man by her wealthy family. As the result of a misunderstanding, Soleste believed Moroello had been killed in battle, so in deepest grief, she threw herself from the castle’s highest wall and died. Moroello, upon discovering the fate of his love, also committed suicide by jumping off one of the towers. There have been numerous reports of the sighting of Moroello’s ghost searching the grounds for Soleste to this day.
Island of Poveglia: Nowhere in Italy is more renowned for haunting and horror than the Island of Poveglia. Once utilized as a hospital for those ravaged by the plague, where it is said that tens of thousands died and were burned in mass graves, the grounds were rebuilt into an asylum that was used to house the insane. A doctor on staff is said to have tortured and killed many patients, and he himself is rumored to have been killed by a mist that rose up from the waters surrounding the island. Screams and cries for help have been heard by visitors throughout the years.
One of the best restaurants Orlando, Christini’s Ristorante Italiano, invites you to enjoy the most outstanding and authentic Northern Italian meal you have ever had and to call us at (407) 583-4472 to make your reservation. If you have been here before, then you know that the memory of your meal will positively haunt you and tempt you until you return for more!
