Sometimes it’s fun to take a trip back in time, while also incorporating a little bit of paranormal activity in the mix, too. Are you the type of person who seeks out a good scare? Do you love learning about the history of your state while also checking for paranormal activity? If you said yes to either of those questions, then we have the perfect Florida spot for you.
The 50,000-square foot structure known as Castillo de San Marcos is located just east of the city gates of the oldest city in America.
TripAdvisor Brad L.
The castle fortress was built with the intention to survive battles, sieges and other advances from the English against the Spaniards in the 17th century.
TripAdvisor holidaysaressential
During the American Revolution, the fort became a British stronghold, and was later turned into a battery for the United States coastal defense system.
TripAdvisor mountainman827
While this monument is open to the public and has been for years, there is still a terrifying story and history that has less to do with battles and more to do with deadly adultery.
TripAdvisor Mark C.
As the haunting tale goes, in July 1784 Colonel Garcia Marti was the commander of the castle, along with his beautiful young wife Dolores.
TripAdvisor Bobbi P.
Dolores, who used to wear a very heavily scented perfume, was lonely with her husband as the new commander, and began having an affair with the commander’s assistant, Captain Abela.
TripAdvisor TeriDB
One day, Colonel Marti smelled the perfume all over Abela’s uniform and found out about the affair—ultimately leading to the unexplained disappearance of both Abela and Dolores.
TripAdvisor Mark C.
A story was told by Marti that Abela was sent on a special mission to Cuba and Dolores became ill and was sent to live with an aunt in Mexico.
TripAdvisor Bobby P.
However, it wasn’t until over fifty years later when Americans took over control of the castle and discovered a hollow wall in one of the dungeons, that the truth came out.
TripAdvisor Bill V.
As soon as the first brick was removed, a rush of air smelling strongly like perfume came flooding into the room.
TripAdvisor Zephyr_Travel
Behind the wall were the two skeletal remains of Abela and Dolores, chained to the wall together, entombed until their deaths.
TripAdvisor Brad L.
It has been said that not only does the old castle have the souls of soldiers who are still on duty roaming, but also guests will get an inexplicable waft of perfume with no one else nearby.
TripAdvisor PKexperience
While there have been various hauntings and paranormal activity reported over the years, from aura orbs and bright lights to full apparitions and the sounds of soldier’s boots…
TripAdvisor Marcia P.
…Castillo de San Marcos is still a worthwhile trip to take in order to learn about a unique part of Florida history.
TripAdvisor Dean H.
Ready to see if you feel the spirits?! The address for Castillo de San Marcos is 1 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084-3252. The castle is open Sunday through Saturday from 8:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. To find out more information about Castillo de San Marcos, such as ticket information, visit the website.
TripAdvisor Brad L.
TripAdvisor holidaysaressential
TripAdvisor mountainman827
TripAdvisor Mark C.
TripAdvisor Bobbi P.
TripAdvisor TeriDB
TripAdvisor Bobby P.
TripAdvisor Bill V.
TripAdvisor Zephyr_Travel
TripAdvisor PKexperience
TripAdvisor Marcia P.
TripAdvisor Dean H.
Otherwise if you’re looking for more creepy Florida history, then check out this haunted Florida lighthouse.
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