Many travelers like to visit places with a mystical past. True, these days few people really believe in the existence of witches, but tourists show a genuine interest in the attractions associated with them.
Mount Brocken (Germany)
In the German Harz is the highest mountain in the region – Brocken. It attracts many tourists, because it is considered the place of the coven of witches. In this capacity, the mountain has been known since the 16th century. Brocken appears in many sagas and folk tales, but the most famous writer who mentioned Brocken was Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. He made the mountain a gathering place for witches during the celebration of Walpurgis Night in the first part of his Faust. Since 2006, a national park has been opened in the Harz territory.
Witch Market (Bolivia)
In Bolivian La Paz there is a market familiar to every local. He is also very popular among tourists because of the numerous rumors about sorcerers, witches and shamans who sell here their own products. In fact, on the market you can buy herbs, amulets, potions for any occasion, and statuettes with traditional symbols. At the same time, the dried cubs and embryos of llamas, standing right there, on the shelves, amaze the imagination. So although there is not much mysticism in the witch market, it does provide an opportunity to get to know the local flavor.
Witch House (USA)
Speaking of the sights associated with the witches, one cannot help but recall Salem. This American city became the site of a massive witch hunt that unfolded in 1692. The Witch House is the only building that has survived to this day, which is directly related to the events that took place then. Judge Jonathan Corvin, who investigated cases of witchcraft in the area, rode into it in the 1670s. According to legend, the interrogation of the accused took place in the walls of the house. Currently, there is a museum inside, and the building itself is declared a monument of architecture of the 17th century.
Witch Well (UK)
In Scottish Edinburgh, on the way to the ancient castle on Castle Rock, there is a discreet attraction related to the persecution of women on suspicion of witchcraft. The well of witches is a cast-iron fountain with a plaque. It was installed at the end of the 19th century on the site where several hundred women were burnt from the 15th to the 18th centuries. The creator of the monument was John Duncan, who sought to show that any phenomenon has two sides, as well as reflect the balance between good and evil. Therefore, the fountain depicts a digitalis plant, which was used in medicine, but could become poisonous if the dosage is incorrect. There is also a snake, which can be associated with evil forces and witchcraft. On the bas-relief you can see two heads belonging to the old and young witch.
Triora (Italy)
In Italy, there is its own Salem – Triora, which is often called the city of witches. In the sixteenth century, local residents began to be accused of witchcraft after the harvest and famine fell upon Triora. Inquisitors appeared in the city, and with them prisons and torture chambers. Many took advantage of the witch hunt as an opportunity to crack down on enemies. The locals did not forget the events and turned the city into a tourist attraction: it has many witch sculptures, road signs with their image, as well as a museum and houses with bars on the windows where accused of witchcraft were kept. Also, tourists are shown nearby La Cabutina – a place that is considered the gathering point and the coven of witches.
Witch Mountain (Lithuania)
This mountain is located on the Curonian Spit, near Juodkrante. It has long been considered a sacred place and was associated with worship of the forces of nature, mysticism and witchcraft. Currently, there are many wooden sculptures depicting the witch Neringa and other creatures from local legends. A walk on the mountain is not too scary and will appeal to lovers of folklore and young children.
Siquijor (Philippines)
Located in the center of the Philippine archipelago, Siquijor Island is known as the habitat of sorcerers, witches and healers (healers). The creation of a halo of mysticism around this place was facilitated by a mysterious glow, which for decades enveloped the island in the evening. The glow is due to the millions of fireflies that used to live in island trees. Currently, their number has decreased, so Siquijor no longer “glows”.
Today Sikikhor is more like a tropical paradise than a habitat for sorcerers
However, good and evil sorcerers still live here. Some can send spoilage and illness to people, while others treat using their own hands and improvised tools, such as spring water.
Фото: Getty Images, Wikimedia Commons, Flickr
