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National Geographic Ultimate Guide to Supernatural Places: Close Encounters, Haunted Houses, and Other Spooky Hot Spots Around the World
Witches and demons, ghosts and vampires, aliens and voodoo spirits… from spooky to chilling to downright weird, signs of the supernatural have terrified -- and fascinated -- people for centuries. Dare to discover some of the world’s most puzzling enigmas in this remarkable book, which reveals a dazzling array of haunted castles, forbidden hideaways and otherwise eerie landmarks.
Packed with rich illustrations, National Geographic’s first-ever guide to the world’s supernatural places showcases more than 250 spooky destinations around the globe. Uncover the origins of the vampire, found not only in Romania, but also in Madagascar and the Philippines. Encounter the array of ghosts said to haunt deserted battlefields, abandoned mental asylums, cemeteries and other spine-tingling sites. Consider the possibility of extraterrestrials spotted everywhere from Sedona, Arizona to Flatwoods, West Virginia. And experience the mystical origins of such extraordinary places as Ayers Rock, Australia and Chichén Itzá, Mexico. Vivid, dramatic, and chock full of inside information on when to visit, this spooky book will convince you that there might be more out there than meets the eye.
Packed with rich illustrations, National Geographic’s first-ever guide to the world’s supernatural places showcases more than 250 spooky destinations around the globe. Uncover the origins of the vampire, found not only in Romania, but also in Madagascar and the Philippines. Encounter the array of ghosts said to haunt deserted battlefields, abandoned mental asylums, cemeteries and other spine-tingling sites. Consider the possibility of extraterrestrials spotted everywhere from Sedona, Arizona to Flatwoods, West Virginia. And experience the mystical origins of such extraordinary places as Ayers Rock, Australia and Chichén Itzá, Mexico. Vivid, dramatic, and chock full of inside information on when to visit, this spooky book will convince you that there might be more out there than meets the eye.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published September 2, 2014
20 people are currently reading
388 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Bartlett
142 books105 followersSarah Bartlett (D.Psych Astrol) is the author of international best-selling books including The Tarot Bible, The Little Book of Practical Magic, The Witch's Spellbook and National Geographic's Guide to Supernatural Places. As contributing astrologer to media such as Cosmopolitan, She, Spirit & Destiny, the London Evening Standard and BBC Radio 2, Sarah now practices and teaches tarot, natural magic, astrology and other esoteric arts. She lives in the countryside.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 7, 2021
Fun coffee table book for those who are interested in creepy places. The photos are gorgeous. It gives just enough information to spark curiosity especially for younger readers to want to research more about certain spots.
dnf
July 2, 2018DNF
I love National Geographic's books and magazines because I learn so much. For me this book was only published due to the increasing popularity of the supernatural and the money it brings it. This book focuses more on legends and ghost stories instead of the history and more information about each of the places. This book is the same as many other books with many of the same places, same stories, and usual practice of legends being considered facts.
I love National Geographic's books and magazines because I learn so much. For me this book was only published due to the increasing popularity of the supernatural and the money it brings it. This book focuses more on legends and ghost stories instead of the history and more information about each of the places. This book is the same as many other books with many of the same places, same stories, and usual practice of legends being considered facts.
July 23, 2024
This volume skips around the world. The pyramids of Giza are given the same weight as Mount Fuji.
Categories are also suspect. A floating head trailing entrails that attacks women is a vampire but in a neighbouring Asian country the same apparition is a haunting.
I did however learn about Mexico's Island of the Dolls (don't look it up!), which gave me some decorating ideas.
Categories are also suspect. A floating head trailing entrails that attacks women is a vampire but in a neighbouring Asian country the same apparition is a haunting.
I did however learn about Mexico's Island of the Dolls (don't look it up!), which gave me some decorating ideas.
August 13, 2018
--DO NOT allow young children to look at this book as there are very graphic and sometimes very sexual-showing pictures.--
This was a book that my husband actually wanted to read after he saw it at my sister's house. As a result to help him with it we read it together even though this normally wouldn't have been my choice.
First of all this is suppose to be a National Geographic's book while I am ashamed to say that it doesn't match up to similar works from them in the past. Although mostly relying on speculation and ghost stories instead of realistic facts to give it the right voice, the author has also overlooked real facts thus giving the reader wrong facts such as the fact that Ann Boleyn was killed by an axe when she was given a French swordsman to remove her pretty head for agreeing to the chargers. There were also a few other spots that had been overlooked in the facts department as well such as that the Lascaux Caves are no longer open to the public or other wrong historical truths.
Otherwise the book was a big and hefty read that seemed intimidating but wasn't. Mostly it was full of colored photographs for illustrations while each entry had a page or two for telling. The name was given, a small snippet to introduce the theme, the text, a caption for any illustrations that were used and occasionally a suggested when to visit to get the most spook for your buck if you don't mind invading certain sacred or off-limit spots.
The book was also broken down mostly into themed categories that tried to rope most of the entries together. Otherwise past that there wasn't much other organization although each category usually started off in the United Kingdom.
All in all it could have been decent but fell short for the name that it came from. For those who may start to be interested in the subject, though, it can be a good stepping stone as long as you don't mind doing further research on your own and pressing onto better books with more historical information to supplement your reading.
This was a book that my husband actually wanted to read after he saw it at my sister's house. As a result to help him with it we read it together even though this normally wouldn't have been my choice.
First of all this is suppose to be a National Geographic's book while I am ashamed to say that it doesn't match up to similar works from them in the past. Although mostly relying on speculation and ghost stories instead of realistic facts to give it the right voice, the author has also overlooked real facts thus giving the reader wrong facts such as the fact that Ann Boleyn was killed by an axe when she was given a French swordsman to remove her pretty head for agreeing to the chargers. There were also a few other spots that had been overlooked in the facts department as well such as that the Lascaux Caves are no longer open to the public or other wrong historical truths.
Otherwise the book was a big and hefty read that seemed intimidating but wasn't. Mostly it was full of colored photographs for illustrations while each entry had a page or two for telling. The name was given, a small snippet to introduce the theme, the text, a caption for any illustrations that were used and occasionally a suggested when to visit to get the most spook for your buck if you don't mind invading certain sacred or off-limit spots.
The book was also broken down mostly into themed categories that tried to rope most of the entries together. Otherwise past that there wasn't much other organization although each category usually started off in the United Kingdom.
All in all it could have been decent but fell short for the name that it came from. For those who may start to be interested in the subject, though, it can be a good stepping stone as long as you don't mind doing further research on your own and pressing onto better books with more historical information to supplement your reading.
May 14, 2015
This was an incredibly great, if very basic book. I only call it "basic" because it really only gives you a few paragraphs at best about some places that have hundreds of books-worth of information written about them already. It's gives you the absolute basics of each place and legend, so that you can go out on your own to research anything that caught your interest. It was like a 101 course in college: Introduction To Really Interesting Stuff. I only had two complaints about the entire book (other than its large size, which made it difficult to read while lying down, but at least made the pictures easier to see). The big complaint was that a few things (photos and such) were mentioned that have been disproven as hoaxes for decades now, and that annoyed me a bit. If you know for a fact that it was 100% fake, you probably shouldn't include it in a book like this. And there was one page that was just too absurd for it to have ever been a good idea to include it: Pirani and their vampiric pumpkins. Yes, you just read that right, vampire veggies. Everything else was interesting and at least somewhat serious, but that page just seemed like a big joke, as if they were trolling the readers. Well, National Geographic, it wasn't funny, it was just stupid. I realize that it was actually a legit belief, but it did NOT belong in this book. Other than those two complaints, I absolutely loved the book. Then again, it was by Nat Geo, and not counting some of their more recent show choices, it's hard to go wrong with them.
December 21, 2014
Skimmed, really. Read some of the more interesting entries, such as the one about vampiric pumpkins. Yes, in Serbia, one must beware leaving out produce such as watermelon and pumpkins on nights with full moons, as they can turn into vampires - especially if you keep your pumpkin longer than 10 days. They don't suck blood, though, just your dead skin and such. Wonder if this is where the idea for Bunnicula came from...
I found the tale of librarian who haunts Kimberley Library in South Africa interesting. Seems one Bertrand Dyer began restoring many of the antique books there in the late 19th century. He was found out, and the shame was too much for him. He committed suicide by arsenic, taking three long days to succumb to the poison.
Finally, I didn't realize Crater Lake in Oregon was considered a sacred spot to the Klamath tribe. I've been to this beautiful place, and was just amazed at how blue - and clear - the water is. However, it's not for those in a hurry, nor those out of shape. Walking down to the lake is easy, but gravity conspires against you when you're trying to ascend the slope back to the parking lot.
Overall, an interesting book. But not one that I would read cover to cover.
I found the tale of librarian who haunts Kimberley Library in South Africa interesting. Seems one Bertrand Dyer began restoring many of the antique books there in the late 19th century. He was found out, and the shame was too much for him. He committed suicide by arsenic, taking three long days to succumb to the poison.
Finally, I didn't realize Crater Lake in Oregon was considered a sacred spot to the Klamath tribe. I've been to this beautiful place, and was just amazed at how blue - and clear - the water is. However, it's not for those in a hurry, nor those out of shape. Walking down to the lake is easy, but gravity conspires against you when you're trying to ascend the slope back to the parking lot.
Overall, an interesting book. But not one that I would read cover to cover.
February 22, 2023
It was a good book, but there was a lot more than I expected! For example, it wasn't just about Haunted Places and ghosts. It was also about UFO Sightings, a Sacred Places. And while I found that interesting, it was a bit annoying because there was so much to read, and I was excepting spooky stuff. But, all in all, it was a good book, and I recommend it to anyone who likes spooky and creepy things, but ages 10 and up, for mature and inappropriate content.
Read
October 5, 2020good for learning about local legends and tidbits of history, such as the mass witch trial and stake-burning in Wurzburg, Austria, the Chinese emperor Yongle's massacre of his own harem in the Forbidden City, the 10-year chaining of Mary Queen of Scot's husband the Earl of Bothwell, a cannibal clan in Scotland flushed out by king James VI, the Carnac stones, etc.
October 27, 2020
Another short October encyclopedia read. Filled with lots of pictures and short summaries of haunted places, spiritual sites and mythological locations. Not a lot of information on any of them, but sparks my interest to dive deeper into the lore behind many of them.
March 24, 2019
A coffee table book of photographs of interesting places.
The photographs are gorgeous.
The photographs are gorgeous.
November 23, 2021
This book is so worth a read ... 10 times over!
January 26, 2015
Fun to have around to pick up and put down. Lots of speculation, which seems rather unusual for a book endorsed by National Geographic but an interesting array of world sites that may or not have supernatural occurrences.
April 30, 2015
Not what I was expecting. I was looking more for a book that shared historical insights on spooky places. Instead the book just tells you the stories. I did like to read all about the sacred places since that was just information.
November 6, 2015
Good for an overview but not if you want more in-depth stories about the places.
November 6, 2015
Quick look into Supernatural Places of the World.
It was an appealing way to get illustration with information about numerous places around the globe.
I would suggest this book to others.
It was an appealing way to get illustration with information about numerous places around the globe.
I would suggest this book to others.
October 13, 2018
This book was fascinating, it showcased so may places I had never known were haunted that I learned a lot. Each page was one location, with full color photography and several short paragraphs describing the location, the structure and why supernatural activity was said to be taking place there. I will say, at least in my view, the title was a little misleading because a large section of the book dealt with religious sites, not in my view anything spooky.
The book was divided into five sections, and each showcased locations from around the world in geographic order. The locale order differed somewhat but, for example, places in the United States, then Europe, then Asia etc. were showcased. Also, within each section were two page spreads that showcased 5 Hot Spots that pertained to that sections topic.
The sections were:
Haunted Places - This dealt with haunted structures for the most part. Three that I found most compelling were: Versailles Gardens said to be haunted by Marie Antoinette and victims of the French Revolution, Billhop House in the United States where the ghost of a young girl is said to roam and the Princess Theater in Melbourne, the home of a ghostly baritone.
Vampire Haunts - Castles, cemeteries and even natural settings featured here. Cachtice Castle, the home of Elizabeth Bathory is a well known vampire setting. Chambord in France, which surprised me, was said to be home to the vampire count St. Germaine. Victoria Falls, which was fascinating, is supposedly the home of an immortal gigantic bird of prey that feasts on blood.
Witchcraft and the Dark Arts - Many enticing locales around the world where witches and magicians were said to have lived were discussed in this section. In addition, practitioners of the Dark Arts were featured as well. Two that I found fascinating were Mother Shipton, and English witch who, it was said, could predict the future, and a flying magician said to reside in Valladolid.
Sacred Places - This was a catalog of religious sites around the world that were sacred for a wide variety of reasons. Some of the places showcased included Sherwood Forest, Mt. Saint Michel, Chartes Cathedral and it's labyrinth, Santiago de Compostelo in Spain and the pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
UFO Hot Spots - The final section took you on an around the world journey chronicling UFO sightings. From Wallonia in Belgium, to Istanbul, to Pretoria South Africa, we were shown many of the different countries that had experienced UFO phenomena.
An engrossing and captivating book with beautiful photographs, for anyone interested in the spooky or the paranormal.
The book was divided into five sections, and each showcased locations from around the world in geographic order. The locale order differed somewhat but, for example, places in the United States, then Europe, then Asia etc. were showcased. Also, within each section were two page spreads that showcased 5 Hot Spots that pertained to that sections topic.
The sections were:
Haunted Places - This dealt with haunted structures for the most part. Three that I found most compelling were: Versailles Gardens said to be haunted by Marie Antoinette and victims of the French Revolution, Billhop House in the United States where the ghost of a young girl is said to roam and the Princess Theater in Melbourne, the home of a ghostly baritone.
Vampire Haunts - Castles, cemeteries and even natural settings featured here. Cachtice Castle, the home of Elizabeth Bathory is a well known vampire setting. Chambord in France, which surprised me, was said to be home to the vampire count St. Germaine. Victoria Falls, which was fascinating, is supposedly the home of an immortal gigantic bird of prey that feasts on blood.
Witchcraft and the Dark Arts - Many enticing locales around the world where witches and magicians were said to have lived were discussed in this section. In addition, practitioners of the Dark Arts were featured as well. Two that I found fascinating were Mother Shipton, and English witch who, it was said, could predict the future, and a flying magician said to reside in Valladolid.
Sacred Places - This was a catalog of religious sites around the world that were sacred for a wide variety of reasons. Some of the places showcased included Sherwood Forest, Mt. Saint Michel, Chartes Cathedral and it's labyrinth, Santiago de Compostelo in Spain and the pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
UFO Hot Spots - The final section took you on an around the world journey chronicling UFO sightings. From Wallonia in Belgium, to Istanbul, to Pretoria South Africa, we were shown many of the different countries that had experienced UFO phenomena.
An engrossing and captivating book with beautiful photographs, for anyone interested in the spooky or the paranormal.
February 24, 2019
This book is broken down in six parts, so I'm going to break my review up and rate each part.
Haunted Places - 5 stars, I loved this chapter. Each page is a different place around the world that is said to be haunted and the story telling you about the place only makes me want to learn more. Plus a fun little extra piece is some of the pages have information on how or when to visit some of the haunted places.
Vampire Haunts - 3 Stars, I don't believe in vampires so this chapter didn't have much to offer me. But there were a few interesting stories to keep my attention. If you're a fan or believe in vampires this chapter maybe for you.
Witchcraft and the Dark Arts - 4 stars, surprisingly enjoyable and I was surprised to learn how many places have witchcraft tales and horror stories.
Sacred Places - 4 stars, This is a great chapter for travelers. There are so many beautiful Places with incredible history that it's nice to read and get ideas of somewhere to visit.
UFO Hot Spots - 5 stars, I never knew there were so many UFO sightings. I would have loved to read more about it.
Myths and Legends - 4 stars This was another great part of the book but because only one page per myth it left so much to be desired.
This book is a great read if you enjoy a little spooky mixed with history and if you love to travel this will give you so many ideas.
Haunted Places - 5 stars, I loved this chapter. Each page is a different place around the world that is said to be haunted and the story telling you about the place only makes me want to learn more. Plus a fun little extra piece is some of the pages have information on how or when to visit some of the haunted places.
Vampire Haunts - 3 Stars, I don't believe in vampires so this chapter didn't have much to offer me. But there were a few interesting stories to keep my attention. If you're a fan or believe in vampires this chapter maybe for you.
Witchcraft and the Dark Arts - 4 stars, surprisingly enjoyable and I was surprised to learn how many places have witchcraft tales and horror stories.
Sacred Places - 4 stars, This is a great chapter for travelers. There are so many beautiful Places with incredible history that it's nice to read and get ideas of somewhere to visit.
UFO Hot Spots - 5 stars, I never knew there were so many UFO sightings. I would have loved to read more about it.
Myths and Legends - 4 stars This was another great part of the book but because only one page per myth it left so much to be desired.
This book is a great read if you enjoy a little spooky mixed with history and if you love to travel this will give you so many ideas.
February 7, 2020
I love books like this. Give me anything supernatural and I am here for it! I believe in it all baby! Cuz why not?!?
Cryptids ✔
Mythical Creatures ✔
Ghosts/Haunted Places and/or Things ✔
Aliens ✔
Monsters ✔
Sure! I believe it! There's so many crazy things in this universe that we *do* know about, imagine all the things that we don't!
Cryptids ✔
Mythical Creatures ✔
Ghosts/Haunted Places and/or Things ✔
Aliens ✔
Monsters ✔
Sure! I believe it! There's so many crazy things in this universe that we *do* know about, imagine all the things that we don't!
January 26, 2022
I've been interested in the supernatural since I was 11 years old. I was happy to find this book that depicted not only haunted places, but places related to witchcraft, UFO's and myths and legends. The book itself was interesting.
In the haunted section, I would've appreciated to have more place outside Europe, like in Japan (the Gods know they have many haunted places). Also, instead of 250 places, maybe reduce it to 200 and have more information about each place.
Overall, it's a good reading. I discovered many new places and learn new information about places I already knew about.
In the haunted section, I would've appreciated to have more place outside Europe, like in Japan (the Gods know they have many haunted places). Also, instead of 250 places, maybe reduce it to 200 and have more information about each place.
Overall, it's a good reading. I discovered many new places and learn new information about places I already knew about.
November 6, 2022
I got this as a physical book from the library. The photos are gorgeous. It gives just enough information to spark curiosity especially for younger readers to want to research more about certain spots.
September 24, 2017
Fantastic book full of spooky places , legends, and more. It was invaluable for research!
September 13, 2019
Honestly a little boring. And some of the information about places I knew wasn’t even accurate so I’m worried about learning inaccurate stuff about the places I’ve never heard of before
October 20, 2019
What the hell happened to National Geographic? This is pathetic.
April 19, 2022
Good book, and informative.
January 23, 2023
Wonderful photography and interesting places, but not an in-deprh study. Good for an afternoon or two and will spark more reading about some if the people and places described.
December 10, 2023
This was such an interesting book! I loved getting to learn more about some of the world’s most spooky places! It was even cooler learning about some of the places I’ve visited!
December 9, 2024
Really good informative book, full of hauntings and other spooky tales from around the world…I liked especially the UFO section, you can’t tell me they don’t exist!!!
February 26, 2017
Very comprehensive book that covers the globe divided into sections including: UFO Hot Spots, Haunted Places, Mystic Places, Myths and Legends, Witches/Vampires. Some of the places I was familiar with already but I learned about several places I hadn't known. Gives enough information for a summary of the place and if you're interested in learning more, you can. It is a thick book and takes a while to read
October 18, 2016
My copy of this book shares the ISBN #: 978-1-4262-1380-9 with another book with a similar title.
1st Read: March 21, 2016 - April 4, 2016
This is an interesting and educational read. It is nice to read about the supernatural and learn about new things, rather than just Stonehenge, Machu Picchu, spirts/ghosts, and witches and vampires. This book touched on many things that are new to me and I welcomed the insight.
The book is split into six sections of the supernatural, starting with Haunted Places. It then proceeds into Vampire Haunts, to Witchcraft And The Dark Arts, followed by Sacred Places, into UFO Hot Spots chapter and finally into Myths And Legends. The text and accompanying artwork/photos only help to paint a more vivid scene for the reader.
March 1, 2015
A very pretty book, lots of color pictures and illustrations, although they don't always match the stories. The blood stains and fingerprints give the pages an eerie atmosphere, but it almost seems like they spent more time making it pretty than working on the stories. Each story is extremely brief, which might make for good light reading, if you're interested in skimming the details.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews