The haunted Isla de Pedrosa was a place of isolation. First for sailors with exotic diseases, then as a sanatorium for children suffering from strange ailments. In later years, it was believed to be haunted by people isolated on the island, who took away those unwanted by the rest of society.
Off the coast of Cantabria, Isla Pedrosa lies like a gloomy spot in the blue ocean. The island has become known as Isla Embrujada, or haunted islands, because of the strange things that have happened there.
Isolated places were used in archaic times as a precaution against disease since the Black Death, and often deserted islands near ports were used to prevent disease from approaching ships. These places are called lazarettos, taken from the biblical story of a man who rose from the dead. The most eminent lazaretto is probably the haunted island of Poveglia in Venice.
In the 19th century, Isla de Pedrosa took on a novel role as a place to house sailors and others suffering from exotic diseases from 1834 onwards, to assist combat diseases such as yellow fever from the Americas, as well as smallpox, tuberculosis, cholera and leprosy. The island’s isolation made it an ideal place for quarantine, protecting the mainland from potential epidemics. It is said that many tragic events occurred on the island during this time, leaving a haunting presence that continues to this day.
In the first decade of the 20th century, it was transformed from a lazaretto into a children's sea sanatorium. In 1910, it could accommodate over 200 children from almost half of Spain. Its main purpose was to combat tuberculosis. However, it was not the only disease and it operated until 1989.
Haunting Legends of Isla de Pedrosa
One of the most terrifying aspects of Isla de Pedrosa’s history is the abundance of haunting legends that surround the island. Many locals and tourists have reported unsettling encounters and unexplained phenomena, contributing to its reputation as a haunted place.
Among the abandoned buildings on Isla de Pedrosa, there is one that stands out as particularly haunted – the abandoned theatre. This theatre was once frequented by the infirmed who were quarantined on the island, and it is said that their spirits still dwell within its crumbling walls.
Visitors to the theatre have reported hearing disembodied voices and footsteps, as well as seeing apparitions moving around the stage. Some have even claimed to witness performances taking place in the theatre, despite its abandoned state. The ghostly presence in the theatre adds to the eerie atmosphere of the island, leaving visitors with an unforgettable experience.
Bird Girls on Isla de Pedrosa
Another haunting legend of Isla de Pedrosa involves the so-called Bird Girls. It is said that these two sisters lived on the island during its time as a quarantine facility, sometime in the 1960s. They were born with a sporadic disease called progeria, which made them look like birds.
This appearance caused superstitious people to suspect that their condition was caused by the devil himself.
According to legend, the Bird Girls were isolated from society and hidden away on an island where they tragically died very teenage, perhaps due to their ailments. Visitors to Isla de Pedrosa report seeing the ghostly figures of these sisters wandering the shores, their deformed bodies resembling bird creatures. The presence of the Bird Girls adds a layer of mystery and intrigue to the island’s haunted reputation.
People experiencing paranormal phenomena
There are many people who claim to have experienced something paranormal on this island. A paranormal seeker named Anita Lauda claims to have seen the spirits of children approaching them with a nurse after a session with a Ouija board.
Pedrosa Island Today
Today, Isla de Pedrosa is mostly abandoned, with only a few buildings still in employ. Some of these buildings are now home to juvenile detainees and serve as a reintegration center. The island's gloomy past and haunted reputation make it an eerie and unsettling place for those who live there.
Despite its haunting atmosphere, Isla de Pedrosa still attracts tourists curious about its mysterious history. People from all over the world come to explore the abandoned buildings and soak in the eerie atmosphere surrounding the island. Isla de Pedrosa serves as a reminder of the past and a testament to the power of legends and folklore.
Bibliography:
How to Experience the Essence of the Medieval Festival of San Fermín
Halloween: The Most Haunted Places in Spain – The Local
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