Château Miranda, also known as Château de Noisy, was a magnificent neo-Gothic castle that stood in Celles, Belgium, from 1866 until its demolition in 2017. Throughout its 151-year history, the château developed a reputation for paranormal activity, attracting ghost hunters and urban explorers from around the world.
The castle’s paranormal legacy began during its construction, which spanned over four decades. Local legends speak of workers experiencing unexplained phenomena, such as tools mysteriously moving or the sensation of being watched when alone. Some attributed these occurrences to the land itself, claiming it held ancient energies that were disturbed by the building process.
During its time as a private residence for the Liedekerke-De Beaufort family, servants reported hearing disembodied footsteps echoing through empty corridors and witnessing shadowy figures in the castle’s numerous rooms. Family members occasionally spoke of encountering apparitions dressed in period clothing, believed to be ancestors watching over their descendants.
The château’s paranormal reputation intensified during World War II when it was briefly occupied by German forces. Soldiers stationed there reported eerie experiences, including unexplained cold spots, whispered conversations in empty rooms, and the ghostly sound of a woman’s laughter. Some speculated that these phenomena were connected to the spirits of resistance fighters or civilians who may have perished on the property during the conflict.
After the war, when Château Miranda became an orphanage and holiday camp for children, the paranormal activity seemed to increase. Staff members reported seeing the apparition of a young boy in early 20th-century clothing, often appearing in the dormitories or playrooms. Children staying at the castle frequently spoke of a “friendly ghost” that would comfort them at night, describing a maternal presence that sang lullabies and tucked them into bed.
The most intense period of reported paranormal activity occurred after the château was abandoned in 1991. Urban explorers who ventured into the decaying structure described a oppressive atmosphere that seemed to intensify as they climbed to the upper floors. Many reported feeling watched or touched by unseen entities, while others claimed to have captured orbs and mysterious figures in photographs.
One of the most frequently reported phenomena was the sound of the castle’s clock tower chiming, despite the mechanism having long since ceased to function. Visitors also described hearing phantom music and laughter echoing through the empty halls, as if the château was reliving its glory days.
The tower room, in particular, became notorious among paranormal enthusiasts. Several investigators reported experiencing intense emotional shifts while in this space, ranging from euphoria to deep despair. Some theorized that the room served as a focal point for the castle’s spiritual energy.
As news of these experiences spread, Château Miranda became a popular destination for paranormal research teams. While some investigations yielded inconclusive results, others claimed to have gathered compelling evidence of supernatural activity, including EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomenon) recordings and unexplained temperature fluctuations.
Skeptics argued that many of these experiences could be attributed to the power of suggestion, the castle’s deteriorating condition, and the natural sounds of an aging structure. However, believers maintained that Château Miranda’s long and varied history had imprinted itself on the very fabric of the building, creating a repository of psychic energy.
In the years leading up to its demolition, there was a surge of interest in the château’s paranormal aspects. Ghost hunters and curiosity seekers flocked to the site, hoping to experience its otherworldly atmosphere before it was lost forever. Some even claimed that the spirits seemed more active during this period, as if aware of the castle’s impending fate.
The demolition of Château Miranda in 2017 marked the end of its physical presence, but its paranormal legacy lives on.
