Ever felt a chill that wasn’t from the Puget Sound breeze? At Manresa Castle in Port Townsend, Washington, the air hums with secrets from a bygone era. Built in 1892, this grand hotel—once a private mansion—stands like a sentinel overlooking the town, its turrets whispering tales of tragedy and restless spirits. From unexplained footsteps to flickering lights, guests report encounters that linger long after checkout. Is it just an old building’s quirks, or do ghosts roam these halls? Let’s step into the shadows of Manresa Castle’s haunted history.
This castle-turned-hotel is more than a historic landmark—it’s a paranormal hotspot. Known as Eisenbeis Castle in its early days, it’s drawn ghost hunters and curious travelers alike, featured on shows like Ghost Adventures and Haunted History. Rooms 302 and 306 are infamous for their spectral residents, but the entire property buzzes with eerie energy. Whether you’re a skeptic or a thrill-seeker, the castle’s blend of charm and chills is undeniable. Ready to explore its ghostly legends and unsettling encounters?
Manresa Castle History
Manresa Castle began as the dream home of Charles Eisenbeis, Port Townsend’s first mayor, and his wife, Kate. Completed in 1892, the 30-room mansion was the largest private residence in town, boasting 12-inch-thick brick walls and Prussian-inspired turrets. German artisans crafted its intricate woodwork and tiled fireplaces, earning it the nickname “Eisenbeis Castle.” Charles, a powerhouse in local business—owning a bank, brewery, and brickworks—lived there until his death in 1902. Kate remarried, leaving the castle empty for nearly two decades.
In 1925, a Seattle attorney purchased the property, hoping to turn it into a vacation retreat for nuns. The plan faltered, and by 1927, Jesuit priests acquired it, renaming it Manresa Hall after the birthplace of their order’s founder, Saint Ignatius Loyola. They added a south wing with a chapel and sleeping quarters, stuccoing the original brick exterior for uniformity. The Jesuits used it as a training college until 1968, when maintenance costs drove them out. That year, it transformed into the hotel we know today, blending Victorian elegance with modern comforts.
Tragedy stains the castle’s past. Legends speak of a young woman, Kate, who leapt from Room 306’s window in 1921, heartbroken over a lover lost at sea. Another tale claims a Jesuit priest, shamed by scandal, hanged himself in the attic above Room 302. Charles Eisenbeis Jr., the mayor’s son, also took his life in a nearby bakery’s basement in 1897. These dark events fuel the castle’s haunted reputation, with spirits seemingly tethered to its walls. Could these tragedies explain the restless energy guests feel?
Since becoming a hotel, Manresa has hosted countless visitors, from wedding parties to paranormal investigators. Its stately halls, romantic gardens, and sweeping views of the Olympic and Cascade Mountains make it a draw for tourists. Yet, the creaks of its old floors and the hum of its vintage elevator seem to carry echoes of the past. The castle’s history is alive, perhaps in more ways than one.
Ghostly Encounters People Have Had
Kate, the Woman in Room 306
One of the castle’s most famous spirits is Kate, a young Englishwoman said to have stayed in Room 306 in 1921. According to legend, she threw herself from the window after learning her lover’s ship sank. Guests report flickering lights, TVs turning on and off, and a female apparition in a white dress. Her portrait supposedly hangs in the castle, adding to the eerie lore. Is Kate still mourning her lost love?
The Hanging Monk of Room 302
Room 302 sits beneath the attic where a Jesuit priest allegedly hanged himself after a forbidden affair with a nun. Known as the “Hanging Monk,” his spirit is blamed for footsteps heard in the attic above, especially when the room is empty. Guests describe feeling a heavy presence or hearing rope creaking in the night. Some claim their bedsheets are tugged by unseen hands. Could this tormented soul still haunt the tower?
The Sad Violinist
A lesser-known spirit is the “Sad Violinist,” whose mournful music drifts through the halls. Guests and staff have reported hearing faint violin notes, often near the former chapel, now the breakfast room. No clear tragedy ties to this ghost, but some speculate it’s a former resident or visitor, forever playing a melancholic tune. The sound is fleeting, leaving listeners both enchanted and uneasy.
The Ghosts of Manresa Castle
In 2010, the Olympic Peninsula Paranormal Society investigated Manresa, capturing 51 EVPs (electronic voice phenomena) over 13 hours. One recording, from Room 302, caught a male voice saying, “I am not here.” The group also photographed orbs and shadows in the attic, fueling speculation about the Hanging Monk. “We felt a presence that wasn’t welcoming,” their lead investigator noted on their website. Their evidence remains a cornerstone for local ghost hunters.
A 2015 Ghost Adventures episode brought Manresa’s hauntings to national attention. During their lockdown, the crew recorded a spirit mimicking investigator Aaron Goodwin’s words in Room 306. Guest Kimberly Smith, the front desk manager, told them, “We hear from guests two or three times a week about odd experiences.” She described doors locking and unlocking on their own, though she insisted the spirits were harmless. The episode cemented the castle’s spooky reputation.
In 2020, a guest named Richard stayed in Room 306 with his niece. “The room reeked of old perfume when we arrived,” he shared on Tripadvisor. That night, the TV turned off repeatedly, and his niece claimed to see a woman’s figure by the window. They left at 1 a.m., too spooked to stay. Richard returned later with his son and reported similar disturbances in Room 302, including drained batteries and banging noises. Have you had a similar encounter? Share it at Reports@ParaRational.com!
A 2024 post on X recounted a chilling stay in Room 308. The guest woke to banging from above and felt someone pulling at their legs. “My boyfriend said it felt like someone was on top of the sheets,” they wrote. Though they didn’t know the castle’s haunted history, the experience left them rattled. These stories, from subtle to startling, keep Manresa’s ghostly legend alive.
Learn More About Haunted Locations
Manresa Castle Map
Nestled at 651 Cleveland St, Port Townsend, WA 98368 (48.1239, -122.7607), Manresa Castle is a historic 1892 hotel with a haunted reputation. Known for its Prussian-style architecture and ghostly residents like Kate and the Hanging Monk, it’s a must-visit for thrill-seekers.
Tips for Visiting Manresa Castle
Ready to brave Manresa Castle? Book a stay in Rooms 302, 304, or 306 for the best chance at paranormal activity—October is peak spooky season. Rates range from $109–$229 per night; check manresacastle.com for availability. The hotel’s restaurant, serving Mexican and Asian cuisine, is open Tuesday–Sunday, but the bar is currently closed.
What to Bring: Pack a flashlight for dimly lit halls, a camera for potential apparitions, and an audio recorder for EVPs. A notebook to log experiences is handy—past guests used “ghost registers” in rooms.
Safety Tips: Stick to guest areas; the attic and fire escapes are off-limits. Watch for uneven floors, especially in older sections. Don’t wander alone at night—spirits might be playful.
Best Times: Evening check-ins enhance the eerie vibe. Request a haunted room when booking, as they fill fast.
Guided history tours are available seasonally; contact the hotel for details. Staff are friendly and often share their own ghost stories if asked. Respect the property—it’s a working hotel, not just a paranormal playground. Parking is free, but arrive early to explore nearby Fort Worden or the Port Townsend Marine Science Center.
FAQ
Is Manresa Castle really haunted? Many guests report unexplained phenomena like footsteps and flickering lights, especially in Rooms 302 and 306. Skeptics attribute these to old wiring or imagination, but the stories persist.
Can I stay in the haunted rooms? Yes, Rooms 302, 304, and 306 are available but book early—they’re popular. Specify your preference when reserving.
Are there ghost tours? The castle doesn’t offer regular ghost tours, but seasonal history tours touch on hauntings. Check manresacastle.com for schedules.
Is it safe to visit? The hotel is safe during guest hours, but old floors and stairs require caution. Follow staff guidelines to avoid restricted areas.
Can kids stay? Children are welcome, but the spooky atmosphere may unsettle younger ones. Family rooms are available.
Have investigators found evidence? Groups like the Olympic Peninsula Paranormal Society have recorded EVPs and shadows, particularly in Room 302. No definitive proof exists, but the evidence fuels curiosity.
Manresa Castle blends Victorian grandeur with ghostly intrigue, from Kate’s tragic tale to the Hanging Monk’s restless spirit. Whether you’re chasing chills or history, this Port Townsend gem delivers. Book a stay, join a tour, or share your eerie encounter at Reports@ParaRational.com.
