La isla de las Mentiras - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. The Island of the Lies, also known as the Island of San Simón, is a small island located in the Ría de Vigo in Galicia, Spain. It is known for its dark history as a quarantine station for victims of the Spanish flu in the early 20th century.
- 2. The island was originally used as a leper colony in the 16th century before being converted into a quarantine station in the 19th century. During the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918, the island housed hundreds of patients who were left to die due to lack of medical care.
- 3. The island is now abandoned and in ruins, with only a few crumbling buildings remaining. It has become a popular destination for tourists and ghost hunters looking to explore its haunted past.
- 4. The island is accessible by boat from the nearby town of Redondela, but visitors are not allowed to disembark due to safety concerns. However, guided tours are available to learn about the island's history and the tragic events that took place there.
- 5. The island is said to be haunted by the spirits of those who died there during the Spanish flu pandemic. Visitors have reported hearing strange noises, seeing ghostly figures, and feeling a sense of unease while on the island.
- 6. In 2014, a Spanish film called "La isla de las mentiras" was released, which tells the story of the island and the tragic events that occurred there during the Spanish flu pandemic.
- 7. The island is now a protected natural area and is part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including seabirds, dolphins, and seals.
- 8. The island's dark past has made it a popular setting for ghost stories and urban legends in Galician folklore. Locals believe that the spirits of the victims still haunt the island, seeking justice for their untimely deaths.
- 9. The island's name, "La isla de las mentiras," translates to "The Island of Lies" in English, a reference to the false promises of medical care made to the patients who were sent there during the Spanish flu pandemic.
- 10. Despite its tragic history, the Island of the Lies remains a fascinating and eerie destination for those interested in exploring its haunted past and learning about the dark events that took place there.