This week we’re exploring the legend of Houska Castle, a 13th century Gothic fortress in the Czech Republic said to contain a gateway to hell in its basement. We cover everything from the castle's origins, to its occupation by a supposed warlock named Oronto and later by the Nazis during WWII, as well as debates over the validity of urban legends about deep holes serving as portals to demonic realms. Also our own fears of narrow, bottomless pits and the horrors they might conceal in the dark depths! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices