Cracked walls reclaimed by ivy, links to witchcraft and chilling phantom sightings of a monk - this abandoned monastery has it all.
An urban explorer has released pictures of the eerie site in Italy, which has been dubbed ‘The Convent of the Devil’s Monks’.
Ghosts and demons are rumoured to stalk the ruins of the Sicignano monastery which is around 60 miles from Naples.
Among them is the cursed spectre of a monk who, as legend claims, cursed the rest after they tortured the woman he loved who was accused of witchcraft.
Dutch photographer Roman Robroek has shared stunning yet creepy pictures from inside the monastery.
The 34-year-old has been exploring abandoned buildings for over a decade, travelling the world to discover buildings long vacated by their last resident.
Roman says exploring these buildings is an important part of understanding how they played a vital role in the area's culture or society at the time.
During the recent exploration of the Sicignano monastery, Roman and fellow photographer Sven van der Wal wandered the sparse and empty corridors and filmed the forgotten relics left inside.
Video from inside the building shows an abandoned desk and wicker chair gathering dust in one room, as if waiting for its owner to walk in any moment and sit down.
Others show the monastery's meandering walkways leading into dark rooms, with decaying plaster on the walls as ivy snakes its way up the sides.
One of the large rooms is falling to ruins and exposing the building's foundations, as a shattered podium still remains with blocks removed and its insides spilling onto the floor.
“The spirit still lurks around the dark, shady corridors and empty hallways, as well as the decaying surroundings of the monastery,” Roman said.
“There are many deserted buildings and monasteries throughout the Italian peninsula – but this one is unlike most of them due to its long-lasting association with the paranormal.
“The sinister reputation of this building dates back to the 1600s, which was a difficult time for Italy and most of Europe.
“Not only were there Spanish occupants oppressing the locals, but it was also an age of danger and disease.
“In those years, a wandering man found himself at the convent’s doorstep asking for hospitality and the monks were happy to have the man – on the condition he would join them.
“However, he quickly fell into his old habits and soon became infatuated with a local girl.”
According to the folk tale, the man was left heartbroken after the monks, in a bid to punish the girl, murdered her in the most brutal way possible.
“They burned her alive as she was accused of being a witch," said Roman.
"The man was pardoned back into the convent as long as he promised to commit to a life of monastic chastity.
“As the pain was too much for him to bear, it consumed him to death and with his last breath, he cursed the convent and everyone in it.
“One by one, the monks died a horrible death and eventually, everyone left – never to come back.”
The monastery dates back to the 16th century and continued well into the 20th century, later becoming a school and college before it was abandoned in 1973.
The building is now owned by the Italian government, which has attempted to turn it back into a school with little success.
“Today, it stands as a fascinating example of authentic mediaeval convent, offering some exciting sights," Roman added.
“It’s possible to see vegetation soaring through the building, as well as several acts of vandalism.
“With all the legend surrounding this place, I’d imagine this would be a popular hangout for young thrill-seekers.”
