17 Unusual Urban Legends Behind the World’s Most Iconic Landmarks

14. The Phantom Bells of Notre-Dame (France)

The tragic fire that nearly destroyed Notre-Dame Cathedral in 2019 reignited an old Parisian legend—the tale of phantom bells that toll at midnight. It is said that after the death of Quasimodo, the real-life inspiration for Victor Hugo’s Hunchback of Notre-Dame, the bells would ring by themselves, even when no one was inside the tower. Eyewitnesses over the centuries have reported hearing mournful chimes on the anniversary of significant events, such as the French Revolution or the liberation of Paris in World War II. Some believe the spirit of an old bell-ringer still watches over the cathedral, unwilling to leave his home. Others suspect the bells carry a message from beyond, an omen of great change or disaster about to befall France.