High atop the San Diego neighborhood in San Cristóbal de Las Casas stands a building that for decades has fueled rumors, ghost stories, and collective curiosity: the so-called Zavaleta Castle, also known as the “Vampire Castle.” Although it is frequently mistakenly placed in Chiapa de Corzo, the property is located within the municipality of San Cristóbal and is part of the city’s urban landscape.
The property was built between 1978 and 1982. According to local accounts, it belonged to Jorge Juan Zavaleta, a man identified as being of Spanish origin who arrived in the city in the 1970s. Locals remember him as eccentric and reserved.
“Some wealthy Spanish gentleman arrived in the city of San Cristóbal de Las Casas,” recounts a young man who entered the building. The Gothic-style structure stood out from the beginning for its unusual design in a city characterized by traditional colonial architecture.
The main facade, with its towers and elevated terraces, quickly became a topic of conversation among neighbors. “This very striking Gothic-style castle, a tall landmark in the city, was commissioned,” he mentioned during his tour. The building, located in an elevated area and now surrounded by houses, generated speculation from the moment it was built.
Over time, a legend emerged. Some residents began to say that the owner only came out at night. From there, popular narrative transformed him into a vampire. “Rumors and legends circulated that Mr. Zavaleta was a vampire, that he drank human blood, that he practiced witchcraft,” he recounts.
There are no official records to support these versions. The stories are part of the oral tradition and urban folklore that often surrounds unusual buildings or reclusive individuals. As in other cities, the mystery was fueled by the lack of information and the owner’s isolation.
Currently, Zavaleta Castle is abandoned and visibly deteriorating. The structure shows signs of age, graffiti, and vandalism. “Today it is completely abandoned, deteriorating more and more, and falling victim to vandalism,” he noted.
Despite its condition, the site continues to attract curious onlookers, urban explorers, and fans of horror stories. From the outside, it is possible to see the towers and part of the terrace, although accessing the interior poses risks due to the structural conditions.
Source: oem
