Exploring the Haunted History of Old Town Pizza in Portland
Step into the intriguing world of Old Town Pizza, a pizzeria that not only serves up delicious slices but also a slice of Portland’s eerie past. Nestled in the historic setting of what was once the Merchant Hotel, built in 1880, this restaurant offers guests a unique dining experience by blending culinary delights with ghostly tales.
Located in the heart of Portland, Oregon, Old Town Pizza maintains the charm and mystique of its original architecture, the grand lobby of the old Merchant Hotel. But the history of this site goes beyond mere bricks and mortar. In its earlier days, the Merchant Hotel was a beacon of high society, yet it harbored dark secrets beneath in the form of underground tunnels. These tunnels were notorious for illicit activities, including prostitution during the late 19th century.
The Tragic Tale of Nina at Old Town Pizza
Among the echoes of its past, Old Town Pizza is famously haunted by the spirit of Nina, a woman whose life story is as tragic as it is chilling. Sold into the shadows of the underground prostitution ring, Nina’s existence was marred by exploitation. Historical records suggest that missionaries once tried to rescue her from this dismal fate. Tragically, she never found her freedom; her life was cruelly cut short, and she was found dead in the hotel’s elevator shaft, a supposed victim of those she sought escape from.
Today, Nina’s spirit is said to linger in the very place of her captivity. Diners report sightings of a spectral figure in a black dress, a silent sentinel in the rooms of Old Town Pizza. Her presence is most felt in a back room of the restaurant, chillingly adjacent to the old elevator shaft. It’s here that guests report the strongest sensations of her presence, and where her name is etched into a brick, a somber memorial of her sorrowful tale.
A Culinary Experience with a Ghostly Companion
Visiting Old Town Pizza offers more than just a meal; it offers an encounter with the past. Many patrons come for the pizza but stay for the chance to glimpse Nina, making this pizzeria a renowned spot for both paranormal enthusiasts and culinary adventurers alike. Whether or not you spot the elusive Nina, dining at Old Town Pizza is a way to connect with Portland’s vibrant history and its haunting mysteries.
So, if you find yourself in Portland and are drawn to places rich with history and tales of the beyond, Old Town Pizza is a must-visit destination. Enjoy a pizza pie in the ambiance of yesteryears, and perhaps, just perhaps, you’ll have a story of your own to tell of the mysterious Nina who might grace your presence with her spectral silhouette.
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