About This Location
A magnificent social club built in 1917 for Tampa's Cuban immigrant community, featuring a ballroom, theatre, bowling alley, and swimming pool. Now on the National Register of Historic Places and considered America's most haunted building.
The Ghost Story
The Cuban Club (El Círculo Cubano de Tampa) in Ybor City is considered one of the most haunted buildings in America, with paranormal investigators estimating up to 300 spirits inhabit its walls. This grand four-story Neoclassical structure was built in 1917 after fire destroyed the original 1899 clubhouse—a mutual aid society that provided hope and resources to Cuban immigrants.
The building once housed a large ballroom, theater, bowling alley, spa, restaurant, swimming pool, and medical clinic. On the National Register of Historic Places since 1972, it has accumulated more than a century of tragedy.
The most famous spirit is Victorio the Playwright, said to haunt the second-floor theater. In 1919, while performing a play he had written himself, Victorio forgot his lines. Overcome with shame, he returned to the club after hours, draped a rope across the stage catwalk, and hanged himself. Visitors see flashes of light and floating orbs in the theater.
Rosalita, the Lady in White, frequents the third-floor ballroom wearing a white dress and bright shoes. One evening, she refused a man's request to dance. Humiliated, he threw her from the third-floor balcony to her death. Rosalita now spends eternity dancing the final waltz that never happened.
Little Jimmy, an eight-year-old boy who allegedly drowned in the basement pool, makes his presence known through giggles, cold spots, and water-like sounds.
In 1934, board member Bellarmino Vallejo was shot and killed inside the club during an argument—his spirit is said to remain.
Footsteps echo in empty hallways, lights flicker, elevators move without riders, and Spanish whispers drift through the air. The Tampa Bay Times could not verify all the death stories, suggesting some may be legend, but the paranormal activity continues unabated.
Researched from 6 verified sources including historical records, local archives, and paranormal research organizations. Learn about our research process.
