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Places (POIs) visited during this tour

Place #1
Distance: 0.05mi , Attraction : Historic House, Garden (Recommended selfie spot).
Map Pin
318 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
POI 1 Tour Image
Ropes Mansion & Garden
Let's get started! Welcome to the Ropes Mansion and Garden, a true gem of Salem’s architectural heritage. As you stand before this imposing, yet graceful, Georgian Colonial mansion, you're looking at more than just a beautiful house; you're peering into centuries of one family's life and legacy. Built in 1768, this residence was home to four generations of the Ropes family, prominent Salem merchants, judges, and philanthropists, until 1907.

The house offers a rare glimpse into the evolution of domestic life, as the family continuously updated and added to their home, rather than tearing it down. You’ll find furniture and decorative arts spanning the Queen Anne, Chippendale, Federal, and Victorian periods, all original to the Ropes family. Imagine Nathaniel Ropes, a successful merchant and ship owner, walking these very halls. Later, his grandson, Judge Nathaniel Ropes, who served on the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, also resided here, leaving his intellectual mark on the property.

But wait, there's more than just history here! For those of you with a penchant for Halloween cult classics, you might recognize this as 'Allison's house' from the beloved 1993 film *Hocus Pocus*. Yes, the exterior shots where Max and Dani visit Allison were filmed right here! It’s quite the contrast, isn't it? A dignified 18th-century home providing the backdrop for teenage shenanigans and a trio of resurrected witches.

And don't forget the exquisite gardens out back. These meticulously restored Victorian-era gardens are a tranquil oasis, designed in the late 19th century by the Ropes sisters, Eliza and Mary. They feature winding paths, fragrant flowers, and a beautiful fountain, offering a perfect spot for reflection after delving into Salem's more dramatic history. It’s a wonderful example of how one family’s dedication to their home has preserved so much for us to enjoy today.

Read More

  https://www.pem.org/visit/ropes-mansion-garden/
Place #2
Distance: 0.03mi , Attraction : Historic House Museum (Recommended selfie spot).
Map Pin
314 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
POI 2 Tour Image
The Witch House
Up next is the historic Witch House, a genuinely rare gem in Salem. Don't let the name fool you into expecting a coven's lair; this is actually the former home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, and it's the only standing structure in Salem with direct, verifiable ties to the 1692 Witch Trials. Yes, you heard that right – the *only* one. Built between 1620 and 1642, this First Period Colonial structure offers a unique window into 17th-century life.

Judge Corwin was one of the magistrates involved in the preliminary examinations of accused witches during that tumultuous period. He signed numerous arrest warrants and presided over many of the initial hearings. Imagine the decisions made and the accusations discussed within these very walls during those dark days. His involvement spanned from May to October of 1692, making this house a silent witness to a significant portion of the trials.

Today, The Witch House is preserved as a museum, showcasing artifacts and furnishings that reflect the lifestyle of a prosperous Puritan family from that era. You'll see period furniture, tools, and a glimpse into the domestic arrangements. It’s a sobering experience to walk through rooms where a man who held the power of life and death over his neighbors once lived and worked. It's a tangible link to the past, reminding us that these events didn't happen in some distant, abstract realm, but in real homes, among real people, right here in Salem.

Read More

  https://www.thewitchhouse.org/
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour

Map Pin Place 1 Ropes Mansion & Garden
Map Pin Place 2 The Witch House
Map Pin Place 3 Nathaniel Bowditch House
Map Pin Place 4 Witch Dungeon Museum
Map Pin Place 5 Gallows Hill Museum/Theater
Map Pin Place 6 Bewitched Statue
Map Pin Place 7 The Museum Place
Map Pin Place 8 Peabody Essex Museum
Map Pin Place 9 Salem Witch Museum
Map Pin Place 10 Nathaniel Hawthorne Statue
Map Pin Place 11 Witch Trials Memorial
Map Pin Place 12 New England Pirate Museum
Map Pin Place 13 Salem Custom House
Map Pin Place 14 Derby Wharf & Friendship
Map Pin Place 15 Salem Maritime National Historic Site
Map Pin Place 16 House of the Seven Gables



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How to take a UCPlaces tour
Taking a UCPlaces tour is fun and easy.
Download the app (Android or iOS), purchase the tour (either here on the website, or from within the app).
That's it, you're ready to go!
When you want to start the tour, find the tour in the app (via a quick in-app search or by clicking the tour link received in your confirmation email) and click "Start Tour" (headphones recommended for best experience.)
* After purchasing a tour you will receive a purchase confirmation email including the tour link and instructions on how to take the tour, so you don't have to remember anything now.
How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
  • No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
  • Walk at your own pace.
  • No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
  • Take the tour in your preferred language.
  • Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
  • Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
  • Enjoy preferred prices.

What's included?
  • A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
  • Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
  • Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
  • Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
  • Earphones (highly recommended).
  • Smartphone.
  • Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).
  • Tickets to the attractions on your tour.
  • Food and drinks
  • Physical tour guide.

Have any questions about this tour? Or a general travel / self-guided tours question? That's completely natural

+ How long does this tour take?
Most travelers complete this tour in approximately 1 to 1 hours, depending on pace, time spent at each stop, and optional detours. Having said that, please remember that self-guided tours are extremly flexible (you can start, pause, continue anytime) and everyone has their own pace.
+ What does this tour include?
This self-guided walking tour includes 16 stops, covering top attractions such as Ropes Mansion & Garden, The Witch House, Nathaniel Bowditch House, Witch Dungeon Museum, Gallows Hill Museum/Theater.
+ Where does the tour start?
The tour starts at Ropes Mansion & Garden (Address: 318 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970, USA). You can begin the tour there or join from any stop along the route.
+ What type of tour is this?
This is a self-guided walking tour designed to be completed on foot through walkable areas and city highlights.
+ Can I do this tour at my own pace?
Yes, this is a self-guided walking tour, so you can start anytime and explore at your own pace. You can pause, skip stops, or spend more time at places that interest you. You can even split it into multiple days. Explore however feels right for you.
+ Is this a walkable tour?
Yes, this tour is fully walkable and designed to follow a comfortable route through pedestrian-friendly areas.
+ Do I need anything in order to take the tour?
There is one thing that you need - A mobile phone (with the UCPlaces app installed and active location services, and a cellular data plan with a decent signal for downloading the tour) and comfortable walking shoes! But here are some recommendations for a great experience: 1. Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a mobile charger/battery. 2. Bring earphones for the best experience. 3. Bring a bottle of water and dress appropriately according to the weather forecast.
+ How will I navigate from point to point during the tour?
The tour uses GPS-based navigation through the UCPlaces app, with automatic audio playback and step-by-step directions between stops. Just follow the route (cross streets carefully using crosswalks) and listen to the audio guide. Use the resume feature to continue the from where you recently stopped (or closed the app). Easily skip or go back to stops.
+ Is this tour suitable for families or groups?
Yes, self-guided tours are ideal for families and small groups, allowing everyone to explore comfortably without being tied to a fixed schedule.
+ What makes a self-guided tour better than a guided tour?
Self-guided tours are more flexible, affordable, and personalized. You can avoid crowds, choose your pace, and focus on the stops that interest you most.
+ I installed the app and it's now asking for GPS and media access permissions, why?
The app is your tour-guide, it needs to know where you are located on the map to be able to trigger the points of interest. It also needs access to audio and media files to provide you with this experience.
+ What happens if there are unexpected roadblocks or navigation issues?
We have been working hard to deliver a great experience. Though you may run into unexpected obstacles (the world is constantly changing), our app has multiple features and mechanisms in place to help you overcome them, including: AI assistance, force play an audio if you can't reach the stop, skip or return to stops, automatic rerouting and more.
+ Can I take the tour in my language?
Though all of our tours are primarily in English, many tours are muyltilingual (including: Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Japanese, Hebrew, French, Arabic and more...). The tour language options depend on the specific tour - You can easily check which languages are available in the tour screen!