Casa de Lopez

Unlike some historic buildings that served primarily commercial or governmental purposes, Casa de Lopez was always a home—a private space where families lived, children grew up, meals were shared, and lives were lived. This intimate, domestic quality seems to have created a different kind of spiritual energy than public buildings.

The love, warmth, and sense of belonging that filled this home during its nearly 200-year history appears to have left an imprint that sensitives and even skeptical visitors can feel. Many describe Casa de Lopez as feeling welcoming despite its reputation for paranormal activity, as if the spirits here are not malevolent entities but simply family members who never left home.

The patriarch of the Lopez family, Juan Francisco Lopez built this home and established his family within its adobe walls. Employees report seeing a distinguished-looking Hispanic man in period clothing walking through the rooms, inspecting the property as if ensuring his home is being properly maintained.

This figure is most commonly seen in what would have been the main living areas of the original home. He appears solid and real, dressed in the formal attire of a Mexican-era California gentleman, and moves with purpose and authority through the space.

Witnesses describe the figure as having a presence of ownership—not threatening but clearly surveying his property. When noticed, the figure typically nods respectfully and then vanishes, as if satisfied that his home remains in good hands.

Some believe Juan Francisco Lopez's spirit remains in the home he built, eternally watching over the casa that bore his family's name and sheltered his children and grandchildren.

Juan Matias Moreno, who resided in Casa de Lopez after the Lopez family's time, is believed to be another spirit that haunts the property. Employees report experiencing a different male presence than that of Juan Francisco Lopez—a figure that appears in different areas of the home and carries himself with quiet dignity.

This spirit is most commonly sensed rather than seen—a feeling of being in the presence of someone who belongs in the space, even if no physical form is visible. Some witnesses report hearing footsteps in empty rooms and the sound of furniture being moved, as if someone is going about the daily business of living in the home.

Moreno's spirit seems to coexist peacefully with that of Juan Francisco Lopez, as if the two men who loved this home in different eras have found a way to share it in the afterlife.

Father Antonio Ubach, the beloved priest who served San Diego for decades in the late 1800s, was a frequent visitor to Casa de Lopez during his lifetime. He blessed the home, provided spiritual counsel to the families who lived here, and performed religious ceremonies within these walls.

According to employees and guests, Father Ubach's spirit continues to visit Casa de Lopez. Witnesses report seeing a figure in priestly robes appearing in doorways, making the sign of the cross as if offering blessings to those present. The figure is described as peaceful and comforting, never frightening those who encounter him.

Some visitors report feeling an overwhelming sense of peace and spiritual protection when the priest's spirit is present, as if Father Ubach continues his ministry of comfort and blessing even in death. The scent of incense is sometimes reported in rooms where the priest's spirit has been seen, even though no incense has been burned in the building.

Father Ubach's connection to Casa de Lopez and the families he served appears to have been strong enough to transcend death, bringing his spirit back to a place where he provided so much comfort and spiritual guidance during his life.

Perhaps the most frequently reported spirits at Casa de Lopez are those of a woman and children seen by employees and guests. The woman appears in period dress appropriate to the mid-1800s, moving through the rooms of the casa as if going about household duties.

Witnesses describe seeing her folding linens, arranging items on shelves, or standing at windows looking out toward the plaza. She appears completely solid and real until someone attempts to speak to her, at which point she fades away like morning mist.

The identity of this woman remains a mystery. She may be a member of the Lopez family, the wife or daughter of Juan Matias Moreno, or one of the many other women who lived in and cared for this home over its long history. What's clear is that her connection to Casa de Lopez was profound enough that she continues to care for the house even in death.

The children's spirits are heard more often than seen. Employees report hearing the sounds of children playing, laughing, and running through the hallways—sounds that were common in this family home during its active years but shouldn't be present in the historic property today.

The children's laughter is described as joyful, not eerie—the sound of happy children at play in a home where they felt safe and loved. Some employees report seeing quick glimpses of small figures darting around corners or playing in the courtyard, only to find the areas empty when investigated.

These child spirits seem to represent the many generations of children who grew up in Casa de Lopez, playing in its rooms and courtyard, creating memories that have somehow imprinted themselves permanently on the property.

Beyond the specific apparitions, many visitors to Casa de Lopez report experiencing an overwhelming feeling of being in a home—not a museum or historic property, but an actively lived-in residence. The sensation is so strong that some guests are startled to remember that the casa is no longer a private home.

Employees describe feeling as though they're being watched over rather than haunted—as if the spirits of the home are protective and welcoming rather than hostile or frightening. Some report feeling a sense of belonging in the casa, as if the spirits recognize kindred souls who appreciate and respect the home's history.

Photographs taken at Casa de Lopez frequently show unexplained orbs, particularly in areas where the woman and children are most commonly seen. EMF meters and other ghost-hunting equipment reportedly show unusual readings throughout the property, suggesting a significant amount of spiritual energy.