If you’re the type of traveler seeking some spooky nostalgia of the days gone by or have a penchant for off-the-beaten-path trips, ghost towns are a good idea. They are close to transporting visitors to the distant (and not-so-distant) past and giving them a glimpse of what the future will be like without humans, all at the same time.

Craco can be a good idea to start. It is a ghost town in Italy’s Basilicata region sitting atop a steep cliff. This ancient settlement dates back to the 6th century AD, with Greek origins. Its strategic location made it a prime spot for defense, but natural disasters ultimately led to its downfall. 

The town’s origins date from 540 AD when it was known as Montedoro. The Greek monks were among the first to inhabit the hilltop village. They moved to Craco from the coastal town of Metaponto to escape the harsh conditions and the constant threats from seafaring invaders.  Craco was a feudal town, monastic center, and center for education (it even had a university), plus a church, plaza, and castle. If you picture what Craco was like, it was a beautiful town blessed with unique urban landscapes.

The town’s layout stems from the medieval era. In the 12th century, Norman invaders added a watchtower (whose ruins still stand today). Over time, grand palaces sprung up, shaping Craco’s skyline. The town faced many changes as Italy unified in the 1800s. 

Craco’s average population was around 1,500 after 1600. It probably reached around 1,600 in 1561, a significant increase from 450 in 1277. The village may have had a population of about 3,000 before it was abandoned.

By the 20th century, Craco saw many residents leave for new chances abroad. But it was nature that sealed the town’s fate. Earthquakes and landslides made living there unsafe. After World War II, the village was deemed uninhabitable. In 1963, 1,800 inhabitants moved to a new town in a nearby valley. By 1980, Craco was empty. 

What visitors can expect to see Craco today?

Today, Craco draws tourists and filmmakers alike. Visitors can take guided tours, wearing hard hats, to explore the ruins safely. To visit Craco, go to the media center outside of the town and request the reception for a guided tour. 

The tours are available from 10 AM until sunset daily, typically run every hour, and are an hour long. English-language tours can cost around 15 euros per head (as of this writing). You have to wait for the tours to start until there are five to seven people in the group. 

From afar, the town looks like a work of art, with buildings stacked on each other. Most of the town’s buildings are still standing. But up close, signs of decay are clear. Empty bell towers and rusty balconies tell tales of a once-busy place. 

Like many Italian towns, churches are pivotal to Craco’s history. A few of these churches still stand. The church of Santa Maria della Stella houses a statue of the Virgin Mary found by a shepherd long ago. Local stories speak of a tavern run by a woman who turned men into vinegar. Tombs as old as the 8th century make visitors understand the town’s origins date back to the Iron Age.

Craco’s eerie beauty has made it a popular film set. It was used in the movie version of “Christ Stopped at Eboli,” a book about life in Basilicata. Mel Gibson also filmed parts of The Passion of the Christ here. Other international films shot there include King David, Saving Grace, and Quantum of Solace, as well as numerous Italian movies.

The town’s story reflects wider trends in Italy. The country faces a low birth rate, with many young people leaving rural areas. Basilicata loses thousands of young residents each year. 

Craco’s history spans centuries. It began with Greek settlers and survived countless invaders. But it couldn’t withstand the forces of nature. The last residents left just decades ago, closing a chapter that began in ancient times. 

This abandoned town now serves as a stark reminder of the past. Its empty streets and crumbling buildings paint a picture of a place frozen in time. Visitors can walk through history, imagining life as it once was in this hilltop community. 

Craco’s unique setting and rich past make it stand out among ghost towns. Its cliff-top perch offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. The mix of medieval and later architecture tells the story of its growth over time. 

The town’s abandonment happened in stages. As conditions worsened, families slowly moved away. This gradual exodus left behind a village that seems caught between two worlds – the past and the present. 

Climate and geography played significant roles in Craco’s story. The area is prone to earthquakes, damaging buildings over time. The town’s high spot, once a strength, became a weakness as the ground grew unstable.

Water issues also plagued Craco. Poor sewers and water systems made life hard for residents. These problems, along with natural disasters, pushed people to leave. 

Despite being empty, Craco still has cultural value. You’d be surprised to learn that, despite its decaying state, Craco has played host to numerous concerts and other cultural events. Profits from these events are used to preserve this crumbling town. Craco continues to draw those interested in history and architecture. Its silent streets speak volumes about rural life in southern Italy. 

The town’s fate raises questions about human settlements in tricky areas. It shows how nature can reclaim spaces people once called home. Craco serves as a lesson in the importance of building with the environment in mind. 

For now, Craco stands as a testament to human resilience and the passing of time. Its empty buildings and quiet alleys invite reflection on the ebb and flow of human habitation. This ghost town, once full of life, now offers a hauntingly unique glimpse into Italy’s past.