Craco: The haunting ghost town drawing global intrigue
Craco is one of the most intriguing places in Italy. Often referred to as the ghost town, it attracts tourists from across the globe. The story of its downfall is quite poignant.
Situated in the Basilicata region of southern Italy, Craco captivates visitors with its enigmatic ambience.
The history of Craco
The city was likely founded in the 8th century. It was constructed on a hillside primarily for military reasons. The first records of Craco date back to 1060, when it was under the rule of Bishop Arnaldo di Tricarico. The period of greatest prosperity began in the 13th century, when a university and a castle were established. By the 20th century, the town had approximately 2,500 residents.
Craco survived numerous historical upheavals, including Italy's unification and World Wars. Nevertheless, nature, rather than conflicts, compelled the residents to abandon their homes.
Reasons for the city's evacuation
In the 1940s, landslides began occurring in Craco, mainly due to ill-advised construction work. The problem was that the hill on which the city stood could not withstand the pressure of intensified development. Earthquakes also contributed to the instability.
In 1963, officials evacuated the residents and relocated them to a new town in the valley, Craco Peschiera. However, some inhabitants remained in old Craco until the 1970s, when floods and earthquakes finally forced the last residents to vacate their homes. By the 1980s, Craco was completely sealed off.
A tourist attraction
Today, Craco is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can only explore the city’s ruins with a guide and wearing protective helmets. They can observe the historic buildings, now largely dilapidated. In some places, towers or balconies still stand. However, the majority of the structures lie in complete ruin. The only well-preserved site is the church of Santa Maria della Stella. Therefore, the guided route passes only through the more stable ruins.
The tour leads through the town to its highest point, a tower around 390 metres above sea level. This strategic point offers views of all the surrounding towns, and on a clear day, even the Ionian Sea can be seen.
A film set
This area attracts tourists and filmmakers. Scenes from Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" and "Quantum of Solace" from the James Bond series were filmed here.
Currently, the only residents of Craco that visitors may encounter while exploring the hill are herds of sheep, enjoying the lush local meadows.
A few words about the region
The Basilicata region is situated in southern Italy, at the tip of the Italian Peninsula. It features a mountainous landscape with towns nestled on hills. Many of these towns are enthrall by their unique location and histories, but few draw as many tourists as Craco. It’s about 40 kilometres from the Gulf of Taranto, part of the Ionian Sea.
