Craco: Italy's captivating ghost town draws global tourists

Craco, located in the Basilicata region in southern Italy, fascinates tourists with its mysterious atmosphere.

The city was likely founded in the 8th century. Built on a hillside mainly for military reasons, the first mentions of Craco date back to 1060 when it was ruled by 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 about 2,500 inhabitants.

Craco survived many historical upheavals, including the unification of Italy and both World Wars. However, it was nature, not wars, that forced the residents to leave their homes.

In the 1940s, landslides began in Craco due to ill-considered construction work. The hill on which the city was situated couldn’t withstand the pressure of increasingly intense development. Earthquakes also contributed to the problem.

In 1963, the decision was made to evacuate the residents and resettle them in a new town in the valley, Craco Peschiera. Some people remained in the old Craco until the 1970s, when floods and earthquakes ultimately forced the last inhabitants to leave. By the 1980s, Craco was completely closed off.

Today, Craco is a popular destination for tours. Visitors can explore the ruins of the city only with a guide and while wearing protective helmets. Travelers can see historic buildings in a state of significant disrepair. Some towers or balconies have survived, but the vast majority are in complete ruin. The church of Santa Maria della Stella is the only well-preserved monument. For safety reasons, the guide outlines a route that only passes through the stable ruins of buildings.

The tour leads through the entire town to its highest point, a tower located at an elevation of 1,283 feet above sea level. From this strategic point, all the surrounding towns can be seen, and in good weather, even the Ionian Sea.

This place attracts not only tourists but also filmmakers. Scenes for Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" and "Quantum of Solace" from the James Bond series were shot here.

Currently, the only residents of Craco that visitors might encounter while exploring the hill are herds of sheep grazing in the lush local meadows.

The Basilicata region is located in the southern part of Italy, at the tip of the Italian Peninsula. It features a mountainous landscape and towns situated on hills. Many of them captivate with their unusual locations and histories, but few attract as many tourists as Craco. It’s located about 25 miles from the Gulf of Taranto, which is part of the Ionian Sea.

Source: WP, National Geographic