Craco
Craco is a ghost town and comune in the southern Italian region of Basilicata, abandoned after the 1980 Irpinia earthquake. Perched dramatically on a steep hill above the eroded clay badlands of the area, its medieval centre had already been weakened by landslides before the final evacuation. Today the deserted town is a celebrated tourist attraction and a popular film location, and in 2010 it was added to the watch list of the World Monuments Fund.
At a glance
- Type
- Abandoned hilltop town (comune)
- Period
- Medieval origins; abandoned after 1980
- Style
- Southern Italian hill town on clay badlands
- Location
- Basilicata, southern Italy
Overview
Craco rises on a sharp ridge in the Basilicata countryside, its silhouette of houses, church and tower crowning a steep hill. The surrounding terrain of bare, eroded clay gives the site its distinctive and forbidding appearance. The town is now uninhabited and visited as a striking ruin.
History
Craco has medieval origins and was for centuries a living hill town. From the twentieth century it suffered repeated landslides and instability that threatened its buildings and forced gradual relocation. The town was finally abandoned after the 1980 Irpinia earthquake, which struck the wider region.
What you see
Visitors see the empty shell of a hill town: stone houses, narrow streets, ruined churches and a tower standing against the sky. The structures show the effects of earthquakes and landslides, while the bare clay slopes fall away on every side. The scene has made Craco a favourite backdrop for filmmakers.
Cultural significance
Craco is one of Italy's most famous ghost towns and a powerful symbol of abandonment caused by natural hazards. Its inclusion on the 2010 World Monuments Fund watch list underlined its value as endangered heritage.
Practical information
For safety reasons the historic centre is generally visited only on guided tours with protective equipment. Check the official town or tourist information sources for current tour arrangements, hours and admission before visiting.
Getting there
Craco is reached by car along minor roads in the province of Matera, Basilicata. The nearest larger towns and rail connections are in the surrounding region, with onward travel by road to the site.