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Province of Matera

Craco

Italy's most famous ghost town

Discover Craco

Old Craco clings to a rocky outcrop and was abandoned after the 1963 landslide and the events that followed. Today its empty houses, noble palaces and the Norman tower that crowns the village make up one of the most striking landscapes in Basilicata.

The old centre can be visited on guided tours, wearing a helmet, along a route made safe for visitors; from the top you see the badlands and the Cavone valley. Its streets have been the set of many films, from «The Passion of the Christ» to «Quantum of Solace».

The inhabited village, Craco Peschiera, lies a little further down. Aliano, Pisticci and Montalbano Jonico are close by: a good base for exploring the land of the calanchi.

What to see

Craco is Italy's best-known ghost town. The medieval village, perched on a clay hill, was abandoned after the great landslide of 1963, and the inhabitants moved down the valley to Craco Peschiera.

  • The Norman tower that dominates the ruins
  • Churches, noble palaces and abandoned houses along the visitor route
  • The badlands (calanchi) all around, especially at sunset

The village has been the set of many films, including Francesco Rosi's "Christ Stopped at Eboli", Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" and "Quantum of Solace".

How to visit

The old town cannot be entered freely: for safety it is visited only on guided tours, along an equipped path and wearing a helmet. Booking is advisable, especially at weekends and in summer.

When to go

Spring and autumn are best. In summer choose morning or late-afternoon tours, as there is no shade.

Getting there

By car: Craco is in the province of Matera, about an hour's drive from the city, and pairs well with Aliano and the badlands.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside old Craco?

Only on guided tours: the village is unstable and free access is forbidden.

Why was Craco abandoned?

Because of a landslide that began in 1963 and made many houses unsafe. The inhabitants moved down the valley to Craco Peschiera.

Which films were shot in Craco?

Among others "Christ Stopped at Eboli", "The Passion of the Christ" and "Quantum of Solace".

How long does a visit to Craco take?

The guided tour usually lasts about an hour; with the surrounding landscape, allow at least half a day.

On the map

  • Things to see

Things to see in Craco

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