Craco, Ghost town in Basilicata, Italy
Craco stands on a steep hill at 391 meters elevation, surrounded by eroded clay formations known as calanchi in the province of Matera.
The settlement traces back to 540 BC when Greeks moved inland from Metaponto, with archaeological evidence showing tombs from the 8th century BC.
The medieval architecture includes a castle tower, four palaces, and narrow streets that demonstrate the historical development from the 8th to 20th centuries.
Access requires advance booking for guided tours limited to 35 people, with visits available daily from 10 AM until sunset at 15 euros per person.
The town served as a filming location for major productions including Quantum of Solace and The Passion of the Christ after its complete abandonment in 1980.
Location: province of Matera
Elevation above the sea: 391 m
Shares border with: Ferrandina, Montalbano Jonico, Pisticci, San Mauro Forte, Stigliano
Website: http://comune.craco.mt.it
GPS coordinates: 40.37861,16.44000
Latest update: May 28, 2025 18:15
These locations feature abandoned cities, industrial sites and historic places. Empty buildings, decaying streets and left-behind objects tell stories of former residents and their lives. The sites were abandoned for various reasons: industrial decline, natural disasters, military conflicts or economic changes led to their desertion. Today the buildings stand quiet while nature reclaims the grounds.
Basilicata in southern Italy contains cave settlements, medieval castles and nature parks. The region features Roman ruins, karst caves and abandoned villages. The area includes Pollino National Park with rare pine species and historic centers like Matera with its Sassi cave dwellings.
Pandosia (Lucania)
14.5 km
Torre normanna
50 m
Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore
14.4 km
Chiesa Madre
9.6 km
Museo Essenza Lucano
10.3 km
Rione Dirupo
9.6 km
Calanchi
13.1 km
Torre dell'Orologio
9.6 km
San Pietro arch
14.3 km
Arco dell'Orologio
14.1 km
Palazzo degli Uffici
10.1 km
Mura medievali
14 km
Mura rinascimentali
14 km
Monumento ai caduti
10.1 km
Pitagora porticoes
14.2 km
Palazzo Cantisano
10 km
Plebiscito square
14.8 km
Castle of Tursi
14.4 km
Torre Bruni
9.6 km
Albino Pierro house museum
14.8 km
Palazzo Giannantonio
10.1 km
Calanchi
8.2 km
Rondinelli palace
14.1 km
Calanchi regional reserve
14.2 km
Fontana
9.9 km
Palazzo Federici Cavaliere
14 km
Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie
9.8 km
Palazzo Bonelli
14 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes