Italy › Basilicata › Craco
Photo: Maurizio Moro5153 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Abandoned village · 1963
Craco
Perched on a clay ridge among the badlands of Basilicata, Craco was evacuated after the 1963 landslide and has stood frozen in time ever since. Its empty houses, Norman tower and collapsed square have made it one of cinema's favourite sets.
Visiting
Before you go
- Getting there
- By car: about an hour from Matera, or from the SS407 Basentana towards Metaponto, then the main roads to Craco. The nearest station is Metaponto; the main airports are Bari and Naples.
- The visit
- A guided route along the main street to the remains of the old square; a second route, opened in 2012, goes into the heart of the village. The ticket, reported at around 10 euros, also includes the multimedia museum.
- When to go
- Spring and autumn: in summer the badlands are very hot with no shade.
- Good to know
- The ground is clay and prone to landslides: never leave the route. Wear closed shoes with a good sole.
Practical information gathered from official and local sources on 9 October 2026. Opening times and conditions change: always check before you go.
Plan your visit
Where to stay nearby
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History
A village perched on a clay spur. A landslide in 1963 forced the inhabitants to move down the valley and the historic centre was left empty. Today it is a much-used film set and can be visited on guided routes.
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Nearby
Other abandoned villages nearby
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