Craco: Italy’s Abandoned Ghost Town
Discover the haunting beauty of Craco, Italy’s abandoned “ghost village.” Perched atop a rocky outcropping, Craco’s silhouette still captures the imagination of those who pass by. The town was first established by the Greeks in the 6th century AD, with evidence of even older settlements dating back to the 8th century BC. Its unique layout is a result of the medieval period, with a Norman watchtower built in the 12th century and palazzi constructed in the following centuries.
Photo by depositphotos.com
Craco’s history is intertwined with the wider region, experiencing both prosperity and struggle. However, it was a series of earthquakes and landslides that ultimately led to the town’s abandonment in 1980. Today, guided tours allow visitors to explore the decaying streets and buildings, complete with hard hats. Up close, the advanced state of decay is evident, with silent towers, rusted balconies, and overgrown weeds at the church of San Nicola.
Photo by depositphotos.com
A few churches, including Santa Maria della Stella, where a statue of the Virgin and Child was discovered, are still maintained. Craco has also gained notoriety as a film set, appearing in Italian productions and Mel Gibson’s Passion of the Christ. As Italy’s birth rate hits its lowest since 1861, Craco serves as a poignant reminder of a once thriving community. Its story began with Greek sailors and ended just a few decades ago with the last suitcase being packed.
Getting there:
To get to Craco, Italy, you can take the following steps:
- Fly to Bari or Naples: The nearest airports to Craco are Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport or Naples International Airport. You can fly to either of these cities and then rent a car or take a bus or train to Craco.
- Take a bus or train: Once you arrive in Bari or Naples, you can take a bus or train to Matera, the nearest city to Craco. From Matera, you can take a taxi or rent a car to reach Craco.
- Rent a car: Renting a car is the most convenient option to get to Craco. This allows you to explore the surrounding areas and reach Craco in about an hour from either Bari or Naples.
- Take a guided tour: Guided tours to Craco are also available from Matera, providing you with a comprehensive experience that includes the history and architecture of the ghost town.
Please note that Craco is an abandoned town and visitors are advised to take caution while exploring the site. It is also recommended to wear appropriate footwear and bring a hat and sunscreen as the site is exposed to the elements.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Craco Vecchia visitor meeting point, Convento di San Pietro, Craco, Basilicata, Italy
- Coordinates
- 40.3765, 16.44318
- Access
- Craco Vecchia is not open for independent wandering: entry is only by an authorized, booked guided visit because of structural and landslide hazards. The operator requires visitors to arrive at Convento di San Pietro 30 minutes before the reserved slot; reach it by private transport. A helmet is mandatory (rental €2); wear closed shoes. Visits can be rescheduled for bad weather.
- Admission
- Oltre l'Arte advertises a €16.20 complete ticket combining the scenic museum-park walk with the emotional museum; the booking fee is included and children through age 5 are free. This is the bundle, not a clearly stated standalone guided-walk price. Helmet rental is €2. Check the live ticket page for date and ticket type.
- Time needed
- The operator does not publish a standard tour duration. A local visitor guide describes the guided route as roughly 60–90 minutes; treat that as an estimate, not an operator guarantee. Arrive 30 minutes before the booked slot.
- Best season
- No preferred season is published. The operator schedules daily visits in the warmer season and weekends/public holidays in winter. Weather or safety conditions can change the outdoor route; book ahead and check current notices.
- Opening hours
- Oltre l'Arte lists Apr 1–Oct 31 daily 09:30–18:30 and Nov 1–Mar 31 Fri–Sun and public holidays 10:00–15:00. Pro Loco independently agrees on the winter schedule but lists summer hours as 10:00–18:00, a 30-minute difference. Follow the date-specific booking calendar and reconfirm.
- Location checked
- 2026-09-29
- Facts checked
- 2026-11-01
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