Discovery of the abandoned village of Craco in Italy

Divided in the heart of Craco, an Italian medieval village completely abandoned and deserted, today at risk.

Located in the heart of the Basilicata region Italy in the province of Matera, the small town of Craco survives in a ghostly way perched on a rocky peak. The singularity of this medieval village is that it became completely deserted, emptied of its population in the early 1970s.

However, his geography, his toponymy, his architecture continue to attract the curious who go in large numbers to admire these empty walls. But what attracts Craco? Why is this village perched on its rock at more than 400 m above sea level still a mysterious and fascinating destination?

The little story of Craco

The city of Craco was founded in the 8th century of our era: this town was then considered an important bastion because it represented all that the medieval era was able to produce in terms of defense and protection. Very high perched, difficult to access, the city was considered untenable by enemies.

In the Middle Ages, Craco was the “lighthouse” of southern Italy. Over time, Craco quickly became a military strategic centre. In the 15th century, the city houses up to 4 palaces.

At the end of the 19th century, the city was home to up to 2000 inhabitants, but in 1963 very precisely, following several landslides and difficult agricultural conditions, the village began to desert, the villagers evacuated in the valley and neighbouring villages.

Today, what about it?

Nowadays, Craco remains fascinating by its architecture, its monuments. It is always possible to visit the main church called Chiesa Madre San Nicola, which was erected in the 14th century and other monuments. This church participates in the mysterious side of the village because it houses religious artifacts like the mummified body of a saint, San Vincenzo.

Despite its small size, the village of Craco continues to attract many curious visitors (about 5000 visitors each year). Its advanced state of decay explains why the NGO “Global Fund for Monuments” decided to integrate it into its list of sites at risk and to save.

What is surprising when we enter the city of Craco is that the city has remained intact, even dressed in its population. Today, Craco, this medieval village that resists time also enjoys a breathtaking beauty that allowed it to exist through the Great screen.

Movies such as The Passion of Christ Mel Gibson or James Bond : Quantum of Solace have used this village incongru for its backgrounds or to play special scenes, which has resulted in an increase in the village’s reputation and an increase in the number of visitors and curious people.

How to visit Craco?

To visit Craco, the advantage is that it is not necessary to make a reservation. A sign indicates that access is prohibited, so that you visit the village at your own risk. Only a few parts of the village are accessible, several entries having been walled to prevent visitors from entering.

Main photo credit: Wikimedia – Wallora