Nestled atop a rugged hill in the Basilicata region of southern Italy, Craco stands as a silent witness to centuries of history. Its stone streets, weathered by time, whisper tales of a bygone era. As you step into this enchanting ghost town, the echoes of the past reverberate through every crumbling facade and deserted alley. Join us on a journey through the haunting beauty of Craco, where the past and present converge in a dance of shadows and memories. 
Arriving at the village, which is quite literally under lock and key, you realize that all that is left behind is a shell of what was clearly once a magnificent hilltop town
Craco is not open to the public because of safety concerns and because the homes are still privately owned by many of the families that were forced to abandon them between the 1960s and 1980.
The buildings we see today above the tombs date back as far as 1060. A university was established in Craco in 1276 and the population grew from 450 to over 2500 by the 16th century. The town had been continually expanded and by the 19th century, it had reached its threshold of expansion. Little did the townspeople know the stress the expansion was putting on the hillside beneath their palaces, squares, school, cinema and shops
This area of Basilicata has long been plagued by intensive erosion, landslides and earthquakes. But the urban expansion of Craco primarily caused the devastating landslide of 1963. 
The remaining 1800 residents that hadn’t already immigrated to America after dealing with the hardships of farming in the unstable clay soil were forced to leave their homes for safety reasons.
The old town in its various stages of decay might be perfect for a haunted Hollywood tale, but there are absolutely no ghosts here. 
As we bid farewell to the silent streets and timeless ruins of Craco, we carry with us the echoes of a place frozen in time. The windswept landscape and crumbling architecture tell stories of resilience and change, inviting us to reflect on the passage of time. Craco may be a ghost town, but its spirit lives on in the hearts of those who have wandered its deserted alleys. Until we meet again, may the whispers of Craco linger in your thoughts, a reminder of the beauty that can emerge from the depths of history. Grazie, Craco, for sharing your silent symphony with us. Arrivederci!
