Craco

The most iconic ghost town of the South. A vision suspended between memory and beauty.

Craco is a renowned village in the province of Matera, known as the “ghost town” of Basilicata.
It rises along a hilly ridge, surrounded by rugged, mountainous landscapes with steep slopes and sweeping views over the valley below.
Its recent history has been shaped by earthquakes, landslides, and depopulation: many homes were abandoned, and the historic center was left empty—becoming a monument, a memory.Yet, Craco holds a strong symbolic aura: of resilience, haunting beauty, and layered history.
The village is often used as a film set, and attracts those drawn to evocative scenery or seeking a contemplative experience.

TRANSHUMANCE IN CRACO

Although Craco is no longer a thriving pastoral or agricultural center like other villages, transhumance once passed through this territory.
The surrounding pastures, mountainous areas, and hills served as natural stopovers for migrating herds, providing water, shelter, and rest for both animals and shepherds.

The ancient tratturi—though now largely forgotten or interrupted—once linked Craco to the lowlands and plains, enabling the seasonal movement of flocks and cattle.
Local craftsmanship, when still active, was partly tied to livestock tools, containers, ropes, and stable equipment.
Today, these elements survive in memory, in local stories, and through knowledgeable guides.

WHAT TO VISIT

• The “old” historic center of Craco: its stone-paved streets, faded façades, stairways, and empty arches offer haunting views over the valley and open skies—especially at sunset.
• The Castle Crypt (remains of the old Craco Castle), Church of San Vincenzo, Casa Cava, Cathedral of Madonna delle Grazie, and panoramic points along the village edges.
• Museums or temporary exhibits that recount the village’s history of earthquakes, decline, and transformation.
• Nature trails in the surrounding hills, woods, and paths connecting Craco with nearby rural areas or lesser-known villages.

WHAT TO DO

• Guided tours of the ghost town, featuring historical storytelling, photography, and emotional narratives—often scheduled at sunset to enhance the atmosphere.
• Occasional cultural events: photography exhibits, art installations, and ambient music performances within the old village.
• Hiking excursions from the base of Craco to nearby districts, where visitors can meet active farmers and shepherds, observe pastures, and participate in small rural experiences.
• Religious celebrations in the newer part of the town: patronal festivals, processions, and sacred rituals that help maintain community identity, despite abandonment.