Everyone Left This Italian Hilltop Village. Then Hollywood Discovered It.

Perched on a rocky cliff overlooking the lunar landscape of the calanchi badlands and vast stretches of ancient olive groves, the picturesque ghost town of Craco rests in the heart of Basilicata.

For over half a century, this historic village remained frozen in time—abandoned following a devastating landslide and left to silence and the raw force of nature.

Yet, just as it seemed destined for oblivion, something extraordinary occurred: Hollywood fell in love with its surreal ruins and haunting allure, turning it into an open-air set for world-famous cinematic blockbusters.

Today, Craco is far more than a fading memory of the past; it is a timeless icon ready to spellbind all who set eyes upon it. Get ready for a unique journey through history, atmosphere, and the silver screen: join us to discover the top sights in Craco and let yourself be captivated by the magic of an unexpected, secret Lucania!

Perched on a cliff nearly 400 meters high between the Lucanian Apennines and the Ionian Sea, Craco dominates the wild landscape of the calanchi badlands, just a few dozen kilometers from Matera. In this pristine corner of southern Basilicata, history merges with a fairytale backdrop, offering the unique charm of a silent, timeless beauty.

Originally a thriving medieval village steeped in centuries of history, the town suffered a gradual and inevitable abandonment due to landslides in the 1960s, ultimately transforming into an evocative "ghost town."

Suspended in an indefinite era where silence blends with untamed nature, this enchanting destination has been reclaimed and rediscovered through the magic of cinema. World-renowned directors and Hollywood royalty recognized its captivating decay, turning it into an open-air set for unforgettable masterpieces—a truly unique adventure well worth experiencing.

As you read on, you will discover:

• The history of the village: from its origins to the allure of its tragic abandonment.

• What to see in Craco: a journey through its most evocative landmarks and ruins.

• Craco as an iconic film set: the global blockbusters filmed among its ruins.

• How to get to Craco: directions and practical tips for planning your trip.

• What to visit in Basilicata and the province of Matera: the surrounding wonders.

Craco is one of Basilicata’s most breathtaking villages—a true cultural gem in the province of Matera. But what turned this once vibrant hub into a haunting ghost town, and what makes a visit here an absolute must?

In this Lucanian village, everything changed in 1963 when a massive landslide caused the clay foundation beneath the historic center to give way—triggered by a combination of local geology and human action.

Before the disaster, Craco was celebrated as the "city of wheat", an identity still honored by the three ears of wheat on its coat of arms, symbolizing the deep-rooted strength of Basilicata’s agricultural tradition. 

The relocation of its residents to the nearby town of Craco Peschiera became permanent following severe flooding in 1972 and a major earthquake in 1980, sealing the village's fate as an evocative ghost town.

However, restoration efforts launched in 2009 and its inclusion on the World Monuments Fund watch list in 2010 made it possible to explore the ancient site in complete safety along a wonderful guided route.

Ready to discover the main sights waiting for you in Craco?

Exploring the historic center of this ghost town is like stepping back in time. Craco's origins date as far back as the 8th century BC, but it was during the Middle Ages that the village took on its timeless charm. Dominating its skyline to this day is the striking Norman Tower, the core of the ancient fiefdom of Cracum, established in 1164.

Wandering among its ruins, you’ll encounter elegant noble residences such as Palazzo Maronna, Palazzo Grossi, Palazzo Carbone, Palazzo Simonetti, and Palazzo Cammarota Rigirone—enduring testaments to a succession of wealthy feudal lords.

Among the must-see highlights is the 17th-century Church of San Nicola, featuring a three-tiered bell tower crowned with a refined maiolica dome; inside, magnificent altars and frescoes from the Neapolitan school still endure.

Finally, the 17th-century former Monastery of San Pietro, which escaped the landslide almost unscathed, now houses the MEC (Emotional Museum of Craco): a unique cultural venue that brings the town’s memory back to life through events, photo exhibitions, and atmospheric installations.

It is precisely this poignant, time-suspended beauty that captured the hearts of Italian and international filmmaking masters. Between quiet alleys and decaying vistas, Craco transformed its ruins into the perfect natural backdrop for wildly successful films.

Here, Mel Gibson staged memorable scenes for his masterpiece The Passion of the Christ, and among these mystery-laden stones, Agent 007 sped through in Quantum of Solace, one of the most thrilling chapters in the James Bond saga.

Italian productions have also celebrated its Lucanian soul, including Rocco Papaleo's beloved comedy Basilicata Coast to Coast.

If you want to step into a movie scene and explore this enchanted site set among the badlands, you must join the municipality's official guided tours: a 90-minute walk—equipped with a protective hard hat and hiking shoes—to literally walk through the history of cinema!

Craco is easily reachable by car starting from the main cities of southern Italy, considered as one of the best tourist destinations by motorcyclists. 

Following, here are the two main (and simplest) routes to reach the ghost town of Basilicata:

• From the A2 Autostrada del Mediterraneo (Salerno–Reggio Calabria): Take the exit for Sicignano and head toward Potenza. Merge onto the SS 407 Basentana toward Metaponto, exit at Pisticci, and follow the signs along the local roads (strade provinciali) to Craco.

• From the SS 106 Jonica (Taranto–Reggio Calabria): Exit at Metaponto to join the SS 407 Basentana. From there, take the Pisticci exit and follow the signs to Craco.

Do you want new tourist adventures around Lucania? We have the right solutions for you! Take a look at our guide dedicated to unmissable places to see in Basilicata discovering the most beautiful stops to include in your next tour.

If you are looking for a truly compelling experience in this region of wild charm, we instead propose you this fantastic itinerary for a road trip in Basilicata which, among other stages, will take you right to the ghost town of Craco. If you feel like adding an extra stop, take a look at the enchanting Rotondella, the balcony over the Ionian Sea.

To end the journey with a bang, we return to the evocative setting of Matera, a place acknowledged as UNESCO world heritage site, European capital of culture in 2019 and probably the oldest continuously inhabited city on Earth: click the button below to find out how to best experience it with a guided walking tour through its wonders!