Craco rises from a bare ridge above the clay badlands of the Matera province, crowned by a square Norman tower. For centuries it was a busy farming town. After a major landslide in 1963 its inhabitants were gradually moved to a new settlement in the valley, and the old town was left empty.
Today the old town can be visited only on guided routes, with a helmet, along a safe path through the streets. Its haunting skyline has drawn film-makers, and it has appeared in films including The Passion of the Christ and Quantum of Solace. Nearby, Pisticci is known for its white houses and as the home of Amaro Lucano.
Highlights
- The guided route: walk through the empty streets with a local guide.
- The Norman tower: the landmark of Craco.
- Chiesa Madre: the ruined mother church of San Nicola.
- The calanchi: eroded clay hills all around.
- Film locations: a favourite set for directors.
- Pisticci: a lived-in white town nearby.
Quick facts
| Province | Matera |
|---|---|
| Abandoned | Gradually, after the 1963 landslide |
| From Matera | About 50 minutes by car |
| Ideal stay | Half a day, from Matera or the coast |
| Best for | Photography, history, film fans |
| Getting around | Car or tour; on foot with a guide in the old town |
How long to stay & where to base yourself
Craco is a half-day visit. Most people stay in Matera, or on the Ionian coast around Metaponto or Bernalda. A night in Aliano pairs well for a slow trip through the badlands.
