Abandoned ghost town once home to 2,500 people still perched on 1,300ft cliff

An abandoned town perched on a 1,300ft cliff in Italy was once home to around 2,500 people before a series of disasters forced residents to leave. Craco, in the southern Italian region of Basilicata, now stands empty above the Cavone River valley. The settlement is around an hour’s drive from Matera and has become one of Italy’s best-known ghost towns.

At its peak, around 2,500 people lived there, although the population had fallen to about 1,800 by the early 1960s. Many residents had already left in search of work elsewhere, with more than 1,300 people emigrating to North America between 1892 and 1922.

The town’s problems became much worse in 1963 when a big landslide forced people from their homes.

Although the oldest part of Craco was built on solid rock, newer buildings had spread onto the surrounding clay slopes.

On top of that, leaks from a modern water system are believed to have saturated the ground and contributed to the landslide.

Following the landslide, many residents were moved to a new settlement called Craco Peschiera in the valley below.

However, some people remained behind until more disasters followed. A flood hit the area in 1972 and the devastating Irpinia earthquake in 1980 eventually forced the last remaining residents to leave.

Before it was abandoned, Craco was full of life. A university was established there in 1276 and the town later became home to churches, monasteries and grand family homes. Many of those buildings can still be seen today.

Among the best-known landmarks are the Norman watchtower, which dates back to the 11th century, and the Mother Church of San Nicola.

The town has also become popular with film producers over the years. Scenes from Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ were filmed there, and the James Bond film Quantum of Solace also used the location.

Visitors can still explore Craco today, but they cannot wander around freely. For safety reasons, entry is only allowed through organised guided tours.

Tourists must buy a Craco Card before entering and are required to wear a hard hat while walking around the abandoned town.