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Craco, Italy

From series “The Most Impressive Abandoned Cities on the Planet”
Ancient ghost towns are of particular interest to travellers. It is always interesting to explore the unique historical monuments. Lovers of historical sites should definitely visit the Italian town of Craco which was founded more than a thousand years ago. For centuries agriculture has been the main source of livelihood for the locals. But at the end of the 19th century their lands were so depleted that the agrarian crisis was just inevitable. Many of the local residents were forced to leave their homes in search of better living space.

Craco, Italy In the middle of the 19th century the Craco’s population was more than 2000 people but in 50 years it has dropped by half. Those who were not afraid of hunger had to leave their homes due to periodic hard earthquakes. In the 60s of the last century the city became completely abandoned. A new town was founded nearby in a place with a symbolic name Craco Valley.

Although the tiny medieval town stands uninhabited nowadays, a stroll through the deserted streets is hardly possible. Craco never ceases to attract tourists, journalists and photographers. A large number of people comes here to admire the ancient ruins every day. Abiding travellers are sure to be surprised to see the signs out front that prohibit approaching to the ruins. The town was built on a hill so visitors can see not only the invaluable historical monuments but can also admire its vivid surroundings. Next - Gunkanjima


Centralia, USA Centralia, USA
  Centralia, USA   Gunkanjima, Japan  
Gunkanjima, Japan Gunkanjima, Japan

Craco - interactive map

Useful staff nearby

ATM bankomat: 'Bancapulia Spa' located in 21 km ( check the route on the map).
Car rental office: 'Melidoro Nicola' is located in 14 km ( on the map).
Fuel station: 'Di Napoli Teresa' in 15 km
Supermarket: 'Duedi Alimentari S.N.C. Di Delfino' in 21 km
Parking: 'Parcheggi Nicoletti Michele' in 34 km
Apotheek: 'Barbaro Agr. Palmina' in 5.41 km
Police station: 'Polizia Municipale' in 17 km
Cafe/restaurant: 'Hotel Torre Fiore' in 14 km

Nearest airports:
 »  Taranto-Grottaglie Marcello Arlotta Airport TAR - in 83 km
 »  Karol Wojtyla Airport BRI - in 88 km
 »  Casale Airport BDS - in 131 km
 »  Gino Lisa Airport FOG - in 139 km
 »  Galatina Airport LCC - in 144 km
 Cities nearby

Best hotels near Craco

Soprattutto

Located in 13 km from Craco
Route on the map:
Rooms: 3
The rooms of B&B Sopratutto are decorated in Arte Povera style and offer views of the Agri River valley. You have independent access to the building … More: photo, rates and booking
Torre Fiore Hotel Masseria

Located in 14 km from Craco
Route on the map:
Rooms: 13
The Masseria's spacious rooms feature flat-screen TV, iPod docking station, and marble bathroom with 2-person showers. Indoor and outdoor lounges are … More: photo, rates and booking
Hotel Old West

Located in 15 km from Craco
Route on the map:
Rooms: 30
Rooms come with wood furniture ranging from cherry to oak to Wenge and each contains a flat-screen TV. They all have a private bathroom with a … More: photo, rates and booking
Hotel Ristorante Mariano

Located in 17 km from Craco
Route on the map:
Rooms: 9
The modern-style rooms all come with air conditioning and a flat-screen TV. Each has a private bathroom equipped with a hairdryer. The restaurant … More: photo, rates and booking

Nearest unique sightseeing spots to visit

Le Grotte della Civita
35 km - Le Grotte della Civita
In the Italian town of Matera, rich in historical sites of the world, one of the most interesting and beautiful hotels in the world - Le Grotte della Civita. The Sassi caves, carved in the rocks, are considered to be one of the main tourist attractions of the city. …
Castel del Monte
79 km - Castel del Monte
Near Andria has placed a marvellous and mysterious Castel del Monte. From Italian, it translates as a castle on the mountain. The name was given thanks to the location of the castle. Castel del Monte was built in 1240 at the direction of Friedrich II Rotbart. A great …
Alberobello
80 km - Alberobello
Those who want to visit the most Italian town in Italy, have to go to Alberobello. Here, you can see one of the most remarkable architectural sights of the country. That’s a complex of miniature houses, trulli. These stone houses with conical roofs were constructed …
Grotta Palazzese Restaurant
95 km - Grotta Palazzese Restaurant
The most famous cave restaurant in the world is located in the tiny Italian town of Polignano-a-Mare. Grotta Palazzese is characterized by the incredibly splendid and refined decor. The restaurant is located in fairytale beautiful natural terrain, not far from the …
Amalfi Coast
157 km - Amalfi Coast
Amalfi Coast since 1997 is also a world heritage site. This region attracts with the natural sightseeing and the unique architecture. There is placed a world-known colourful Positiano Village. It was built at the edge of the mountain. Also, it is possible to get to the …
Furore Fjod
161 km - Furore Fjod
Italy also has the magical beach. The wonderfully beautiful Furore Fjord is not like any other beach in the world. It has formed in the small rocky gorge and is surrounded by high rock walls on both sides. The hidden beach is located on the territory of the city of the …

Top destination around Craco - Matera

Are you interested in sacred places? In this case, the beautiful cathedral building is the first attraction that you should see in Matera. Built on a high hill, this gorgeous shrine is a true gem of the central part of Sassi. This is the first Catholic shrine in the region. Every year, several thousand foreigners come to Matera to see this gorgeous architectural landmark. The construction of the cathedral started in the 40s of the 13th century and lasted almost forty years. The main purpose of the shrine’s builders was to make a cathedral that could be visible from any district of the city.

Besides the fact that the building stands on a hill, it has a significant height of sixty meters. If measuring the cathedral with its spire, the height is even more significant – ninety meters. This is a gorgeous example of the Romanesque style with the classic cross shape. For centuries, this was a residence of bishops, and because of this, the cathedral was in the center of various manipulations and arguments between Catholic priests. In modern days, medieval frescos and old paintings of saints are the main treasure of the beautiful cathedral. The image of Madonna is the most notable of them all.
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