Craco has seen better days

Craco, in Basilicata, has seen better days. In the 11th century, a Norman fortress was built, and in the 1200s there was a university, and later several Palazzos were built. Then there was a plague in 1656 which killed hundreds, and later the town was under Napoleonic rule. And between 1892-1922, more than 1,000 townspeople migrated to North America due to declining agriculture. Then there were landslides in the 1960s, some from natural causes, and some from poorly planned infrastructure projects. An earthquake also contributed to Craco’s downfall.

The end result: Craco is a crumbling ghost town, now known as the backdrop to movies such as Christ Stopped at Eboli, King David, and The Nymph. The only way to see Craco close-up is with a tour; hard hats required. The tour is on foot, and only goes on the exterior, winding, narrow streets since the buildings are too precarious to go inside. 

Here are a few photos that include the Norman Tower and the Cathedral.

Craco, in Basilicata

The Cathedral of Craco

11th century Norman Tower

Craco is surrounded by wheat fields and olive groves