Craco and the Badlands

Located in the Basilicata hinterland, in the province of Matera, the abandoned village of Craco lies in a strategic position between the Agri Valley, the Lucanian Apennines, and the Ionian coast. This town, now known as one of the most evocative ghost towns in Italy, captivates with its landscape dominated by gullies, clay formations shaped over the centuries by rainwater erosion.
In the 1960s, a landslide forced the residents to abandon the historic center, transforming Craco into a place suspended in time, which still retains a mysterious and fascinating atmosphere.

Where it is and what to see

The village is located a short distance from some of the main towns in Lucania: Pisticci (20 km), Montalbano Jonico and Stigliano (25 km), San Mauro Forte (27 km), and Ferrandina (33 km). It is just 58 km from Matera, the 2019 European Capital of Culture, and about 35 km from Garaguso.

Craco's skyline is unmistakable, recognizable even from afar: a cluster of stone houses climbing a hill, topped by a Norman tower that dominates the landscape. The contrast between the village ruins and the yellowish soil of the gullies creates a rare visual impact.

Walking along the abandoned streets and among the now-empty homes, you can still hear the echoes of the daily life that once animated this corner of Lucania. Today, thanks to a safe path, it is possible to visit the ghost town by following a guided tour that crosses the main street, leads to the ancient square, and allows you to enter the heart of Craco.

Craco and International Cinema

Over the years, Craco's unique charm has attracted directors and film productions from around the world. The village has been chosen as the setting for numerous notable films, including:

• King David (1985) by Bruce Beresford
• La Lupa (1996) by Gabriele Lavia
• Terra Scorciata (1999) by Fabio Segatori
• The Passion (2004) by Mel Gibson

Thanks to these productions, Craco has become an internationally renowned destination, listed among the places to visit in Basilicata for those who love history, culture, and a timeless atmosphere.

The Lucanian Badlands: Lunar Landscapes in Basilicata

Visiting Craco also means discovering the Lucanian Badlands, spectacular geological formations that characterize the surrounding area. These ridges and valleys carved by rainwater into clay soils create an almost lunar, arid, and evocative landscape.

These natural settings, which surround towns such as Aliano, Pisticci, and Montalbano Jonico, are one of Basilicata's most unusual attractions and offer breathtaking views, especially at sunset, when the badlands are tinged with golden hues. Perfect for hiking, photography treks, and nature trails, the badlands complete the travel experience by offering visitors an immersion in a unique Italian environment.