Do You Know That? Italian Ghost Town

In South Italian Province of Matera, in distance of approx. 25 kilometres from Mediterranean, at  imaginary „foot of Italian shoe“, a town is placed, the beginnings of which lead to early Middle Age time period. From the first view, the countryside is arid, and covered with sandstone hills as well as romantic small towns. This area was, from old times, rather busy territory of military manoeuvres. During time period of ancient Rome, the legions went there towards African expansions (migrations). During 2nd World War, allied troops marched in opposite direction.

Approx. 400 metres high hilllock is erecting above. From remote distance, you cannot follow something worth seeing. It looks like a rock of yellow-grey colour shade, as countless number of such hills could be followed. Nevertheless, when you would check it in more detailed way, you can distinguish sharp forms of roofs, windows and towers or something like this, what served as human lodging house in past. So, during 11th century, such poor and unfertile countryside gave the existence of a town, which with its average number of 450-1500 inhabitants, literally lived there till 1960. Craco, including its environs, became, during the 2nd World War, a scene of hard struggles among Americans and retreating Fascists´ troops, and such fact expressively signed even a face of this locality. The houses were, from great part, irretrievably destructed, including historical nucleus, with its steep small streets, modest church and, first of all, castle tower, erected above. Most of local inhabitants were forced to leave such place. Many of them tried to look for their fortune in in oversea regions. Originally defence stronghold and subsequent town remained definitely solitary since 1963.

Except poverty, the way of life became more unpleasant by means of frequent seismical activity of instable base. Small earthquakes and soil collapses formed a part of daily activities of such type. It is not true that this town remained deserted for ever. Especially at present, the locality serves as often target of such region, not too attractive from tourist point of view. So, various music festivals, markets and church ceremonies are organized there. It is a fact that the upper part of the town is permanently uninhabited, and the tourist are permitted to enter into many part of town for their own danger only. At foot of the mountain, a village of the same name is situated, where most of original inhabitants moved during the second half of 20th century. The countryside became popular even among film-makers: the films, such as Quantum of Solace, from Agent´s 007 series, or some scenes from Jesus Christ Passion, were filmed there.

A beauty of deserted town is excelling, first of all, during sunset, when stone walls of dilapidated buildings are changing into orange and pink tones, and blue sky is becoming dark, and light warm wind is blowing through the streets.

I believe that although such deserted towns feel in rather depressive way, Craco belongs to those places, which have its unrepeatable magic, its characteristic genius loci…

Text: J.Chaloupka

Photo: Wiki Commons - Idéfix 1 , 2