2. Craco, Italy
Craco was founded in the 8th century but became a ghost town towards the end of the 20th century due to several natural disasters. The village sits on a cliff that’s 1,300 feet off the ground, offering amazing panoramic views, which wan an important advantage back in the day.
However, despite its advantages, Craco’s most feared “enemy” is nature. This village was always exposed to earthquakes and landslides and ultimately caved in near the millennium. In 1963, almost half of Craco’s residents left their homes after a landslide, but not long after, in 1972, a flood made this village not safe. Moreover, in 1980, an earthquake caused the village to become entirely abandoned.
If you want to visit Craco, you must now that you need to book a guided tour, as a locked gate surrounds the village now. It’s true that this place is a ticking time bomb, but that didn’t stop people from filming several movies there, including “Passion of the Christ.”
Even without its people, the town has left its mark onto medieval architecture through the years. The castle was built in 1300 and offers a great view of the cliff. Along with the castle, the statue of the Virgin Mary remained miraculously unscathed, religious festivals are hosted there every year. Additionally, six festivals take place in Craco from May to October.
