Craco is a medieval town in the Basilicata region of southern Italy, abandoned due to natural disasters. Just 40 kilometers from the Gulf of Taranto, this impressive town has been the scene of many famous films with its dramatic scenery and mystical atmosphere. Although it is in ruins today, it attracts visitors with its history, culture and beauty.
It was included in the protection list of the World Monuments Fund in 2010. Craco, Founded by descendants of immigrants to the United States “Craco Society” Thanks to this, it continues to keep its cultural heritage alive. The story of this ghost town, a fascinating destination for history buffs and movie lovers alike, reveals its rebirth and preserved heritage.
History of Craco Town
in the south of Italy, Basilicata Craco, in the province of Matera, is an impressive medieval town located just 40 kilometers from the Gulf of Taranto. As understood from the graves in the region, the first settlement dates back to the 8th century BC. Around 540 BC, Greeks from the coastal town of Metaponto settled in this area.
The town’s first name is Latin “little plowed field” meaning graculum and this area was the property of Archbishop Arnaldo of Tricarico. From 1154 to 1168, the village passed to Eberto, a nobleman of Norman origin who established the first feudal rule in the town. Subsequently, in 1179, it was possessed by Roberto Craco of Pietrapertosa.
II. During the reign of Frederick, Craco became an important military center and its castle was used as a prison. In 1276, a university was founded in the town. While the population was 450 in 1277, it increased to 655 in 1477, to 1,761 in 1532 and to 2,590 in 1561. The average remained around 1,500 in the following centuries. In the 15th century, four large mansions were built in the town: Palazzo Maronna near the tower, Palazzo Grossi near the large church, Palazzo Carbone and Palazzo Simonetti on the Rigirones estate.
In 2007, descendants of those who immigrated to the United States founded the “Craco Society,” a non-profit organization with the aim of preserving the town’s culture, traditions and history. Craco Castle was built in 1300 and commands a panoramic view of the cliff.
Apart from the castle, the town also houses a church and a statue of the Virgin Mary discovered in a nearby body of water. Townspeople and people from surrounding settlements return to the city, even for a day, during religious holidays to respect the statue of the Virgin Mary. Six festivals are held in Craco between May and October, and visitors have the opportunity to tour the ruined city as well as the steep valley below, called ‘calanchi’.
Series of Disasters in the Town
In 1656, a plague epidemic killed hundreds and reduced the number of families in the town. Although Craco survived for more than 1,400 years, it began to be evacuated due to a series of landslides that began in 1963 and its inhabitants were moved to the Peschiera valley. A flood in 1972 worsened the situation, and finally, after the earthquake in 1980, the ancient site of Craco was completely abandoned.
Craco was built on a steep slope 400 meters above the ground in the 8th century. The city center, which has a striking view of the buildings merging with the mountain, could easily be protected from the bandit gangs of the Middle Ages thanks to its location. Despite its defensive advantage, the town was vulnerable to earthquakes and landslides. Today, it hosts many monuments that fall into the category of medieval architecture and that tourists find worth visiting.
Movies Shot in the Town
The place where Judas was hanged in Mel Gibson’s 2004 film The Passion of the Christ was filmed in this town. The town of Craco also includes Alberto Lattuada’s La lupa (1953), Francesco Rosi’s Christ Stopped at Eboli (1979), Bruce Beresford’s King David (1985), Robert M. Young’s Saving Grace (1986), Paolo and Vittorio Taviani’s The Sun Also Shines at Night (1990), Lina Wertmüller’s The Nymph (1996), Catherine Hardwicke’s The Nativity Story (2006), Marc Forster’s Quantum of Solace (2008) and Rocco from the James Bond series of films It was the set of Papaleo’s films Basilicata Coast to Coast (2010).
Craco has hosted many famous movies due to its mystical and historical atmosphere. Here are some notable movies shot in Craco:
The Passion of the Christ (2004) – Mel GibsonIn this film directed by, Craco’s dramatic and historical texture, JerusalemIt was used to portray .
Quantum of Solace (2008) – James Bond In this film, which is part of the series, images of the abandoned town of Craco formed the perfect background for some scenes in the film.
Basilicata Coast to Coast (2010) – Rocco PapaleoIn this Italian comedy-drama film directed by , the town of Craco was used as an important location.
Christ Stopped at Eboli (1979) – Francesco RosiThis film, directed by , was adapted from Carlo Levi’s book of the same name, and the landscapes of Craco were featured in the film.
The Nativity Story (2006) – Catherine HardwickeIn this film directed by , the historical buildings and landscapes of Craco are included in the story of the birth of Jesus.
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