I found this in a search for interesting “A.P.,” so please don’t kill the messenger if the details are a bit off. Here’s what I got:
Craco is an abandoned medieval hilltop village in the province of Matera, in southern Italy’s Basilicata region. Often called one of Italy’s most atmospheric ghost towns, it is famous for its crumbling stone buildings, dramatic landscape, and history of devastating landslides. Today, its historic center is a distinctive cultural attraction and filming location.
Craco’s most recognizable landmark is its medieval Norman tower, rising above a cluster of deteriorating houses, churches, and noble residences. Notable structures include the Church of San Nicola and the historic Grossi and Carbone palaces. The village overlooks the calanchi, an extraordinary landscape of deeply eroded clay hills that gives the surrounding countryside an almost lunar appearance.
https://www.regione.basilicata.it/la-rai-oggi-nella-citta-fantasma-di-craco
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craco
More images:
https://www.google.com/search?q=Craco%2C+abandoned+medieval+hilltop+village%2C+province+of+Matera%2C+Italy&udm=2
Beautiful! 🤩
FYI: “Basilicata” comes from the Greek basilikos (βασιλικός), ref: the “basileus” the Byzantine emperors (532-1059 AD), but before was called “Lucania” (Latin: lucis/lucere [light/to shine] +place of), which is why the people are called “Lucano/a” (or in English “Lucanian”), and rarely “Basilicatesi”. ☝🏼🤓
I appreciate you adding on! 🙂
And please feel free to post your own discoveries. I like this sub very much, but am only able to post here once in a while…
Same! Thanks for the kind words, and I’m hoping it inspires others to explore more! 🤩
How abandoned is it? Do no ppl live there?
The original medieval hilltop village of Craco Matera has been uninhabited since ~1970 from severe landslides, floods, and a devastating earthquake. (Irpania: 6.9 MMS, X MMI!) Waaay back in 1561, before this long decline, Craco Matera had a pop. ~2,600, and most locals today (<600) live in Craco Peschiera, a commune nearby, FWIW. 🤓
