13 Haunting Abandoned Cities Slowly Being Swallowed by Nature

7. Craco, Italy: The Hilltop Ghost Town

Perched atop a steep hill in southern Italy, Craco is a picturesque ghost town with a history dating back to the 8th century. The town thrived for centuries, but a series of natural disasters, including landslides and earthquakes, forced its residents to abandon it in the 20th century. Today, Craco's medieval architecture stands in stark contrast to the surrounding landscape, its stone buildings slowly succumbing to the elements. The town's narrow streets and crumbling structures create an eerie yet beautiful tableau, drawing visitors who seek to experience its haunting charm. Craco is a testament to the enduring power of nature and the impermanence of human settlements, a place where history and legend intertwine.