23 Places Where Nature Has Reclaimed Abandoned Cities

9. Craco, Italy: A Medieval Marvel in Ruins

Craco, a medieval village in southern Italy, offers a stunning example of nature's ability to reclaim even the most ancient of settlements. Perched atop a hill, Craco was abandoned in the 20th century due to landslides and earthquakes. Today, the village is a hauntingly beautiful ruin, with its stone buildings slowly being overtaken by vegetation. Ivy and wildflowers spill over the crumbling walls, and the surrounding landscape encroaches upon the village. Despite its abandonment, Craco remains a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors with its stunning views and haunting beauty. The village's transformation from a thriving community to a ghost town reclaimed by nature serves as a powerful reminder of the impermanence of human endeavors and the enduring strength of the natural world.