Craco

Discover Craco with Taxi Premium Matera: an unforgettable journey through history, mystery, and surreal landscapes

Craco: the abandoned village that enchants the world

Rising among the clay hills of Basilicata, Craco is a one-of-a-kind place where time seems to have stopped. Known as a "ghost town," Craco is one of the most evocative and fascinating destinations in Southern Italy—a perfect blend of history, mystery, and melancholic beauty.

With Taxi Premium Matera, you can reach Craco in total comfort and relaxation, enjoying a private and tailor-made trip that will take you to one of the most photographed and beloved places in Basilicata.

A journey through time: from origins to decline

Craco has ancient roots. The first settlements date back to the Greek period, but the village developed mainly during the Middle Ages, becoming an important strategic and commercial center.

The town's fate changed dramatically in the 20th century. A series of landslides, worsened by the construction of water systems, forced residents to gradually abandon the village. Today, Craco is an emotional scene suspended between past and present, with crumbling houses, empty churches, and deserted streets.

Thanks to Taxi Premium Matera, you can enjoy this time-travel experience in a relaxed and exclusive way, visiting at your own pace and without any stress.

The ghost town: an open-air museum

Walking through old Craco is a truly moving experience. Every corner tells a story: the empty windows of the houses, streets reclaimed by nature, and the still-recognizable central square.

Highlights include:

• The Norman Tower, Craco’s iconic landmark that overlooks the surrounding landscape

• The Church of San Nicola, with its stripped yet evocative façade

• The castle that once protected the village

With Taxi Premium Matera, you can also arrange local guided tours to uncover all the secrets and stories that make Craco such a captivating destination.

Craco and the cinema: a dreamlike location

Craco’s haunting beauty has not gone unnoticed by the film industry. The village has been chosen as a set for several internationally acclaimed movies, such as:

• The Passion of the Christ by Mel Gibson

• Quantum of Solace from the James Bond series

• Basilicata Coast to Coast by Rocco Papaleo

Visiting Craco feels like stepping onto a movie set, where reality and fiction blend seamlessly.

Nature around Craco: lunar-like landscapes

The scenery around Craco is just as spectacular: clay hills, gullies, and desolate valleys create a surreal, almost lunar atmosphere.

With our Taxi Premium Matera service, you can admire these natural wonders without any hassle, even planning scenic stops for photos or quiet contemplation.

Guided tours and personalized experiences

You can take part in organized guided tours of Craco, which allow you to explore the heart of the ghost town safely. Local guides passionately share the town’s history and reveal details that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Taxi Premium Matera will help you book your guided visit and drive you right to the site entrance—for a carefree, immersive experience.

Spirituality and local traditions

Despite being abandoned, Craco still preserves some of its most cherished traditions, like the devotion to Saint Nicholas, the village’s patron saint. Even today, former residents and their descendants return to Craco for religious celebrations, maintaining a deep, touching connection to their roots.

Our tour also lets you explore these lesser-known, intimate aspects of local culture.

The magic of silence

One of the most powerful experiences in Craco is the silence that envelops everything. No traffic, no crowds—only the wind rustling through the ruins and the sound of your footsteps.

This silence makes a visit to Craco a moment of introspection and a profound connection with history and nature.

With Taxi Premium Matera, you can take all the time you need to fully absorb this unique emotion.

Why choose Taxi Premium Matera for your Craco visit

Choosing Taxi Premium Matera for your Craco tour means enjoying:

• Comfort and privacy: spacious, elegant, and air-conditioned vehicles

• Flexible schedules: you decide when to leave and how long to stay

• Expert drivers: local professionals ready to guide and advise you

• Tailor-made experiences: every tour is designed around your needs

Book your Craco tour today

If you're looking for an extraordinary experience, immersed in the haunting charm of a timeless place, Craco is the perfect destination.

Contact us today to plan your private tour with Taxi Premium Matera—let us guide you to one of Basilicata’s most surprising wonders.