Craco: The Ghost Town That Defies Time and Abandonment

The article explores the abandoned town of Craco, in the province of Matera, Italy, describing a journey from Roscigno Vecchia eastward through the Basilicata landscape. The author reflects on the poetic resonance of Article 9 of the Italian Constitution, which protects landscape and heritage, and quotes Carlo Emilio Gadda's 'La cognizione del dolore' (1963). Craco, perched on a rocky spur, is portrayed as a monument to death yet alive in its solitude. The town has withstood earthquakes, landslides, brigandage, and floods, and was included in the World Monuments Fund's 2010 watch list. The abandonment began in 1963, and the author argues Craco remains self-sufficient, contrasting with nearby Matera, which was European Capital of Culture 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic is seen as another challenge Craco endures. The piece is part of a series on abandoned Italian places, written by Luca Cantore D'Amore, and includes photographs by Vincenzo Gabriele and an Instagram user. The article also promotes Artribune's newsletters and WhatsApp channel.