abandoned towns in italy

Exploring Abandoned Towns in Italy That Feel Frozen in Time

Italy is known for its ancient cities, charming villages and breathtaking landscapes. But hidden among its rolling hills and rugged mountains are countless abandoned towns. Many have been active and thriving communities that have now been left in eerie silence. These towns, often called ghost towns, offer a fascinating glimpse into Italy’s past, and you can even explore some of them.

We’ve been to some of these towns and while they are fascinating, they can also be grim and downright eerie. In a way, they remind me of places like Pompeii, a city also wiped out by a natural disaster. In some of these abandoned towns, you can still find household items and personal belongings left behind. It’s as if the residents just got up, walked away from whatever they were doing, and never returned. Here is what you need to know about them.

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How many abandoned towns are in Italy?

Italy has thousands of abandoned or semi-abandoned towns scattered across different regions. Some have been deserted due to natural disasters, others due to economic decline. Then there are those that have been left behind as people move on to more modern cities. While many of these towns are still accessible, others remain locked in time, slowly crumbling away.

It’s important to note that while many of them have been repurposed for tourism purposes, they don’t have people living there permanently. Often, their position and geography make them hazardous to live in, especially the buildings that have suffered during the damage.

However, in many cases, people who have lived in the abandoned towns have set up new settlements around or near the damaged area. That’s why you often have the new and old versions of a town to clarify which is the old abandoned part and which is the new inhabited part.

Why are there so many abandoned towns in Italy?

Like all other abandoned places in the world, several factors have contributed to the abandonment of these once-vibrant towns. Some were influenced by nature, while others came due to human activity.

Natural disasters

Italy has many breathtaking landscapes, but this natural beauty is also prone to earthquakes, floods and landslides. These types of natural disasters have frequently occurred over the centuries. They also have played a significant role in why many of these towns have become abandoned.

decrepit home in italy

Natural disasters have forced many communities to relocate after rendering their homes uninhabitable. Craco in Basilicata, for example, was abandoned due to severe landslides, while towns like Bussana Vecchia were devastated by earthquakes. Some of these towns remain frozen in time, while others have seen partial restoration efforts.

Economic decline

Many rural villages across Italy saw massive depopulation in the 19th and 20th centuries as younger generations moved to cities or emigrated abroad for better opportunities. Industrialization and a shift toward urban centers left many smaller towns struggling to survive.

abandoned-italian-village

Without a sufficient population to maintain businesses, schools and local infrastructure, many communities dwindled until they were completely abandoned. This is particularly evident in southern Italy, where economic hardship led to widespread migration.

War and political changes

Italy’s history is marked by conflict. Many towns in Italy have suffered destruction during World War II or other military campaigns. Some of them were never rebuilt due to the extent of the devastation. In those cases, relocating the residents to a new location and starting fresh made more sense.

abandoned house with a chair

While many people relocated to new cities after the war, others simply left for better opportunities elsewhere. Towns like Gessopalena in Abruzzo still bear the scars of war, standing as haunting reminders of past conflicts. These ghost towns now serve as open-air museums, preserving the memory of their former inhabitants.

Abandoned towns in Italy you can visit

Each abandoned town tells its own story, some tragic, some mysterious, and some even experiencing a kind of rebirth. Here are some of the most famous ghost towns in Italy.

1. Craco (Basilicata)

Craco is one of the most famous ghost towns in Italy. It’s perched atop a rugged hill in the Basilicata region and looks like something out of a movie. The town was gradually abandoned following a series of devastating landslides, with the final residents leaving in the 1960s. Its crumbling medieval buildings, including a castle and church, stand eerily intact.

craco italy

Craco is now a UNESCO World Heritage candidate and has been featured in films like The Passion of the Christ and Quantum of Solace. You can explore the haunting ruins through guided tours that ensure safe access to this mesmerizing relic of the past.

2. Balestrino (Liguria)

Balestrino is an abandoned medieval village in Liguria. It was largely vacated in the 20th century due to geological instability. The town is perched on a hill and overlooks the lush countryside. Here, you can find ivy-covered stone buildings and an imposing, remarkably well-preserved castle.

Balestrino castello

Although much of Balestrino was abandoned due to safety concerns, the area offers breathtaking panoramic views and an air of mystery. While restoration efforts have been discussed, Balestrino remains a ghostly monument to the past.

3. Pentedattilo (Calabria)

Pentedattilo is named after its unique five-finger-shaped rock formations. The name comes from Greek, as this part of Italy was part of ancient Greece. This once prosperous town was destroyed by earthquakes and subsequent depopulation led to its decline. During the 17th century, a feud between two ruling families ended in tragedy, known as the Alberti Massacre. This adds even more sadness to the story.

Pentedattilo italy

The town has been partially revitalized in recent years through cultural initiatives and art projects. Today, Pentedattilo hosts annual festivals and exhibitions, attracting visitors eager to explore its atmospheric ruins. The blend of history, mythology, and eerie beauty makes it one of Italy’s most fascinating abandoned towns.

4. Roscigno Vecchia (Campania)

Roscigno Vecchia, an abandoned town in Campania, has been left largely unchanged since its last residents departed in the early 20th century due to landslides. Unlike many ghost towns, Roscigno Vecchia retains a nearly intact village layout, with its central square, church and homes still standing.

roscigno italy

There is one remaining inhabitant who acts as an unofficial caretaker. He is friendly with visitors who often ask about the town. If you plan to stop by, keep an eye out for him. The town has a foundation that works to promote tourism and offers information to descendants of previous town residents.

5. Bussana Vecchia (Liguria)

Bussana Vecchia was abandoned after an earthquake in 1887. In the 1960s, a group of artists decided to give the abandoned village a new life by transforming it into an artistic haven. Today, Bussana Vecchia is home to galleries, workshops and exhibitions. While it lacks modern infrastructure, reconstruction efforts have been made to make the village livable again. Today, Bussana Vecchia remains a unique example that shows that abandoned towns can find new life through art and culture.

Bussana Vecchia church

6. Gessopalena (Abruzzo)

Gessopalena, carved directly into limestone cliffs, was abandoned following World War II bombings and subsequent depopulation. Today, you can explore its dramatic ruins along designated trails, and check out the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Occasionally, the town hosts historical reenactments and exhibitions to bring its past back to life.

7. Civita di Bagnoregio (Lazio)

Civita di Bagnoregio, known as La Città che Muore (The Dying City), is one of Italy’s most picturesque semi-abandoned villages. Founded by the Etruscans over 2,500 years ago, it sits atop fragile tufa rock, gradually eroding over time. Accessible only by a long pedestrian bridge, Civita di Bagnoregio has become a tourist attraction, with its medieval architecture and dramatic setting drawing thousands of visitors each year.

Civita-di-Bagnoregio town on a a hill

The village offers vacation rentals and businesses catering to visitors. However, it is still widely referred to as a “ghost town” due to the fact that it has no permanent residents and is only accessible by footbridge.

8. San Severino di Centola (Campania)

San Severino di Centola is a medieval village in the Cilento National Park, gradually abandoned in the 20th century. Despite its decline, its ancient stone buildings, churches and castle ruins remain in good shape. The buildings in the town have been bought up by descendants of former residents to keep the town from falling into unscrupulous hands. This makes it unique among the many other abandoned towns in Italy.

San Severino di Centola

9. Apice Vecchio (Campania)

Apice Vecchio is a ghost town in the Campania region that was abandoned following earthquakes in the 1960s. Unlike many other ghost towns that are entirely deserted, Apice Vecchio has been preserved remarkably well, with its buildings, churches and public spaces remaining intact. There are numerous plaques with pictures of these spots from when people still lived here. It’s fascinating and sad all at once.

apice vecchio italy

We came to Apice Vecchio for the Christmas market. It’s a popular attraction that brings bus-loads of people here just for the event. There are several restaurants around the restored castle that are always busy. You need reservations if you want to come here for dinner. The castle has been restored, and seeing it in contrast to the abandoned city around it is pretty surreal.

Tips for visiting abandoned towns in Italy

Exploring abandoned towns can be an interesting experience. Here, you can get a glimpse into the past and learn about the area’s history. It’s a unique way to explore, but be prepared, as the atmosphere can be both intriguing and sad. However, visiting these places requires some preparation and caution.

abandoned house in apice
  • Respect the ruins – Some towns are unstable, so always follow safety signs and avoid entering structures that appear at risk of collapse.
  • Take guided tours – Some towns offer official guided tours that provide historical context and ensure safe exploration.
  • Check accessibility – Some ghost towns are located in remote areas or require hiking to reach. Ensure you have proper footwear and check whether access is restricted.
  • Be mindful of private property – Not all abandoned towns are entirely deserted. Some buildings may still be privately owned or under restoration.
  • Visit at the right time – Spring and autumn are ideal for visiting, as summer heat or winter conditions can make exploration challenging. Avoid rainy days as the ground can be slippery. You don’t want to slip and fall.

Final thoughts on visiting abandoned towns

Visiting abandoned towns can be a very unique way to see Italy. They are like time capsules of life in the past and remind us that Italian landscapes can be both beautiful and deadly. I think visiting any of the abandoned towns or even semi-abandoned ones can be a great experience.

However, always be mindful that these places were abandoned for a reason. If something is gated off or locked, don’t try to get in there. Because if something happens to you, it might be a while before someone can find you. It’s not worth it.

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