
Craco, Italy, abandoned in 1963 after a landslide. (thefamilycoppolaresorts.com)
This haunting film depicts Craco, Italy, abandoned in 1963 after landslides rendered it uninhabitable. Ancient ruins are, well, ancient ruins, and their mysteries pull on different chords of our hearts. Craco is a city – granted, an ancient one – abandoned in modern times. Time has and has not been kind to Craco. Its citizens were doubtless the last of generations in their line to inhabit the village. Their reluctance to play Russian roulette with nature is understandable. Filmmakers have found the village’s potential as a site for films irresistable. The Nymph, by Lina Wertmüller (1996), was filmed there along with others of more ecclesiastical bent. But to return to Craco for an hour reduces considerably the tragical odds, and one can only wonder how many of the tourists who visit once had homes in this sadly beautiful alluring village. Wallow in whatever feelings wash over you as you watch Walter Molfese’s 3½-minute film “Craco: The Abandoned Town,” on the Kuriositas website. In 2010 Craco became the 93rd place on the World Monuments Fund’s list of cities and towns to be saved.

Balcony hangs on after landslide cracks facade. (geolocation.ws)
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