Ghost towns: Abandoned Beauty in Italy

Italy is home to a number of ghost towns, known locally as “città fantasma”. These were once thriving communities but are now abandoned and left to the ravages of time.

These abandoned towns are not just relics of the past; they offer a unique and fascinating opportunity for tourists and potential investors alike.

The Allure of Abandoned Towns

Ghost towns are essentially open-air museums. They offer an immersive historical experience, providing insights into the architectural styles and cultural practices of bygone eras.

Moreover, for photographers, these towns are a dream, presenting endless opportunities to capture the haunting beauty of decay.

Especially for those with a sense of adventure, exploring these quiet, eerie streets can be a thrilling experience.

And for cultural heritage enthusiasts, visiting and investing in these towns supports efforts to preserve Italy’s rich history.

Ghost Towns Tourism in Italy: A New Trend

Tourism in Italy’s ghost towns is becoming increasingly popular, drawing over 1.5 million visitors annually. This surge in interest is driven by several factors.

First, there’s the allure of stepping into a place frozen in time, offering a stark contrast to the bustling modern world.

Secondly, the mystery and romance of abandoned towns captivate many, providing a unique and off-the-beaten-path travel experience.

Ghost towns such as Bussana Vecchia in Liguria, Pentedattilo in Calabria or Craco in Basilicata, attract tourists not only for their eerie beauty but also for the stories and legends that surround them.

The growing interest in sustainable and experiential travel also contributes to this trend, as travelers seek meaningful connections with history and culture.

Craco: the lost town

Among the ghost towns in Italy, Craco stands out because of its picturesque landscape.

On a guided tour along a secured itinerary, visitors can explore the ghost town of Craco. While some of the architecture still stands, much of the town is crumbling, making it too dangerous, and illegal, to visit unaccompanied.

From the town’s main street, one reaches the centre of the ghost town: on the way, one encounters several noble palaces around which the village expanded in the 15th century.

Looking out from a window of the bastion, you can admire endless meadows and the characteristic calanchi, deep furrows dug into the clay soil that make the landscape unique and evocative.

Because of its beauty, the ghost town of Craco has been included in the list of the World Monuments Found, a list of safeguarded monuments around the world.

Outside Craco’s city walls, you can admire one of the area’s religious heritages: the Franciscan convent with the Church of San Pietro Principe degli Apostoli, that dates back to 1630.

In conclusion, Craco is a true heritage of the Bel Paese, which, although abandoned, is worth maintaining and preserving as many others lost gems that characterised the italian landscape.

Property Investments in Italian Ghost Towns

Investing in properties in areas with ghost towns presents a unique opportunity to be part of a rich historical and cultural legacy.

With many of these areas boasting fewer than 10,000 inhabitants, they offer promising prospects accessible to Canadian investors.

For more details about updates to Canadian FPPRA rules, consult our resources.

However, investing in areas with abandoned towns carries inherent risks and complexities, demanding careful consideration and due diligence.

Understanding the reasons behind a town’s abandonment, assessing geological phenomena, conducting thorough property surveys and understanding legal ownership are some of the vital steps for informed decision-making and risk mitigation.

Finally …

At De Tullio Law Firm, our expertise lies in property, inheritance, residence and family law matters in Italy.

If you have any inquiries regarding purchasing a property anywhere in Italy, feel free to reach out to us. We are happy to provide you with a complimentary preliminary consultation.

Schedule your consultation.