Ghost Towns of Italy
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Latest page update: 28 January 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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This small collection of Ghost Towns of Italy represent some of the most evocative places in the country.
Abandoned either due to economic reasons or due to natural disasters, these villages although devoid of residents offer a fascinating glimpse into the past. The ghost analogy actually works on several levels: the fact that these towns and villages were once thriving communities but now just a shell of their former selves creates a hollow feeling. We can also use another ghostly word here: spooky, as there's definitely an unsettling atmosphere that's quite thrilling at the same time. |
Pentedattilo, Calabria
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Craco
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Craco, a fascinating ghost town in the Basilicata region of southern Italy, is perched on a hilltop overlooking the surrounding countryside.,Abandoned in the 20th century due to landslides and natural disasters, it now stands as a hauntingly beautiful destination.
Craco’s narrow streets, crumbling buildings, and medieval towers provide a glimpse into its rich history, which dates back to the 8th century. Once a thriving agricultural hub it retains structures like the Norman Tower and the Church of San Nicola. Craco’s eerie charm has made it a popular filming location for movies, and it continues to draw visitors intrigued by its unique atmosphere. |
Craco, Basilicata
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Pentedattilo
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Pentedattilo, a hauntingly beautiful village in Calabria, southern Italy, is perched on the cliffs of Monte Calvario, near the Ionian coast. Its name, meaning "five fingers," comes from the mountain's hand-like shape. Founded by Greek settlers in 640 BCE, Pentedattilo has a long history marked by Byzantine, Norman, and Spanish influences.
Abandoned in the 20th century due to earthquakes, it became a ghost town, later revitalized as a cultural and artistic hub. The village's narrow streets, ruined stone houses, and the Church of Saints Peter and Paul evoke its ancient charm. Pentedattilo offers a unique blend of history, mystery, and breathtaking scenery. |
Pentedattilo, Calabria
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Celleno
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Celleno is a fascinating ghost town in the Lazio region of central Italy, perched on a tuff hill between Lake Bolsena and the Tiber Valley. Abandoned in the 20th century due to landslides and instability, the town is a relic of medieval life.
Its crumbling stone buildings, narrow streets, and the Orsini Castle create an evocative atmosphere, drawing visitors seeking history and mystery. Celleno’s origins trace back to Etruscan times, with its peak during the Middle Ages. Nearby, visitors can explore the enchanting Civita di Bagnoregio, another hilltop village known as the "dying town". |
Celleno, Lazio
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Argentiera
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Argentiera is a former mining town located on the northwest coast of Sardinia, near Sassari. Nestled along a rugged coastline, it is part of the Parco Geominerario Storico della Sardegna, a site preserving the island’s mining heritage. Once a hub for silver and lead extraction, Argentiera flourished during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Today, it is a ghost town with well-preserved industrial structures, including miners’ residences, warehouses, and processing facilities, offering a glimpse into Sardinia’s industrial past. The area’s striking natural beauty, with secluded beaches and rocky cliffs, contrasts with its historical ruins. |
Argentiera, Sardinia
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