Tourism and Guide to Craco

History and Atmosphere of Craco

Craco is an Italian town located in the province of Matera, in the Basilicata region. Its history dates back to prehistoric times, as evidenced by the remains of human settlements from the Neolithic period. During the Middle Ages, Craco became an important commercial and cultural center, thanks to its strategic position along the Via Appia. Over the centuries, the village has experienced several catastrophic events, including earthquakes and floods, which led to its abandonment. Today, Craco is a place of great charm and mystery, where history and nature meet in a unique atmosphere.

What to See in Craco

Craco is a place rich in history and culture, with many monuments and attractions to visit. Here are some of the main sights:

• Church of San Vito: a 16th-century church dedicated to San Vito, with an interior decorated with frescoes and a bell tower that overlooks the town.
• Castle of Craco: a medieval castle located on top of a hill, with remains of walls and towers that offer a spectacular view of the valley.
• Casa Grotta of Craco: a house carved into the rock, built in the 19th century to protect against bad weather and earthquakes.

Where to Eat in Craco

The cuisine of Craco is typically Mediterranean, featuring dishes based on vegetables, fruit, cheeses, and meat. Here are some local specialties to try:

• Pecorino di Craco: a hard cheese made from sheep's milk, typical of the area.
• Chicken Cacciatore: a dish of chicken cooked with vegetables and seasonings, served with potatoes or rice.
• Dried Fruit: a variety of dried fruits, such as walnuts, almonds, and cherries, produced locally.

Where to Stay in Craco

Craco offers various accommodation options, from tourist facilities to B&Bs and farm stays. Here are some of the best options:

• Hotel Craco: a 3-star hotel with comfortable rooms and a spectacular view of the valley.
• B&B La Casa di Craco: a B&B with carefully furnished rooms and a breakfast featuring local products.
• Agriturismo La Collina: a farm stay with rooms and apartments, surrounded by a garden and vegetable garden.

Events, Festivals, and Food Fairs in Craco

Craco is a place rich in events and festivals that take place throughout the year. Here are some of the main ones:

• Feast of San Vito: a festival in honor of San Vito, the town's patron saint, held on June 15th.
• Dried Fruit Festival: a festival dedicated to dried fruit, held in September.
• Grape Harvest Festival: a festival dedicated to the grape harvest, held in October.

Photographs and Postcards from Craco

Craco is a place that offers many opportunities for taking beautiful photographs and buying postcards. Here are some of the main attractions:

• The View of the Valley: a spectacular view of the valley, which can be captured from the castle or the Church of San Vito.
• The Houses of Craco: the houses of Craco are an example of medieval architecture, which can be photographed in every corner of the town.
• Dried Fruit: dried fruit is a typical product of the area, which can be photographed or bought as a souvenir.

Nearby Attractions

Craco is located in the Basilicata region, which offers many opportunities to visit interesting places. Here are some of the main nearby destinations:

The city of Matera, with its millennia-old history and its cave architecture, is one of the region's main tourist destinations. The city of Potenza, with its Roman history and Baroque architecture, is another key tourist spot in the region. The Pollino region, with its unspoiled nature and wildlife, is an ideal place for nature lovers. The town of Pisticci, with its medieval history and cave architecture, is another major tourist destination in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)