Its roots date back to the pre-Roman sixth century B.C. It was built on a summit, Craco's utility was initially derived from its ability to repel invaders. The town saw an average 1,500 inhabitants living in its grounds. The town's placement on a cliff precipice also threatened its integrity. Amazingly, Craco survived for centuries through conquests and plague, but it couldn't withstand a series of earthquakes and landslides that occurred in the 1960s.

Some movies have been filmed here such as The Passion Of The Christ and Quantum Of Solace.

Abandoned in 1963