Italy is home to many abandoned or ghost villages, some have come to this through natural disaster and others due to people needing to improve their socio-economic situations. Once full of life, these towns and villages are now taken over by nature, and slowly crumbling with the passage of time. There is something about these places, standing still in time, which is alluring to the curious traveller. Acting as open air museums, and providing us with a glimpse of times gone by, some of these ghost towns can make for the perfect day out as you wonder the cobbled streets and feel as though you are in a movie set.

Italy’s ghost villages: the most enchanting to visit

Italy's abandoned villages are a testament to history and charm. These evocative places, where time seems to stand still, offer a unique experience amidst legends and romantic atmospheres. Here we will explore 10 of the most enigmatic, and interesting abandoned villages in Italy.

Craco, Basilicata

Located in Matera, this ghost town was abandoned towards the end of the 20th century due to faulty pipework that caused a landslide. Today, the town is a collection of crumbling and dilapidated ruins set imposingly on top of a hill. To visit the abandoned village, helmets are mandatory due to the risk of collapsing structures, nevertheless a visit here is a spectacular experience not to be missed.

Civita di Bagnoregio

Known as ‘Italy’s dying town,’ Civita di Bagnoregio is perched on top of a crumbling hillside in the Calanchi Valley in central Italy. The only access is via a connecting bridge from the town of Bagnoregio. The town still has 11 inhabitants but due to erosion and wind the town is slowly but surely disappearing.

Pentedattilo

The ghost town in Calabria is precariously perched above the ‘five fingers’ of rock that protrude from the hillside. Part of the hillside collapsed after an earthquake in 1783, leaving the town devastated. Now, visitors can walk around the silent cobbled streets and be transported back in time.

Canale Monterano

A charming, abandoned town in Lazio, dotted with ancient ruins including Roman aqueducts and Etruscan tombs, and set among lush nature and forest paths. It is so picturesque that it has featured in many movies over the years.

Poggioreale

One of Italy’s most famous ghost towns, located in western Sicily and often referred to as the modern day Pompeii, hit by an earthquake in 1968, leaving most of the town decimated and what’s left has been frozen in time.

Poveglia

Poveglia is a cluster of islands near Venice, off the southwest bank. The islands were once a peaceful and happy community but due to a series of events, circumstances changed. It was a plague quarantine site and later a psychiatric hospital, leading to it being known as one of the most haunted places in Italy.

Toiano

Set in the heart of Tuscany, this small, abandoned village dates to the Middle ages. Visiting it is a relaxing experience where time stands still as you walk the quiet streets set between the Pisan hills and the cliffs of Volterra.

Roscigno

Located in the Cilento National Park and abandoned due to landslides in the 20th century. It has well preserved stone houses and narrow streets to explore. The Piazza Nicotera is a main attraction and has a lovely timeless atmosphere.

Bussana Vecchia

This peculiar yet charming town was abandoned after an earthquake in 1887, however in the 1960’s a group of artists rebuilt part of it and still inhabit it to this day. It is home to some interesting craft shops, cafes, and it’s quite the bohemian hub.

Balestrino

One of Liguria’s best attractions, this ghost town in Italy, was abandoned in 1953 due to earthquakes. Perched on a hill, surrounded by picturesque nature, visitors can walk the streets to discover the churches, castles and cobbled streets.

Shop&Fly at Fiumicino airport

The journey to any of these enchanting ghost towns often begins (or ends) at Rome Fiumicino airport. Here, the Shop&Fly service allows you to combine the pleasure of shopping with the convenience of collecting everything on departure. In addition, you can take advantage of a 10% discount on your online purchases, which cannot be combined with other offers. Because every detail of your trip counts.

As you explore the abandoned streets you can imagine what life may have been like over the ages. From the crumbling villages perched on hills such as the imposing Balestrino or the enchanting village of Roscigno, surrounded by lush nature. Whichever of the enchanting, abandoned villages in Italy you decide to venture to, you won’t be disappointed.     

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