Craco Ghost Town and Amaro Lucano Day Trip from Matera

Today known as the "town suspended in time," Craco Vecchia offers visitors a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into the past, where the passage of time seems to have halted. Once a thriving center of life in the Basilicata region, Craco played a vital role in the area’s social and economic history for centuries. Despite being abandoned due to landslides and natural disasters, the village’s crumbling stone structures, narrow alleyways, and panoramic views have preserved a rare, untouched charm. Its atmospheric setting has drawn the attention of filmmakers from around the world, serving as the backdrop for acclaimed films like Christ Stopped at Eboli by Francesco Rosi and The Passion of the Christ by Mel Gibson.

After this evocative step back in time, the tour continues with a visit to Essenza – Museo dell'Amaro Lucano, a museum that offers a sensory journey through five immersive thematic areas. Here, you’ll discover the story of Amaro Lucano, the iconic Italian herbal liqueur, and its deep connection to the territory and its people. The experience blends tradition, innovation, and emotion, making it much more than a typical museum visit. The tour concludes with a comfortable return to Matera, leaving you with a deeper appreciation of the cultural and historical heritage of this unique region.