Synopsis
Ghost towns have a peculiar lure as we get a chance to witness ruins from a different time. There is a certain romanticism involved with a ghost town; but of course, behind every ghost town there is probably a terrible story.
Arka Roy Chowdhury
Darjeeling boy, Arka has only been writing since as far back as he can remember. The sound of sea …Read More
Credit: ThinkStock PhotosGhost towns have a peculiar lure as we get a chance to witness ruins from a different time. There is a certain romanticism involved with a ghost town; but of course, behind every ghost town there is probably a terrible story. The original inhabitants left or simply perished for a reason that is probably horrifying. In Italy, there are quite a few beautiful ghost towns in spectacular locations, and exploring these would perhaps be one of the best things you would have done in a long time. These ghost towns and villages are in their current state, mainly due to natural disasters and rapid urbanisation.Let us take a look at four such stunning abandoned villages.Read more: Italy’s most charming experiences!Balestrino
Credit: ThinkStock PhotosLocated in Liguria, this mysterious abandoned village is located on a hilltop. Though there is little information about its history, it is suspected that Balestrino faced a number of earthquakes, and that the inhabitants abandoned the village in 1953. Dating back to the 11th century, this is an obscure old town that will leave you wide-eyed with amazement. You cannot explore it freely because it is fenced off; however, you can still visit St. George and St. Andrew’s churches here.Pentedattilo
Credit: ThinkStock PhotosA breathtakingly beautiful place, Pentedattilo is located in southern Italy’s Calabria. It wasfounded way back in 640 BC as a part of the Greek city of Chalcis. The jutting stones that shoot up towards the sky are clearly visible from afar, and of course it has a sort of strangeness about it. The village was struck by a massive earthquake in 1783, which led to people vacating the area. Then, later in the 20th century, the village was completely vacated.Craco
Credit: ThinkStock PhotosA medieval ghost town of utmost beauty, this village is sitting atop a 400 m high cliff. Founded way back in the 540 AD by Greeks, it was then called Montedoro. The village provides stunning views, and is your typical southern Italy countryside. Here, the tombs date back to the 8th century, and this means it existed from the Iron Age. A 1963 landslide caused many of its residents to leave, which was followed by a 1972 flood, and an earthquake in 1980.Gairo Vecchio
Credit: ThinkStock PhotosLocated in Sardinia, Gairo Vecchio is close to the new town of Gairo. A beautiful ghost town, Gairo Vecchio was destroyed by two floods in the 1920s, and then a worse one in 1952. The village wasthen abandoned and another one was built two kilometres up hill. The cobblestoned streets here add to the beauty of this place, and you could definitely get lost in its old homes, lined by lime trees.If you think regular travel destinations are not giving you the thrill any longer, then you should definitely take the plunge and take a trip to ghost town!
Source: Timesofindia.indiatimes.com
