Italy is famous for its lively piazzas, colorful coastlines, and bustling markets… but what about the places time forgot?
Hidden deep in the countryside or perched on lonely hills are breathtaking locations — some so mysterious they feel like movie sets. They’re quiet, eerie, and hauntingly beautiful.
Here are 5 of the most fascinating abandoned spots in Italy you’ve probably never heard of.
1️⃣ Craco, Basilicata – The Ghost Town in the Hills
Once a thriving medieval village, Craco was abandoned in the 1960s after a series of landslides. Today, its crumbling stone houses, empty streets, and panoramic views make it feel like stepping into another century. Filmmakers love it — scenes from The Passion of the Christ and Quantum of Solace were shot here.
2️⃣ Consonno, Lombardy – The Failed Italian Las Vegas
In the 1960s, an eccentric count dreamed of turning Consonno into Italy’s own Las Vegas, complete with neon signs, exotic buildings, and music halls. It all came to a sudden stop when a landslide blocked the only road. Now, nature has reclaimed the fantasy, leaving a surreal mix of ruins and graffiti.
3️⃣ Villa de Vecchi, Lake Como – The House of Witches
With faded frescoes, broken staircases, and windows staring like hollow eyes over Lake Como, Villa de Vecchi is the stuff of legends. Locals whisper ghost stories, and its mysterious past (including the murder of its owner’s wife) makes it one of Italy’s eeriest mansions.
4️⃣ Fabbriche di Careggine, Tuscany – The Sunken Village
This tiny medieval town was flooded in the 1940s to create a hydroelectric dam. It spends most of its time underwater… until the rare moments when the lake is drained, revealing stone houses, streets, and even a church frozen in time.
5️⃣ Abbey of San Galgano, Tuscany – The Roofless Cathedral
Surrounded by rolling hills, this gothic abbey lost its roof centuries ago, but what remains is pure magic. Sunlight pours through where the ceiling once was, and just a short walk away lies Italy’s very own “Sword in the Stone,” embedded in a rock since the 12th century.
💡 Tip: Many of these places are in remote areas and not officially open to the public. Always check accessibility and safety before visiting — and be respectful of their fragile beauty.
