5. Fabbriche di Careggine: Tuscany’s Drowned Village:
Fabbriche di Careggine, a village in Tuscany, Italy, holds a mysterious allure as a ghost town submerged beneath the waters of Lake Vagli. Founded in the 13th century by blacksmiths from Brescia, this small settlement flourished for centuries due to iron mining and production. The community had its own church, cemetery, and stone houses, forming a tight-knit industrial hub.
In the 1940s, construction of the Vagli Dam resulted in the deliberate flooding of the valley, turning the village into a submerged relic. Once covered by the man-made reservoir, Fabbriche di Careggine occasionally reemerges when the lake is drained for maintenance. This periodic phenomenon, known as “the resurfacing of the ghost town,” last occurred in 1994, and each resurfacing draws crowds of visitors and photographers eager to glimpse the haunting ruins.
When visible, the skeletons of Fabbriche di Careggine’s buildings reveal the resilience of stone structures, offering a fascinating snapshot of life before modern infrastructure transformed the landscape. Plans for future drainage of the lake are underway, promising another rare glimpse of this mysterious sunken village.
A testament to Tuscany’s historical tapestry and industrial past, Fabbriche di Careggine remains a powerful reminder of human adaptation to changing environments, captivating those intrigued by its submerged secrets.
6. Santo Stefano di Sessanio: A Timeless Gem in the Heart of Abruzzo:
Santo Stefano di Sessanio, nestled high in the Apennine Mountains of Abruzzo, Italy, is a beautifully preserved medieval village that transports visitors to another era. Perched at over 1,200 meters above sea level, it lies within the Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park, surrounded by rugged landscapes and breathtaking views.
Established during the Middle Ages, the village flourished as a key stop along the transhumance routes for shepherds. Its economy historically relied on wool production, which made it a strategic trading post. Despite its success in the past, the population dwindled over the 20th century, leaving the stone houses, winding alleyways, and defensive walls frozen in time.
In recent years, Santo Stefano di Sessanio has experienced a renaissance, thanks to a unique blend of tourism and heritage preservation. An innovative project transformed its centuries-old houses into an “albergo diffuso,” or scattered hotel, creating a sustainable way to preserve the village’s history while providing visitors with a distinctive lodging experience.
Visitors can explore the Torre Medicea (Medici Tower), a remnant of Florentine influence, or wander through the narrow streets lined with traditional stone buildings. The village hosts cultural festivals and is a gateway to the natural wonders of the surrounding park.
Santo Stefano di Sessanio remains an enchanting destination, blending history, architecture, and nature to offer a rare glimpse of life in medieval Italy, lovingly preserved for contemporary explorers.
7. Romagnano al Monte: A Forgotten Village in Campania:
Romagnano al Monte, a once-thriving village in the Campania region of Italy, offers a haunting yet beautiful glimpse into the past. Situated in the province of Salerno, this village was largely abandoned after a devastating earthquake in 1980, which forced the local population to relocate and establish a new town nearby.
The original Romagnano al Monte is perched on a rocky hilltop, providing stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. Its medieval origins are evident in the remnants of stone buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and the ruins of its ancient castle, which speak to a rich history dating back centuries.
Today, the old village of Romagnano al Monte stands as a ghost town, with nature slowly reclaiming the stone structures. Overgrown with vegetation, the village offers a picturesque yet eerie landscape that attracts photographers, historians, and travelers drawn by its serene beauty and poignant story.
Despite its status as an abandoned site, Romagnano al Monte has seen a resurgence of interest as a tourist destination. Visitors come to explore its quiet streets, contemplate its past, and enjoy the tranquil setting that contrasts sharply with the bustling modern life. As a result, the village serves not only as a reminder of the natural disasters that can reshape communities but also as a symbol of memory and resilience in the face of adversity.
8. Campomaggiore Vecchio: Basilicata’s Abandoned Utopian Village:
Campomaggiore Vecchio, known as the “Città dell’Utopia,” or the “City of Utopia,” is an abandoned village located in Basilicata, Italy. The village was founded in the 18th century under a unique social experiment by the Marquis Teodoro Rendina, who envisioned it as an idyllic community where residents could thrive agriculturally. Its regular, grid-like streets and carefully planned architecture made it a rare example of early urban planning.
In 1885, disaster struck when a massive landslide forced the entire population to relocate, leaving the once-thriving village desolate. The inhabitants founded a new settlement, Campomaggiore Nuovo, leaving Campomaggiore Vecchio to decay over time.
Today, the ruins of Campomaggiore Vecchio are a testament to a visionary past and are recognized for their historical significance. The remaining stone structures, including the church, homes, and town hall, provide an evocative snapshot of 19th-century rural Italian life. The picturesque ruins, surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery, attract photographers, historians, and curious travelers.
Each summer, Campomaggiore Vecchio comes to life again with theatrical performances and festivals that narrate the town’s unique story. Visitors can wander through its silent streets and marvel at its beauty while reflecting on the powerful forces of nature that led to its abandonment. It stands as a reminder of human ambition, resilience, and the transformative impact of history on small communities.
9. Consonno: The Eerie Abandoned ‘City of Toys’ in Lombardy:
Consonno, located in Lombardy, Italy, is a curious and haunting reminder of an ambitious project gone awry. Once a small medieval hamlet, it was transformed in the 1960s by entrepreneur Count Mario Bagno into what he envisioned as the “City of Toys” — a glamorous resort destination.
Bagno demolished much of the old village to construct a leisure complex complete with a grand hotel, shopping mall, and kitschy structures like an Oriental pagoda and a minaret. Consonno was intended to become a luxurious playground, attracting visitors with its extravagant entertainment. However, these grand plans came to an abrupt end in the late 1970s when a landslide destroyed the access road, leaving the town isolated and its development abandoned.
Today, Consonno stands as an eerie ghost town, its structures decaying and graffiti-covered, reminiscent of its unfinished dreams. The ruins evoke a surreal atmosphere where remnants of Bagno’s vision clash with the surrounding nature reclaiming the land. The hotel’s skeletal remains, the faded minaret, and the crumbling arcade offer a fascinating yet poignant insight into a project that never reached its potential.
Despite its state of abandonment, Consonno remains a curiosity, drawing urban explorers, photographers, and artists fascinated by its eclectic ruins. For those seeking an unusual day trip near Milan, this peculiar ghost town provides a compelling glimpse into a once-vibrant dream now overtaken by the past.
10. Gairo Vecchio: Sardinia’s Ghost Town with a Resilient Spirit:
Gairo Vecchio, located on the Italian island of Sardinia, is a haunting and evocative ghost town that tells a story of resilience in the face of nature’s fury. Once a bustling village nestled in the hills of the Ogliastra region, Gairo Vecchio was gradually abandoned after catastrophic flooding in the mid-20th century. In 1951, relentless rains caused landslides that made the village unsafe, forcing residents to relocate to safer ground.
Despite its desolation, Gairo Vecchio remains a fascinating place to visit. The abandoned stone buildings and cobbled streets convey a sense of life frozen in time. Nature has begun to reclaim the old village, with vegetation creeping over the ruins, offering an eerie but beautiful landscape. Visitors can wander through the empty streets, imagining the vibrant community that once called it home.
After leaving Gairo Vecchio, the inhabitants established two new settlements nearby: Gairo Sant’Elena and Gairo Taquisara, both embodying the spirit and traditions of their ancestral village. Today, Gairo Vecchio stands as a poignant reminder of Sardinia’s enduring history and the power of nature, while also serving as a popular destination for explorers, historians, and photographers drawn to its mysterious charm and striking scenery.
11. Rovaiolo Vecchio: The Forgotten Village in Lombardy:
Rovaiolo Vecchio is a ghost village located in the Lombardy region of Italy, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who once inhabited its rugged terrain. Perched on a steep hillside in the Val di Mello, this small community was historically dependent on farming and livestock, with stone houses clustered together to withstand the area’s harsh winters.
In the 1950s, concerns about geological instability and landslides led authorities to deem the village unsafe, forcing residents to abandon their homes. The population relocated to nearby villages or larger towns, leaving Rovaiolo Vecchio to the forces of nature. Over time, vegetation began to overtake the empty stone buildings and pathways.
Today, the remains of Rovaiolo Vecchio offer a poignant reminder of the region’s past. The village stands frozen in time, with its stone cottages and old church slowly crumbling. Despite its abandoned state, the village attracts adventurous travelers, photographers, and history enthusiasts fascinated by its picturesque decay and serene surroundings.
Visitors can explore the overgrown pathways, marvel at the rustic architecture, and reflect on the tenacity of the people who once called Rovaiolo Vecchio home. The nearby valleys and forests add to its unique charm, creating a sense of timeless beauty in the shadow of nature’s reclaiming grip.
12. Borgo Schirò: A Deserted Fascist-Era Village in Sicily:
Borgo Schirò, located in Sicily, Italy, is a fascinating and eerie reminder of the social engineering projects of the Fascist era. Built in the 1940s under Mussolini’s regime, it was one of several rural villages designed to modernize and repopulate the island’s countryside through the “Bonifica Integrale” (Integral Reclamation) project. The goal was to provide modern amenities, housing, and employment opportunities to transform rural life.
Nestled in the hills of Palermo Province, Borgo Schirò included a church, school, and various administrative buildings, aiming to create a self-sufficient, model farming community. However, the grand vision never materialized as planned. The challenges of post-war Italy, coupled with the decline of agriculture and logistical issues, led to the village’s gradual abandonment after the 1950s.
Today, Borgo Schirò stands as a ghost village, with empty buildings and overgrown streets. The remnants of its structures, designed in a rationalist style, reveal the stark, utilitarian architecture typical of the era. The village offers a glimpse into Italy’s past ambitions and provides valuable insights into the social and historical legacy of Fascist rural policies.
For those interested in the history of Italy or exploring abandoned sites, Borgo Schirò remains an evocative, poignant destination, inviting reflection on the ambitious but ultimately unfulfilled dream of rural modernization.
Castelvecchio Subequo, nestled in the beautiful region of Abruzzo, Italy, is a village rich in history and cultural heritage. Situated in the province of L’Aquila, this charming town is set against the backdrop of the stunning Apennine mountains, offering breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere.
The village’s history dates back to ancient times, with archaeological findings indicating Roman presence. However, it is during the medieval period that Castelvecchio Subequo truly flourished. The town was strategically important due to its location on a trade route and has retained much of its historical architecture, including remnants of its defensive walls and gates.
A key attraction in Castelvecchio Subequo is the Church of San Giovanni Battista, a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture that features intricate stone work and historic frescoes. Another significant site is the Abbey of San Pelino, just outside the village, which dates back to the early Middle Ages and holds great religious significance.
Every summer, Castelvecchio Subequo comes alive with the “Sagra della pasta alla mugnaia,” a festival celebrating a unique local pasta dish, attracting food lovers and tourists from across the region. This event not only showcases the village’s culinary delights but also highlights its vibrant community spirit and cultural pride.
Today, Castelvecchio Subequo continues to captivate visitors with its historical charm, scenic landscapes, and warm hospitality. It serves as a wonderful example of the rich tapestry of history and tradition that characterizes the region of Abruzzo. Whether exploring its ancient streets, enjoying its local cuisine, or participating in its festive traditions, Castelvecchio Subequo offers a unique and enchanting Italian experience.
Apice Vecchia, a ghost town in the Benevento province of Campania, Italy, stands as a testament to resilience and adaptation. Perched on a hillside with panoramic views, this charming village was once a bustling community with historic roots dating back to Roman times. Its medieval layout featured narrow streets, stone houses, and prominent landmarks like the 11th-century Castello dell’Ettore and the Church of Santa Maria Assunta.
In 1962, a devastating earthquake struck the region, causing widespread damage and forcing residents to flee. Although some returned to repair their homes, a second quake in 1980 led to the town’s complete abandonment. The inhabitants relocated to a new settlement, Apice Nuova, nearby, leaving the old town to deteriorate.
Today, Apice Vecchia is a ghost town that attracts curious travelers, photographers, and urban explorers intrigued by its haunting beauty. The ruins of the castle, church, and houses remain largely intact, creating a picturesque scene of decay. The vegetation reclaiming the streets adds to its atmosphere, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.
Recent efforts aim to preserve and restore parts of the old town, with guided tours available to those who want to delve into its history. The village’s unique architecture and poignant story make Apice Vecchia a compelling destination, revealing a chapter of Italian history shaped by natural disasters but resilient in spirit.
Civita di Bagnoregio, known as “The Dying City,” is a breathtaking hilltop village in the province of Viterbo, Lazio, Italy. Perched precariously atop a plateau of volcanic tuff in the Tiber Valley, this medieval gem offers a surreal glimpse into Italy’s historical past. The moniker “The Dying City” comes from the erosion that threatens its very foundation, slowly crumbling the cliff edges and isolating the village from the surrounding landscape.
Founded over 2,500 years ago by the Etruscans, Civita di Bagnoregio was once an important trading hub. However, continuous erosion and earthquakes over centuries have made the plateau increasingly unstable, forcing most residents to relocate to nearby Bagnoregio. Today, fewer than a dozen permanent inhabitants remain, giving the village a tranquil, almost otherworldly ambiance.
The only access to the village is a long, pedestrian bridge that stretches across the valley, providing a dramatic entrance for visitors. Once inside, tourists are greeted with a network of winding, cobbled streets, ancient stone houses, and beautiful squares. Notable sites include the Romanesque Church of San Donato and the ancient city gate.
Despite its precarious location, Civita di Bagnoregio attracts thousands of visitors yearly, especially in the summer, when the warm glow of sunset envelops the village. Local preservation efforts and tourism have helped maintain this unique and fragile place, making it one of Italy’s most distinctive destinations.
Civita di Bagnoregio stands as a poignant reminder of the ever-changing landscape and the delicate balance between nature and human ingenuity. Its captivating beauty and remarkable resilience draw travelers seeking to experience a living relic of Italy’s rich heritage.
