Drone footage goes inside Craco, an ancient Italian ghost town that appeared in Quantum of Solace

A photographer has shared incredible drone footage of a ghost town that has been plagued by tragedy – and the historic spot has even featured in a Bond film.

The footage, captured by Dutch photographer Roman Robroek, 34, shows the town of Craco, which dates back to the 8th century and sits on a 400m- (1,300ft) high cliff in the southern Italian province of Matera.

Thanks to its unique look, it has been the setting of many series and movies, appearing in 2008’s Bond classic Quantum of Solace and 2004’s The Passion Of The Christ, by Mel Gibson.

A photographer has shared incredible drone footage of Craco (above), an Italian ghost town that has been plagued by tragedy

The drone flies over the town, its camera honing in on empty buildings and impressive ruins. The footage then spins out, showing its breathtaking setting in the Italian countryside.  

Craco has a fascinating history. In the 1200s, it served as a military outpost, and due to its strategic location and the natural barrier of nearby hills, the building was later used as a fortress and prison.

The community went from about 450 inhabitants in the 13th century to a little over 2,500 by the 1500s.

However, the town sadly experienced tumultuous times in later centuries. Residents became struck down by the plague and the settlement later found itself caught in the conflict between the new republican movement and Italy’s old monarchy. 

In the early 1800s, the town experienced civil unrest when it was attacked by several brigand groups (gangs of robbers).

Craco dates back to the 8th century and lies in the Matera province. The footage was captured by Dutch photographer Roman Robroek

The town once served as a military outpost, and was later used as a fortress and prison

The community of Craco went from about 450 inhabitants in the 13th century to a little over 2,500 by the 1500s

Many of Craco’s residents left the city between 1892 and 1922 for America due to poor agricultural conditions, landslides, earthquakes and floods. 

Its desertion accelerated during the 1960s when the town was hit by more landslides, while an earthquake in the 1980s left it completely abandoned. 

Today, most of the original premises remain visible, and those hoping to get a glimpse of history for themselves can access the town via guided local tours. 

Roman, who captured the footage with fellow Dutch drone videographer Sven van der Wal, shared the video footage on the YouTube channel ‘boyswithdrones’.

The ghost town, which sits on a 400m- (1,300ft) high cliff, was abandoned in the late 20th century

‘The vantage point makes for an incredibly stunning and artful sight,’ Roman told Jam Press.

‘The town has many ties to its environment and the aesthetics of the local surroundings.

‘This is what makes it beautiful. But ultimately, also what contributed to its demise!’