Page 6 - Italian-American Herald - May 2024

6 ITALIANAMERICANHERALD.COM | MAY2024 HISTORY
Continued from page 4
The deserted town of Craco can be found in the region of Basilicata about 25 miles inland from the Gulf of Taranta. It is close to the city of Matera which has become famous for its cliffside dwellings. From 1892 to 1922, more than 1,300 Crachesi migrated
to North America mostly because of poor agricultural conditions. Then around 1963 the city began experiencing landslides created by infrastructural defects. The remaining population was evacuated to Craco Peschiera in the valley below.
The abandoned town has become quite
a tourist attraction and is also the location used for many historical movies such as “La Lupa” (1953), “Christ Stopped at Eboli” (1979), “King David” (1985), “Saving Grace” (1986), and “The Sun Also Shines at Night” (1990). The Craco of today has seen a revival drawing in many visitors and new business opportunities including a media center and guides who lead visitors through the old section of town.
Another town that has benefitted from these funds is Sellano in Umbria. One of Italy’s most beautiful medieval villages will entice scores of additional visitors with the completion of the highest suspension bridge in Europe. It was funded by the PNNR (part
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Thevillageof RoscignoVecchiaisoneofthebestknownopen-airmuseumsinCalabria.|ADOBESTOCK
of Italy’s National Recovery Act) to connect the town with the village of Montesanto across the Vigi River.
The bridge is 175 meters (574 feet) in height and is referred to as the Tibetan
Bridge of Sellano. The only one of its kind in Umbria, it has gaps between each thread and requires those who plan to cross to be physically and mentally able as well as being at least four feet tall. Those who are bold
enough to cross must also be attached to a harness.
All of the local villages which will receive funding must have plans approved and oversight from the Italian government, and
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