Unlike Bodie, Grafton feels tiny and lonely. This tiny Mormon settlement near Zion had some rough floods, decades of isolation, and economic struggle, and by 1944, the last remaining residents finally said enough is enough. Today, all that’s left of it is a few buildings, some creaky old barns, and a cemetery sitting under those giant cliffs. Grafton has that unsettling Children of the Corn vibe where everything looks lovely and sweet until you pay attention to the details.
5. Craco, Italy
Perched dramatically on a hill in southern Italy like an ancient beast, Craco was abandoned after an earthquake in 1963. It stood there, carved into the mounds for over 1000 years, but now it’s deemed too dangerous to live in. It’s a spectacular shell of a medieval town that still towers over the landscape like it’s daring the earth to finish the job. Unfortunately, you can’t just drive up there and take a look, because you’d need a guide first. Still, it’s worth it.
