Poggioreale Ghost Town Sicily Italy
A hauntingly beautiful ghost town in Sicily, frozen in time after a devastating earthquake, offering a poignant glimpse into abandonment.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Better visibility for safety
Poggioreale Ghost Town Sicily Italy
Best Time
Better visibility for safety
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hauntingly beautiful ghost town in Sicily, frozen in time after a devastating earthquake, offering a poignant glimpse into abandonment.
"Eerie but tranquil, like a piece of history covered by the sands of time."
🤫 Sneak In Safely
Look for a hole in the fence on the side, often visible on Google Maps, as the main gate may seem guarded.
⚠️ Watch Your Step
Buildings are damaged. Stick to marked 'No Go' areas and be cautious of debris.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Eerie Streets
The entire town
Wander through silent streets, a poignant reminder of life before the devastating 1968 earthquake.
Crumbling Architecture
Residential buildings
Explore the remains of homes, witnessing the raw impact of time and seismic events.
Modern Geotechnical Installations
Various locations
Discover modern pipe structures with metal doors, hinting at ongoing safety efforts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Forbidden
Respect the Ruins
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤫 Sneak In Safely
Look for a hole in the fence on the side, often visible on Google Maps, as the main gate may seem guarded.
⚠️ Watch Your Step
Buildings are damaged. Stick to marked 'No Go' areas and be cautious of debris.
🐝 Beware of Wasps
Some visitors have encountered wasp nests, so stay alert to your surroundings.
♻️ Leave No Trace
Pack out all your trash. Poggioreale has endured enough; let's not add to it.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 Sneak In Safely
Look for a hole in the fence on the side, often visible on Google Maps, as the main gate may seem guarded.
⚠️ Watch Your Step
Buildings are damaged. Stick to marked 'No Go' areas and be cautious of debris.
🐝 Beware of Wasps
Some visitors have encountered wasp nests, so stay alert to your surroundings.
♻️ Leave No Trace
Pack out all your trash. Poggioreale has endured enough; let's not add to it.
🚶♀️ Explore Freely
Many visitors report spending an hour or more without seeing anyone else.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Poggioreale ghost town offers a profoundly eerie and tranquil experience, captivating visitors with its post-apocalyptic charm and poignant history. While officially closed, many find ways to explore its crumbling streets, appreciating the authentic, tourist-free atmosphere. Be mindful of safety due to the town's condition and pack out all trash.
"By far one of the coolest thing I've seen on Sicily. Not as great as Famagusta on Cyprus, that's why 4/5 stars, Ive just seen more intense places. If you like urbex, ruins, post-apo stuff you will be amused.
Don't mind fearful opinions and comments. Site is "closed" but if you go there with Google maps you park in front of high closed fence and gate but with huge hole in it. Me, my pregnant wife and 2 yr son manage to go inside without any problems so most people can get in. Moreover we didn't bothered anyone. Nonetheless we were really careful since buildings are pretty damages and in poor shape.
Main gate seems to have some monitoring on it, so we didn't get close to it.
Not many things left inside buildings, some are just pile of debris. Some facilities are still able to show you, sometimes hidden, shards of long forgotten everydayness of this town before tragic events. Repercussions of earthquake still haunts this place and creates very vivid and picturesque scenes, yet incredibly grotesque.
Care to seek some modern installations builded modern days out of pipes with metal doors which I guess are entrances to the maintenance tunnels for, i suppose, geotechnical purposes It's worth to see also Cretto di Burri which is monumental."
SwistakCZC
"This was our favourite place during our Sicily trip. Eerie but tranquil, like a piece of history covered by the sands of time. It’s fascinating to see how Sicily was then and how it has become. This is a must for adventurers and off the track thrill seekers."
Minh Long
"The true beauty of an authentic experience? The complete absence of turists. That’s likely because, technically, entry is forbidden, though in reality, no one seems eager to take responsibility if you’re reckless enough to get yourself killed.
In practice, the genuinely dangerous spots are clearly marked with “No Go” signs, so it’s not exactly a death trap, as long as you pay attention. Watch out for wasp nests!
The main gate (which Waze will lead you to) appears to be guarded.
However, if you use Google Maps, there’s a more creative route around the side, where you’ll find a convenient hole in the fence.
Yes, even larger visitors can fit through, this place is inclusive like that.
Have fun, stay safe, and PLEASE take your trash. Poggioreale's been through enough since '68, it doesn’t need your snack wrappers too :)"
Gabriela Gota
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Castellammare del Golfo, you can drive towards Poggioreale. While Waze might lead you to a main gate, using Google Maps can reveal a more accessible entry point with a hole in the fence on the side. The drive is scenic and offers glimpses of the Sicilian countryside.
Parking is generally available near the entrance you find. Visitors typically park their vehicles before entering the fenced area.
Visiting without a car would be challenging. Public transport options to Poggioreale are limited, and having a car provides the flexibility to reach the ghost town and explore surrounding areas like Segesta or Erice.
The roads leading to Poggioreale are generally well-maintained, typical of rural Sicilian routes. Enjoy the drive through the picturesque landscape.
Poggioreale is not a mainstream tourist destination, which contributes to its authentic and eerie atmosphere. You're unlikely to encounter large crowds.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, tickets are not required as the town is officially closed. Entry is technically forbidden, but visitors often find ways to access it through breaches in the fence.
There are no official opening hours as the site is closed. Visitors typically explore during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
While officially closed for safety reasons due to earthquake damage, many visitors enter cautiously. The genuinely dangerous spots are usually marked, but it's crucial to be aware of your surroundings and the condition of the buildings.
Some visitors have brought children, but it's essential to exercise extreme caution. Ensure children are supervised at all times and are aware of the unstable structures.
If you find the main gate guarded, it's advisable to look for alternative entry points, such as the hole in the fence on the side, as suggested by other visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend about an hour exploring the ghost town, taking their time to absorb the atmosphere and observe the details.
You'll see remnants of everyday life, including houses, debris, and sometimes modern installations related to geotechnical purposes. It's a vivid, albeit grotesque, scene.
Yes, Poggioreale is a photographer's dream for urban exploration and post-apocalyptic aesthetics. The crumbling buildings and silent streets offer unique visual opportunities.
No, there are no facilities or services within the ghost town. It's a deserted site, so come prepared with water and anything else you might need.
The atmosphere is profoundly eerie, tranquil, and melancholic. It's a place that evokes a strong sense of history and the impact of natural disasters.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire town offers incredible photography opportunities. Focus on the textures of crumbling walls, the play of light and shadow in empty rooms, and the overall sense of abandonment.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the abandoned streets and buildings. A camera with good low-light performance can be beneficial for exploring interiors.
There are no official restrictions on photography, but always be mindful of safety and the delicate nature of the structures.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can provide beautiful light for dramatic shots. Midday sun can create harsh shadows, but also highlight textures.
Drone usage regulations can vary, and it's best to check local rules. However, given the unofficial nature of access, it might be best to avoid it to prevent drawing unwanted attention.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Focus on the visual aspects of the town from a safe distance. Point out the unique architecture and the impact of time. The experience can be educational, offering a tangible lesson about historical events and natural disasters, but it's crucial to gauge your children's comfort levels and be prepared to leave if they become distressed.
📸 Urban Explorers & Photographers
Bring your wide-angle lenses to capture the scale of the desolation and a camera with good low-light capabilities for interior shots. The play of light and shadow across the decaying structures creates dramatic photographic opportunities. Remember to be respectful of the site's condition and avoid disturbing anything. The 'forbidden' nature of the location adds an extra layer of intrigue for those drawn to off-the-beaten-path adventures.
🚶♂️ Adventurous Travelers
Embrace the spirit of exploration by carefully navigating the site, paying attention to safety warnings, and respecting the environment. The absence of tourists means you can truly immerse yourself in the atmosphere and contemplate the stories held within the ruins. It's an experience that appeals to those who appreciate the beauty in decay and the narratives of forgotten places.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 1968 Earthquake and Poggioreale's Fate
Today, Poggioreale stands as a stark reminder of nature's power and the resilience of the human spirit. While officially closed for safety reasons, its silent streets and crumbling structures draw those interested in urban exploration and historical reflection. The town's fate serves as a poignant testament to the unpredictable forces that can shape communities and landscapes.
Visitors often describe the experience as eerie yet tranquil, a place where time seems to have stood still. The absence of tourists further enhances this feeling, allowing for a more profound connection with the site's history and atmosphere. It's a place that prompts contemplation about life, loss, and the passage of time.
Navigating Access and Safety
It's crucial to be aware of the surroundings. Buildings are in poor condition, and while genuinely dangerous spots are often marked with 'No Go' signs, caution is paramount. Visitors have noted the presence of wasp nests, so staying alert is advised. The terrain can be uneven, and debris is common, so sturdy footwear is recommended. Remember to respect the site by taking all your trash with you, leaving the ghost town as you found it.
The experience of entering Poggioreale is often described as one of quiet exploration, with many visitors spending an hour or more without encountering anyone else. This solitude contributes to the town's unique, melancholic charm. It's a place that rewards careful exploration and a mindful approach to its delicate state.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit