Drone footage goes into Craco, an old Italian ghost town that appeared in Quantum of Solace

Incredible drone footage has been captured of a ghost town struck by tragedy – and the historic site was even featured in a Bond film.

The footage taken by Dutch Photographer team Sven van der Wal and Roman Robroek, 34, capture the 8th-century town of Craco, perched on a 400m cliff in southern Italy’s Matera province.

Thanks to its unique looks, it has been the setting for many of the series and films that starred in the 2008 Bond classic Quantum of consolation and 2004 The Passion Of The Christ, by Mel Gibson.

A photographer shared incredible drone footage of Craco (above), an Italian ghost town struck by tragedy

The drone flies over the city, its camera focuses on empty buildings and impressive ruins. The footage – which was posted on the YouTube channel boys with drones – then rotates out to reveal its stunning backdrop in the Italian countryside.

Craco has a fascinating history. In the 12th century it served as a military outpost and due to its strategic location and the natural barrier of the nearby hills, the building was later used as a fortress and prison.

The community grew from about 450 residents in the 13th century to just over 2,500 in the 15th century.

In later centuries, however, the city unfortunately experienced turbulent times. The residents were struck by the plague and the settlement later fell into conflict between the new republican movement and the old Italian monarchy.

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

Craco dates back to the 8th century and is in the province of Matera. Footage was captured by Dutch photographer team Sven van der Wal and Roman Robroek

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

The community of Craco grew from about 450 inhabitants in the 13th century to just over 2,500 in the 15th century

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

Its desertion accelerated in the 1960s as more landslides devastated the city, while an earthquake in the 1980s left it completely deserted.

Today, most of the original premises are still visible, and those wanting to see the history for themselves can enter the town via guided local tours.

Perched on a 400m cliff, the ghost town was abandoned in the late 20th century

“The lookout is an incredibly breathtaking and artistic sight,” Roman told Jam Press.

“The city has many ties to its surroundings and the aesthetics of the local environment.

“That makes it nice. But ultimately also what contributed to his downfall!’