Bussana Vecchia: A Story of Destruction, Rebirth and Creativity

Just a few kilometres from Sanremo lies a place that seems suspended in time. Walking through its cobbled lanes, stone houses and ancient ruins embraced by Mediterranean vegetation, you have the feeling of stepping into a forgotten village. Yet Bussana Vecchia is anything but abandoned. Today it is known throughout Europe as the Artists' Village, an open-air creative community where painters, sculptors, ceramic artists and craftsmen have transformed a village destroyed by an earthquake into one of the most original destinations on the Riviera dei Fiori. Its story is one of tragedy, but above all of rebirth—a place that fascinates anyone who loves history, art and destinations beyond the usual tourist routes.

The Earthquake That Changed the Village Forever

On the morning of 23 February 1887, a powerful earthquake struck Western Liguria and the nearby French Riviera. It was one of the most devastating seismic events in the region's history. Many villages suffered severe damage, but Bussana was among the hardest hit. Most of its houses collapsed or were so badly damaged that they were declared unsafe. After months of hardship, the authorities decided to build a new village further downhill in what was considered a safer location. This marked the birth of today's Bussana Nuova, while the original medieval village was gradually abandoned. For decades, its houses stood empty, its streets were overtaken by vegetation, and silence replaced everyday life. it was a kind of ghost village.

A New Life Thanks to the Artists

Something unexpected happened during the 1960s. A group of artists from various European countries decided to settle among the abandoned ruins, carefully restoring the old buildings while respecting their history and transforming them into studios, workshops and homes. Thus the International Community of Artists of Bussana Vecchia was born—an extraordinary project that brought life back to a forgotten village. Today, visitors can wander through the narrow alleyways, stepping into workshops where painters, ceramic artists, photographers, sculptors and craftsmen display their creations, often working while visitors watch. Each studio is different, making every visit a unique experience. You can also stop for a snack or a typical Ligurian lunch in one of the cafés and restaurants of the village.

The Church of Sant'Egidio: The Symbol of the Village

At the highest point of the village stand the remains of the Church of Sant'Egidio, heavily damaged during the 1887 earthquake. Its roofless walls have deliberately been left untouched and today represent one of Bussana Vecchia's most iconic landmarks. Throughout the warmer months, the church hosts concerts, exhibitions and cultural events, creating a remarkable dialogue between historic architecture, nature and contemporary art. It is also one of the most photographed locations in the village.

A Village Without Cars

One of Bussana Vecchia's most appreciated features is the complete absence of traffic. The village can only be explored on foot, following narrow alleyways, staircases and small squares where time seems to stand still. Every corner reveals something unexpected: an iron sculpture, a beautifully decorated doorway, a murales, a hidden garden growing among ancient walls, or a panoramic terrace overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It is the perfect place to wander without a destination, allowing curiosity to guide every step.

A Curious Story: A Village That Sparked Debate

The rebirth of Bussana Vecchia was not without challenges. For many years, the artists lived without formal legal recognition, and relations with local authorities were often complicated. Despite these difficulties, the community succeeded in preserving the village's unique identity, transforming it into a symbol of creativity, resilience and artistic freedom. Today Bussana Vecchia remains inhabited and welcomes thousands of visitors every year, while still preserving the unconventional atmosphere that made it famous.

A Place Full of Inspiration

Photographers, painters and filmmakers have long been inspired by Bussana Vecchia. The sunlight filtering through the ancient windows, the weathered stone walls, the vegetation intertwining with ruined buildings and the striking contrast between decay and renewal make it one of Liguria's most captivating locations. It is common to encounter artists painting outdoors or musicians transforming small squares into spontaneous open-air stages.

A Different Experience on the Riviera dei Fiori

Visitors to Bussana Vecchia will not find a perfectly restored medieval village, but rather a place that tells an extraordinary story of destruction and rebirth. It is a destination that invites visitors to slow down, to appreciate the details and be surprised by the remarkable encounter between history, art and creativity. For anyone staying in Sanremo, Arma di Taggia or elsewhere along the Riviera dei Fiori, a visit to Bussana Vecchia is an unforgettable experience, revealing one of Liguria's most authentic and fascinating hidden treasures. Here, the past has never disappeared—it continues to live among the ancient stone houses and in the hands of the artists who, even today, make this extraordinary village one of the most captivating places in Western Liguria.