The former ghost town of Bussana Vecchia

Italy has more ghost villages, but not all of them are worth a visit. This includes Bussana Vecchia, which was built on a hill in the 9th century as a fortress village. It is near San Remo, on the border with France in Liguria. Nowadays it is no longer a ghost town.

The old village was built on the hill to be well protected against attacks from the sea. Many buildings date from the Middle Ages, when the village was still very much alive and flourished. It only became a ghost town after a devastating earthquake on February 23, 1887. Many residents were killed. The remaining inhabitants moved to three kilometers away, right by the sea, where the foundation stone of the new town hall was laid two years later.

Bussana Nuova

The new village was called Bussana Nuova (New Bussana) by the residents, so that the old abandoned village automatically became Bussana Vecchia (Old Bussana). In the XNUMXs, however, the old Bussana experienced a revival, after artists from a number of different countries, including the Netherlands, rediscovered it and established their studios there.

Initially, it came down to a confrontation with the authorities, because all buildings in the town had been declared uninhabitable. But after the police went to the village and the new inhabitants hid behind their barricades, it was decided not to aim for an eviction.

Visit Bussana Vecchia

The community of artists still lives there today, albeit officially still illegally. You can be shown around, you can buy works of art and artistic events are organised. There are also several b&b's where you can stay overnight and eateries where you can eat well.

Stop by when you are in Liguria or in the south of France. The village is about eight kilometers from San Remo and you can get there via the A10. At the Valle Aurelia exit, follow the signs for Bussana Vecchia. Please note that you cannot reach the village all the way by car. You have to park it outside and continue on foot.

It is a very atmospheric town to walk around, take in the dilapidated buildings and imagine how bad that earthquake must have been.

🔗 Link Tip: the official website of Bussana Vecchia: www.bussanavecchia.it.