Bussana Vecchia – My Trip to Liguria's Forgotten Artists' Village

Bussana Vecchia – My trip to the forgotten artists' village of Liguria

"Traveler, if you come to Bussana Vecchia," or so!

Well, there are places that feel like time has forgotten them. Bussana Vecchia, a small village above Sanremo, is just such a place. Half ruin, half artists' paradise – and yet full of stories that you can almost hear as you wander through the alleys. I thought Moltedo was special, but now I see things differently.

A village scarred by an earthquake

The history of Bussana Vecchia is anything but ordinary. Until 1887, around 3,000 people lived here. Then came the big earthquake: in a few seconds, houses collapsed, the church was destroyed, and hundreds lost their lives. The survivors fled and built a new village down by the sea – Bussana Nuova.

Old Bussana remained: a ghost town that slowly fell into disrepair. For decades, hardly anyone dared to go there; the ruins were considered dangerous and officially closed.

Artists rediscover the ruins

In the 1960s, something happened that today seems like a small miracle. Artists from all over Europe – painters, sculptors, musicians – discovered the abandoned place and fell in love with its atmosphere. Instead of being deterred by the collapsed walls, they saw inspiration in them. They began to provisionally secure the ruins, built studios, and made Bussana Vecchia their home.

Of course, it wasn't all smooth sailing. For a long time, authorities declared the village uninhabitable; there were eviction attempts and disputes over property rights. But the artists stayed – and over the years, a vibrant community emerged, which remains the heart of Bussana Vecchia to this day.

My impressions during the tour

As you wander through the narrow, stony alleys, you can feel this contrast between destruction and reconstruction everywhere. One house looks as if it's about to collapse, right next to it colorful art hangs on freshly painted walls. In between, there are always small doors behind which you discover workshops: painting, sculptures, jewelry – each piece unique.

What impressed me most was the old church. Roofless, riddled with cracks, but with an almost magical aura. You stand there and think: everything ended here back then – and at the same time, something completely new began.

By the way: The best gifts for nature lovers at a glance here!

Tips for your visit

• Experience history: It's best to read briefly about the 1887 earthquake beforehand, then the place will have an even more intense effect.

• Half ruin, half gallery: Don't be surprised if you suddenly find yourself in the middle of a studio – the transitions are fluid.

• Take your time: You constantly discover new corners, small details, hidden stairs.

• Photo paradise: From morbid ruins to colorful artworks – Bussana Vecchia is incredibly photogenic.

Conclusion – a village between past and future

For me, Bussana Vecchia is more than just a destination. It is a symbol that something new can emerge from destruction. A place that shows how strong the connection between history, art, and community can be. Anyone traveling in Liguria should not miss this village – it is an experience you won't soon forget.