Bussana Vecchia

Nestled in the quiet hills of Liguria lies Bussana Vecchia, a fairytale medieval village reborn from desolation. Its rich past of calamity and recovery, rich present of rich artistic heritage and promising future, intrigue and new connections make it a unique and unmissable jewel in the crown of Italian destinations.

Bussana Vecchia’s past is as curious as its present.

The village originated in the 9th century and until the tragedy was a typical quiet Italian settlement. A devastating earthquake in 1887 deeply shook the village, making it unlivable.

For many decades it remained a ghost town, its soul silenced, shrouded in desolation. However, the mid-20th century marked the surprising but beautiful rejuvenation of Bussana Vecchia.

Artists from all over Europe discovered the deserted and struggling village and, fascinated by its potential, turned it into an internationally renowned artists’ commune.

Exploring Bussana Vecchia is like embarking on a treasure hunt: the winding cobblestone streets are a visual spectacle of medieval stone houses adorned with beautiful artwork, murals, and sculptures. The artists not only brought the buildings to life but recreated them into living canvases, giving every corner of the village a unique charm.

Life in Bussana Vecchia today thrives on art. The village is home to artists’ studios, independent boutiques and artisan workshops, reflecting a vibrant center of creative activity. Artists from all over the world have made it their home, contributing various artistic expressions including painting, sculpture, ceramics, weaving and more. Connecting with these artists, watching them work and listening to their stories is a very special dimension to a visit to Bussana Vecchia.

Experience the magnetic pull of Bussana Vecchia, where art and history are intertwined and every corner holds a story of resilience, rebirth, and creative expression. It is truly a testament to the indomitable human spirit and a beacon for artists and explorers around the world.

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The municipality of Bussana Vecchia hides within its borders numerous attractions and places of interest, including:

In the enchanting labyrinth of cobblestone paths that make up Bussana Vecchia, the artists’ enclave known for its majestic revival, lies the village’s most fascinating jewel, the Artists’ Atelier. Serving as both studios and retail outlets, these studios or “workshops” are the dazzling heart of the artists’ village, bringing a rainbow of creativity to the village’s medieval stone facade.

Visiting an artist’s studio in Bussana Vecchia offers a unique opportunity to enter the world of the artist, immersing oneself in an atmosphere where creativity thrives unabated. Each atelier reflects the personality, style and artistic inclinations of the titular artist, creating a unique mosaic of expressive languages within the dense village community.

The Artists’ Atelier is not simply a feast for the eyes and soul; it also serves as an incredible marketplace for art enthusiasts and tourists. These artist-owned stores house an eclectic collection of unique arts and crafts, ranging from paintings and sculptures to ceramics, textile art, and jewelry. The assortment of creativity available in these ateliers varies widely in terms of aesthetic value and price, allowing each visitor the opportunity to take a piece of the art of Bussana Vecchia with them.

You will find masterpieces that are authentic testaments to the artistry of their creators, of respectable artistic and economic value and intended to embellish and enrich personal and professional art collections. At the same time, you will come across adorable handicrafts, costume jewelry and souvenirs that, although perhaps lacking in originality, are imbued with the charm and character of this unique place, making them perfect keepsakes.

Each atelier, with its vibrant display and individualistic appeal, contributes to the collage of color and creativity that is Bussana Vecchia. These vibrant spaces completely transform the old gray stone of the village into a canvas full of color, wonder and inspiration. They don’t just blend in with the environment; they redefine it, making the shopping experience itself a pleasant stroll through an open-air museum.

The Artists’ Atelier truly encapsulates the magic of Bussana Vecchia, matching the village’s resurrection narrative and artistic soul. Whether you are an art connoisseur, a curious traveler, or a lover of fascinating places, a visit to these ateliers is an essential part of the Bussana Vecchia experience. It gives you the opportunity to not only witness but participate in the vibrant artistic life of the village, making it a must-see attraction.

Looming over the charming artist community of Bussana Vecchia, clinging to the hilltop like an ancient guardian exposed to the elements, is a surprising remnant of the village’s rich past: the Castle of Bussana Vecchia. Although only fragments of this once imposing structure remain today, the castle continues to attract visitors and evoke curiosity about its former glory.

The Castle of Bussana Vecchia occupied an enclave in a strategically enviable position at the apex of the village. This position offered it unfiltered control of the surrounding valleys and coastline, making it a crucial stronghold in an era fraught with territorial disputes.

Bussana Vecchia Castle shared a similar fate to the rest of the village, enduring the merciless wrath of the 1887 earthquake. The earthquake catastrophe that suddenly stopped the life of Bussana Vecchia also shattered the castle.

Un pezzo di storia che racconta silenziosamente le prove e le sfide del paese, la Chiesa di Sant’Egidio a Bussana Vecchia occupa un posto tragico nella memoria collettiva della comunità. La maggior parte dei residenti del villaggio si trovava all’interno delle sue mura protettive quando colpì il catastrofico terremoto del 1887.

La chiesa affonda le sue radici nel Medioevo, tra la fine del XIV secolo e l’inizio del XV secolo. Nel 1652 l’originaria struttura romanica subì una sostanziale trasformazione, evolvendo in una sontuosa rappresentazione dello stile barocco.

Tuttavia, il disastroso terremoto del 1887 danneggiò gravemente questa bellissima struttura. Rimase in rovina e non fu mai restaurato a causa delle sue condizioni instabili. Ancora oggi, per ragioni di sicurezza, i visitatori possono guardare la chiesa solo da attenta distanza.

Liberata dai detriti, la navata centrale della chiesa è stata gradualmente avvolta nel tempo da una coltre di erba e piante selvatiche, conferendo alle rovine un aspetto inquietante, ma decisamente bello. Nonostante il suo stato attuale, la chiesa conserva ancora tracce dell’antico splendore. Dal portale esterno è possibile intravedere le nicchie laterali, gli elaborati stucchi e le eleganti decorazioni che un tempo ornavano l’interno della chiesa.

Il campanile della Chiesa di Sant’Egidio, miracolosamente sopravvissuto al terremoto e alla prova del tempo, contribuisce al suo fascino struggente. Alto e fiero, è diventato il simbolo di Bussana Vecchia, un faro che rappresenta lo spirito resiliente e indomabile del borgo e dei suoi abitanti.

The Garden Among the Ruins, is a delightful haven of serenity and greenery. Created by visionary artist Luisa Bistolfi in the early 1970s, this private botanical garden offers a peaceful respite and an inspiring juxtaposition of vibrant life amid the remnants of the devastating earthquake.

An enchanting corner of Bussana Vecchia, the Garden among the Ruins, is located in the upper part of the village. This green oasis is cleverly arranged on several levels, each adorned with romantic corners and panoramic views of the city and its picturesque surroundings. The garden gracefully transforms the surrounding ruins into a testament to beauty and resilience.

As you climb to the highest terrace, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the bell tower of Sant’Egidio, a major landmark of Bussana Vecchia. The Garden Among the Ruins is a true labor of love, its delicate charm intertwined with the artistic philosophy that has come to define this unique community.

To visit the ruins of the Garden Among the and experience the wonder of this green sanctuary, a small donation is requested as a token of support for this magical space. It is worth it for a chance to bask in the striking beauty of the garden and catch a glimpse of the enchanting spirit that has transformed devastation into a flourishing celebration of life.

In the heart of Bussana Vecchia, the Osteria degli Artisti occupies a special place as a lively social center for locals and visitors alike. As the first venue to open its doors after the repopulation of the village in the 1960s, it has been an essential gathering place for the arts community and continues to foster the spirit of camaraderie and creativity.

For the residents of Bussana Vecchia, the tavern represents a warm space where they meet to chat, make connections, and further build the collective fabric of this unique village. For tourists, Osteria degli Artisti is an incredible opportunity to grab a bite to eat and sip a drink while basking in the enchanting view offered by the beautiful terrace.

The enchanting panorama provides the perfect backdrop for savoring the warmth and charm of Bussana Vecchia’s hospitality, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the village’s charming atmosphere. As you drink, dine and socialize on the terrace of the Osteria degli Artisti, you can’t help but be captivated by the undeniable magic of this extraordinary village.

This picturesque village offers a fascinating canvas for creation, inviting a host of artists to call it home, even if only for a temporary period of their lives. These extraordinary individuals wove an enchanting story of artistry, resilience and unity that is essential to understanding the soul of Bussana Vecchia.

Over the years some seventy artists have graced Bussana Vecchia with their artistic flair. Some established permanent roots within the village, while others used it as a creative stopover before venturing out on their artistic journey. However, their collective impact has left a permanent imprint on the city’s cultural landscape.

Today, nearly thirty artists live and work in Bussana Vecchia, constantly infusing the village with fresh artistic energy.

The story of the artistic revival of Bussana Vecchia begins with Mario Giani, a multifaceted artist from Turin known by the pseudonym “Clizia.” Giani was the first artist to claim a right to the village, paving the way for the idea of creating a free community of artists where creative minds could gather, collaborate and thrive.

Another prominent figure in this vibrant community was Vanni Giuffrè, a painter who arrived in Bussana Vecchia in 1965. He was president of the community before embarking on an adventurous sailing trip nine years later, leaving behind his leadership and Bussana Vecchia.

The artistic heritage of Bussana Vecchia is characterized by diversity, with artists engaged in various disciplines. From traditional painting and pencil drawing to pottery and clay making, silk fabric printing, art installations and sculpture, the village pulses with a wide range of creative expressions.

In addition, the village’s art community has also embraced various other art forms. Throughout its rich history, Bussana Vecchia has seen poets utter moving verses, musicians compose compelling melodies, and actors bring enchanting narratives to life.

With the Ligurian Sea just a stone’s throw away, Bussana Vecchia offers its visitors a unique blend of historic charm and coastal tranquility. The strategic location of this ancient village allows travelers to traverse eras while strolling through its artistic alleyways, and then merge into the serene relaxation offered by the beaches of Bussana, all within a day and just a few kilometers away.

Bussana beach is known for its narrow expanse of pebbles and stones, lapped by deep blue-hued waters. Here visitors will find both free areas and bathing establishments equipped for a more comfortable bathing experience.

Beyond the town beach of Bussana, two steps along the coast eastward will take you to Arma di Taggia.

Accommodations in Bussana Vecchia are indeed a rare commodity, which highlights the village’s non-tourist appeal and its dedication to preserving its artistic environment. The village itself has no conventional hotels, but instead offers a few select places to stay.

Only a handful of private rooms exist in the quiet streets of Bussana Vecchia, each rich in artistic character and warm hospitality. These spaces echo the distinctive spirit of the artists-owners, making each overnight stay an integral part of the experience in Bussana Vecchia.

However, with such a limited number of rooms and apartments available, advance booking is strongly recommended. This ensures that visitors are able to secure a place within the village and fully experience the tranquility and charm that Bussana Vecchia has to offer.

Alternatively, the nearby areas of Arma di Taggia and San Remo, both within a radius of only 10 km, offer a wide range of hotels, B&Bs, and vacation rentals.

Regardless of where you place your head, a visit to Bussana Vecchia promises to be a memory of a lifetime.