Discover Bussana: Roman Traces, Art and Coastline

Bussana between Roman history and the coast

Bussana combines several clearly distinct facets of Italian history and landscape. The remains of the Villa romana di Bussana lie near the mouth of the Armea stream in the hamlet of Capo Marine. Capo Marine is also home to the Basilica del Sacro Cuore di Gesù, located on a hill directly by the sea. In this part of Bussana, you can therefore encounter both Roman traces and a place with an immediate connection to the coast.

The Villa romana di Bussana

The Villa romana di Bussana offers a glimpse into the ancient history of the area. Its construction and the associated tomb are dated to the 1st to 2nd century AD; the villa continued to be used until the 3rd century AD.

Its original function also distinguishes the complex from a simple rural dwelling. The Villa romana di Bussana was a suburban residence equipped for the owner's shorter or longer stays. In antiquity, it stood along the probable route of the Via Julia Augusta or on a road connected to it. Anyone interested in Roman settlement areas, historic routes and the relationship between residential use and landscape will find a particularly tangible point of reference here.

Bussana Vecchia: History, Walks and Art

The area's history also includes the devastating earthquake of 1887. It forced the inhabitants of Bussana Vecchia to evacuate. Bussana Vecchia can be explored on foot. From Bussana Nuova, the village can be reached via an old mule track that begins at the Basilica del Sacro Cuore di Gesù. This allows the historic character of the village to be combined with a walk.

Another distinctive name is Casa Barca. It is a former warehouse that was restored by a group of hippie artists and filled with works of art. The sacristy of the Basilica del Sacro Cuore di Gesù also houses three valuable paintings from old Bussana.

Beach and coastal landscape

Bussana Nuova is also part of the local orientation. Cala degli Orsi is a sandy beach in Bussana Nuova. The coastal park's cycle path runs along the coast of Bussana, with sandy beaches and Bussana Nuova descending towards the sea. For your travel planning, this results in a combination of historical topics, a walk through Bussana Vecchia, and beaches and coastal attractions in Bussana Nuova. Depending on your interests, you can therefore focus on history, art, seaside activities or a combination of these themes.

Practical information for Bussana

For questions on site, the Bussana IAT information point can be reached at +39 0184 580500. The Basilica del Sacro Cuore di Gesù, the old mule track to Bussana Vecchia, Cala degli Orsi and the coastal park mark different points of reference for finding your way around. Together with the Villa romana di Bussana, they create a local landscape that encompasses historic sites, art, a sandy beach and a coastal route.

More places for your trip to Italy

If you would like to compare Bussana with other destinations, you can find Imperia, Diano San Pietro, San Bartolomeo Al Mare, Chiusanico, San Romolo, Piani Paorelli, Apricale and Latte here.

Back to the main travel overview: Imperia.