Bussana Vecchia: Ruins, Gardens and Artists’ Studios

Bussana Vecchia combines historic walls, gardens in ancient ruins and the history of an artists’ community to create an unusual townscape. At its centre are gardens among the ruins of several houses that could not be rebuilt. Their terraces each offer a different view of the village and its surroundings. Architecture, vegetation and landscape come together to shape the townscape.

Ruins, Terraces and Medieval Walls

The gardens were created within the surviving ruins and extend across several terraces. Each level offers its own view of Bussana Vecchia and the surrounding area. This townscape is complemented by the medieval walls of the castle, which preserve the historic settlement. The houses that were not rebuilt, together with the gardens and terraces, shape the character of Bussana Vecchia.

The gardens also contain a restored room furnished as it was before the earthquake.

Artists’ Community and Cultural Sites

The artistic history of Bussana Vecchia dates back to the late 1950s. At that time, Mario Giani, known as Clizia, proposed founding an international artists’ community in the derelict village. Clizia founded the artists’ community of Bussana Vecchia in 1960.

Bussana Vecchia is considered an open-air museum with workshops and small artists’ studios. The Giardino tra i Ruderi contains a museum area dedicated to Bussana Vecchia. The museum area is named after the local historian Nilo Calvini.

The religious buildings are also part of the history of Bussana Vecchia. The town’s first church was completed in 1404 and dedicated to Sant’Egidio. The Chiesa di Sant’Egidio is a sight in Bussana Vecchia. The Oratorio di San Giovanni Battista is at the centre of a regional project by the Ministry of Culture focusing on its restoration and consolidation. The partially restored Rovine della Chiesa have been set up as an open-air venue for performances. The Oratorio di San Giovanni Battista and the Rovine della Chiesa therefore represent different conditions of the historic building heritage: the former is the subject of a restoration project, while the latter has been partially restored and set up as an open-air venue.

Sights with Different Highlights

The sights in Bussana Vecchia include the Chiesa di Sant’Egidio as well as the Vecchia Mulattiera and the Torre dell’Arma.

The Plastico Ferroviario di Bussana Vecchia comprises approximately 350 running metres of railway track. Around ten trains of various types operate on this track, including historic trains as well as passenger and freight trains.

Exploring on Foot and by Bicycle

Access from the SS1 or from the beach via the Mulattiera is an uphill walk of approximately 2.1 kilometres and takes around 35 minutes. The path begins to the right of the school in Bussana Nuova.

A bicycle tour from Bussana Vecchia to Poggio leads to viewpoints overlooking the Ligurian coast.

To the main travel overview: San Remo.