Bussana Vecchia, Medieval artists' village in Sanremo, Italy.
Bussana Vecchia is a hilltop settlement with stone buildings standing roughly 200 meters above sea level, overlooking the Ligurian coast. The houses are tightly clustered together with narrow connecting streets, surrounded by Mediterranean plants and herbs.
A major earthquake in 1887 devastated the settlement and forced residents to abandon their homes, leaving the place to decay. Beginning in the 1960s, artists gradually began restoring and repopulating the empty structures.
International artists occupy homes throughout the village and work in their studios creating paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. Their works fill the narrow streets and building interiors, where visitors often encounter creators actively engaged in their craft.
The village is best explored on foot, and sturdy shoes are recommended since the stone-paved paths are uneven and steep in places. Shaded spots exist throughout, though sun protection is wise for the exposed areas.
Many homes are occupied and maintained by artists who restored them personally, yet formal property ownership remains unclear with local authorities. This unusual arrangement keeps the village alive while creating ongoing administrative complexity.
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