Historical and abandoned villages across Italy

Italy's interior regions host various historical sites and abandoned settlements that serve as fragments of landscape and memory. In Calabria, the village of Arena in the Vibo Valentia province offers a glimpse into ancient history. Likely the oldest settlement in the Serre area, Arena transitioned from a Greek colony to a Roman municipium and later a medieval fiefdom. The town features ruins of a Norman-built castle and archives from the 1700s that document the management of the territory.

In Liguria, several ghost towns highlight the impact of geological instability and rural abandonment. Balestrino, located in the Savona province, was abandoned in 1963 due to hydrogeological issues and remains a notable site of stone houses and narrow alleys. Other locations include Canate di Marsiglia, Costapianella, and Filettino. Unlike purely abandoned sites, Bussana Vecchia has seen a resurgence, becoming a hub for artists and workshops.