Bugnano is a tiny collection of completely abandoned houses, just outside the village of Riolo. There is no sign to the village, just an overgrown track at a bend in the road.

I have heard that the village was abandoned after WWII when the residents went off in search of a better life. A few years ago an English company planned to restore it and turn it into holiday accommodation, but their plans came to nothing. It may be too far gone now to do anything. The forest is taking over.

It is quite sad to see these ruined houses. Somebody once loved them. Some touches of home remain.

One house must have been very grand in its day.

The kitchen sink is still there.

And the place where the fireplace would have been.

What must have been the living room has some frescoes remaining.

The front room has great views over the mountains.

Soon the forest may take over completely.

Even the mushrooms growing near the big house look dark and sinister.

Somebody has camped in one of the houses recently.

Do you know anyone with lots of money and some imagination? Wouldn’t it be great to see the village live again?

Teri Giannetti has kindly sent some extra photos of Bugnano.