Bussi, whose origin dates back to ancient Rome, is a small town. Its name comes from the homonymous evergreen box-tree (Boxus sempervirens) that grows widely in the area. Only in 1880, the present-day name was assigned to it, in honor of the river crossing it. In the course of history, many noble families took hold of it: first, the Cantelmos (1377-1579), then the Medicis (1600) and finally the Bourbons when, with Charles III, the town became part of the Kingdom of the two Sicilies. Around 1700, the ceramics craft develops in Bussi thanks to Antonio Francesco Grue, who, after heading the revolt against the Marques Mendoza that wanted to impose duties on majolica wares, left Castelli and took refuge in Bussi where he was proclaimed governor.

Here he finds water, clay and wood for the kiln. He can, therefore, keep on making ceramics, promoting its knowledge and spreading the love and passion for this craft through the realization of numerous shops. Among the most important architectural structures, we can mention the ruins of Saint Mary of Cartignano’s church, dating back to the XI century, which was first a country church and later a monastery of Montecassino’s  Abbey; Saint Anne’s church with only one nave and frescoes of 1556; Saint Lawrence’s church with IX century sculptures; and Saint Blaise’s church, which houses many ancient statues. Also to be remembered are the ruins of the Sutrium tower, a viewing tower with a triangular base found in Saint Rocco’s locality; the Castle of the Cantelmo Dukes, in the highest part of the historical center, dating back to the XI century, in whose interior one finds a well, a stone stairway of the 1500’s, besides paintings, fireplaces and valuable objects.

The town is considered the southern entrance to the Gran Sasso and Laga Mountains National Park with the Tirino River Visits Center, one of the National Park’s most important information and tourist welcoming center. Today this center is considered the tourist’s reference point of the Tirino Valley. From here depart most of the major tourist activities available in the area such as canoe excursions, kayak courses, mountain bike rides, north walking excursions, trekking and other activities.