Reggio Calabria is the capital of the province of the same name. The city is located at the tip of the Italian boot and has a population of about 180 thousand people. Although Reggio has existed for a very long time, the center makes a fairly new impression, which is due to the earthquake of 1908, which razed almost the entire center to the ground. The main tourist attractions are the Cathedral, the Castello Aragonese and two larger than life bronze statues in the Magna Grecia Museum. Reggio also has beautiful beaches.
Reggio Calabria travel guide
Useful information
Name: Reggio Calabria. Province: Reggio Calabria. Region: Catania. Postal code: 0965. Zip code: 89121-89135.
Tourist office: The APT (Azienda di Promozione Turistica) of the city is located at Via Roma, 3.
Museum passes: There is no museum card or other discount card. However, several museums are free to visit on the first Sunday of the month.
Tourist attractions
From the origins of Reggio Calabria, you can still see parts of the fortress wall from the 4th century BC. These, as well as the ruins of Roman baths, are located along the Lungomare. Other Greek ruins, including remains of the Odeon, necropolises, public buildings and, especially on the hills, many water storage facilities, can still be seen here and there in the city. Unfortunately, important archaeological sites near Reggio Lido were destroyed during the construction of the train station.
The city has beautiful beaches and from the Lungomare one has a magnificent view over the Strait of Messina with Sicily and the volcano Etna in the background. It is also from here that, in special weather conditions, one can see a Fata Morgana. At such times, Sicily seems to come closer and it looks like Messina is in the air.
The most beautiful church is the Duomo and the most famous historical building is the Castello Aragonese. The Archaeological Magna Grecia Museum features the famous Bronzi di Riace statues. The Villa Comunale is the most famous garden in the city.
A brief history of Reggio Calabria
Reggio Calabria is the main city of the region, although Catanzaro is the capital. Founded in the 8th century BC, the city was one of the first Greek colonies in Italy. During the time of the Magna Grecia, as well as during the Roman and Byzantine periods, the city was very important.
The present appearance of the city is the result of necessary reconstructions after the earthquakes of 1783 and 1908, which destroyed almost all important historical buildings. The main parts of the city are located where the Greek city was also built. Currently, the city has more than 180 thousand inhabitants. Important problems that Reggio is subject to are organized crime and youth unemployment.
How to get to Reggio Calabria travel guide
From the north (Salerno) follow the Autostrada A3. This road passes through the towns of Potenza, Cosenza, Catanzaro and Vibo Valentia. From the south (Taranto) follow the Autostrada SS106 Jonica through the regions of Puglia and Calabria.