Reggio di Calabria, Italy

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Reggio di Calabria, Italy

Region: Calabria


Geographic Coordinates: 38.114400, 15.650000
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 30.0°C (50°F to 86°F)
Climate: Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters.
Population: 181447
Language: Italian

Reggio di Calabria is a beautiful city located in the southern region of Italy, Known for its stunning coastline, Rich history and cultural heritage. It is situated on the toe of the Italian peninsula, Facing Sicily across the Strait of Messina. The city has been inhabited since ancient times and has been influenced by various civilizations throughout history. One of the most notable attractions in Reggio di Calabria is its National Archaeological Museum which houses a vast collection of artifacts from Magna Graecia (Greater Greece), A term used to describe areas colonized by Greeks in southern Italy.

The museum contains an impressive display of Greek pottery, Jewelry, Coins and sculptures dating back to 8th century BC. The city’s historic center boasts several beautiful churches such as the Cathedral of Reggio Calabria which dates back to 11th century AD. It is known for its stunning Byzantine-style mosaics that adorn its walls and ceilings. Another must-visit church is Chiesa degli Ottimati which was built in 1700s and features intricate Baroque architecture. Reggio di Calabria’s seafront promenade Lungomare Falcomatà offers breathtaking views over the Strait of Messina and Mount Etna on clear days.

The promenade stretches for over two kilometers along the coast lined with palm trees, Cafes, Restaurants and hotels making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. For those interested in nature, Aspromonte National Park located just outside Reggio di Calabria offers hiking trails with stunning views over mountains covered with lush forests dotted with small villages scattered throughout. Food lovers will not be disappointed as Reggio di Calabria boasts delicious local cuisine including fresh seafood dishes such as swordfish or tuna cooked ‘alla ghiotta’ style (with tomatoes, Onions and capers).

Other specialties include ‘nduja’, A spicy spreadable pork sausage that is a staple in Calabrian cuisine, And ‘pitta’, A bread made with potatoes that is often served with cured meats and cheeses. Overall, Reggio di Calabria offers visitors a unique blend of ancient history, Stunning natural beauty and delicious cuisine making it an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic Italian experience.



Important Landmarks

  1. Lungomare Falcomatà is a picturesque seafront promenade that provides stunning views of the Strait of Messina and Sicily.
  2. The National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria houses the renowned Riace Bronzes, two ancient Greek bronze statues discovered in the sea near Riace in 1972.
  3. The Cathedral of Reggio Calabria is an exquisite Baroque church devoted to Saint Mary of the Assumption, situated in Piazza del Duomo.
  4. Castle Aragonese is a medieval fortress constructed by the Aragonese family during the 15th century, located on a hill that overlooks Reggio di Calabria.
  5. Chiesa degli Ottimati is an antique church dating back to the Byzantine era, featuring spectacular mosaics and frescoes.
  6. Villa Genoese Zerbi is an old villa with lavish gardens and elegant architecture that now serves as an art museum.
  7. The Fata Morgana Studio Museum is a one-of-a-kind museum showcasing optical illusions and special effects employed in movies such as Star Wars and Lord of The Rings.
  8. Pinacoteca Civica is an art gallery exhibiting works by local artists along with paintings from other Italian regions.
  9. Teatro Cilea – A historic theatre that has hosted many famous operas throughout its history including works by Verdi and Puccini.
  10. Casa Natale di Francesco Cilea – A museum dedicated to composer Francesco Cilea who was born in Reggio di Calabria.

Primary Industries

  • Tourism
  • Agriculture
  • Fishing
  • Manufacturing
  • Retail
  • Education
  • Healthcare
  • Transportation

Reggio di Calabria is a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful beaches, historical landmarks and cultural attractions. The region is also known for producing high-quality citrus fruits, olives and wine. The city has a thriving fishing industry thanks to its location on the Strait of Messina. There are several manufacturing companies in Reggio di Calabria that produce furniture, textiles and ceramics. Additionally, the city has a number of small businesses that sell local products such as handmade crafts and food items. Reggio di Calabria is home to several universities and research institutions which contribute to the education sector of the city while numerous hospitals provide healthcare services to residents as well as tourists visiting the area. Due to its location on the coast of Mediterranean Sea,the port in Reggio di Calabria serves as an important gateway for trade with other countries in Europe and beyond making transportation an essential part of this region’s economy.


Noteable History

  1. Ancient Greek colony: Reggio di Calabria was founded as an ancient Greek colony in the 8th century BC. It was known as Rhegium and became an important cultural and commercial center.
  2. Roman conquest: The Romans conquered Reggio in 270 BC, which led to the decline of its Greek culture.
  3. Earthquake of 1908: In December 1908, a devastating earthquake struck the city, killing over 30,000 people and destroying most of its buildings.
  4. Giuseppe Garibaldi: The Italian hero Giuseppe Garibaldi landed in Reggio di Calabria in August 1860 during his campaign to unify Italy.
  5. Antonio Stradivari: The famous violin maker Antonio Stradivari is said to have made one of his finest instruments for a noble family in Reggio di Calabria.
  6. Francesco Cilea: The composer Francesco Cilea was born in nearby Palmi but spent much of his life in Reggio di Calabria where he wrote several operas including Adriana Lecouvreur.
  7. Pythagoras: The famous mathematician Pythagoras is believed to have lived and taught in Rhegium (now Reggio) around the turn of the 5th century BC.
  8. Magna Graecia Museum: This museum houses artifacts from ancient Greece including pottery, sculptures, coins, and jewelry that were found at archaeological sites around southern Italy.
  9. Lungomare Falcomatà: It is considered one of the most beautiful seafronts on mainland Italy.
  10. Palazzo San Giorgio: It was built between the late fifteenth century and early sixteenth century; it has been used as a prison since then until now.

Museums and Things To See

  1. National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria
  2. Riace Bronzes
  3. Cathedral of Reggio Calabria
  4. Villa Genoese Zerbi
  5. Pinacoteca Civica di Reggio Calabria
  6. Castello Aragonese di Reggio Calabria
  7. Chiesa degli Ottimati
  8. Museo del Bergamotto
  9. Teatro Francesco Cilea
  10. Lungomare Falcomatà


Sports Teams

  1. Reggio Calabria Basket, founded in 1966, is a basketball team that has competed in various leagues over the years and won the Italian Cup in 2008.
  2. Reggina Calcio, founded in 1914, is a football (soccer) team that has played at different levels of competition and won promotion to Serie A multiple times.
  3. CUS Reggio Calabria Rugby was established in 1970 and competes in the Eccellenza league while winning several regional championships over time.
  4. ASD Atletico Reggino is an indoor soccer or futsal team that was founded in 1999 and plays at different levels of competition within various leagues.
  5. ASD Nuova Gioventù Volleyball is a volleyball team established back in 1972 that participates at varying levels within Italy’s volleyball system.

While not as well-known as other cities like Milan or Rome when it comes to sports teams, there are still plenty of options for local sports fans to follow if they choose to do so.



Cultural Events

  1. Festa di San Giorgio: This festival is held in April to celebrate the patron saint of Reggio di Calabria. It includes a procession, fireworks, and traditional food.
  2. Riace Bronzes Festival: Celebrating the discovery of the famous Riace Bronzes statues that were found off the coast of Reggio di Calabria, this festival is held in August.
  3. Festival della Taranta: Featuring traditional Pizzica music from Salento and other folk genres, this music festival takes place in August.
  4. Sagra del Pesce Spada: This seafood festival celebrating swordfish – a local specialty – is held in September.
  5. Festa della Madonna della Consolazione: A religious festival honoring the Virgin Mary with a procession takes place in September.
  6. Carnevale di Reggio Calabria: Held during February or March each year, this carnival features parades with floats, costumes, music, dancing and food stalls throughout the city streets.
  7. Estate Reggina (Reggina Summer): A series of events taking place across July to September featuring concerts by local artists at various locations around town including beaches & piazzas along with cultural performances showcasing regional traditions including puppetry shows & dance performances amongst others.

Cuisine

  • Arancini are deep-fried rice balls that can be filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.
  • Swordfish is a popular seafood dish in Calabria that is usually grilled or baked.
  • ‘Nduja is a spicy spreadable pork sausage often used as a condiment on pizza or pasta dishes.
  • Bergamot fruit and its products like marmalade and liqueur are local specialties in Calabria.
  • Ristorante La Bettola di Piero is renowned for its seafood dishes and traditional Calabrian cuisine.
  • Trattoria del Pesce Fresco serves fresh fish and seafood dishes cooked in the traditional Calabrian style.
  • Osteria dei Frati offers authentic Italian cuisine using locally sourced ingredients from Reggio di Calabria’s surrounding area.
  • Pasticceria Fata Morgana is famous for its pastries, cakes, and gelato made with locally sourced ingredients like bergamot fruit.

  • Parks and Recreation

    1. Villa Comunale is a public park situated in the heart of the city, featuring a diverse range of trees, flowers, and benches for visitors to relax on.
    2. Lungomare Falcomatà is a picturesque waterfront promenade that spans approximately 2 km along the coast of Reggio di Calabria.
    3. The Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Reggio Calabria showcases ancient artifacts from the Magna Graecia period and is an excellent destination for history enthusiasts.
    4. The Teatro Comunale Francesco Cilea is a historic theater that hosts cultural events such as concerts and plays throughout the year.
    5. Giardino Botanico Mediterraneo is a botanical garden that features an extensive collection of Mediterranean plants and flowers.
    6. Castello Aragonese is an ancient castle built in the 15th century, which now serves as a museum and cultural center for visitors to explore.
    7. Parco Nazionale dell’Aspromonte is located just outside Reggio di Calabria and offers hiking trails, camping areas, and breathtaking views of surrounding mountains and forests within its national park boundaries.
    8. Sporting Club Paradiso del Mare is situated on the beachfront offering various sports activities like tennis courts, swimming pool etc., making it ideal for those who love outdoor leisure activities by sea side.

    Suitcase

    Leave Footprints In The Sand.


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