Reggio di Calabria - Welcome to the Heart of the Mediterranean

The Bergamotto city of Reggio di Calabria boasts an impressive seafront promenade, overlooking the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas. It is sitting pretty in the heart of Mediterranean Sea and bordering the provinces of Catanzaro and Vibo Valentia in the Calabrian region.

Its location between the sea and mountains makes it an idyllic destination that is the main ferry launching point to Sicily, separated from the mainland by the Strait of Messina.

A land rich in distinct flavors and colors, Reggio is a mosaic of holm oaks, beeches, chestnuts, and white firs alternating with the vine and olive cultivations. It is witness to the formation of the region’s natural landscape and preserves its centuries-old torrents and overhanging hills, which are beautifully adorned by brooms, ferns, myrtles, strawberry trees, cactus pears, and oleander.

Along the Tyrrhenian coast, the center of attraction remains the mesmerizing stretch of Costa Viola, with extensive terraces built on the cliffs overhanging the sea and reflecting bewitching colors of the sea at sunset.

Attractions in Reggio

Beyond the seafront, this ancient Greek city is blessed with numerous architectural landmarks that have preserved their identity and continue to attract visitors interested in exploring the history of the region.

• Aspromonte National Park, located along the stunning sea, resembles a giant pyramid, with many of its many peaks and plateaus formed of marine sedimentary rocks. A location of pristine beauty, the park is flanked by the Mediterranean Sea, with a number of points of attraction, including the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Polsi. The artistic, historical, and archaeological remnants here are an evidence of the classical, archaic, Greek, and modern culture. The extensive park covers most of the area in Reggio, with hectares of pine forests and beech woods.

• Museo Nazionale della Magna Grecia is an archaeological museum housing collections from the ancient sites in Magna Grecia. The two most notable collections in the museum include the Bronzi di Riace or Riace Bronzes, which are Greek bronze statues of nude bearded warriors dating 5th century BC. The sculptures were discovered in the waters of Riace Marina in 1972 and continue to be the center of attraction here.

• Pentedattilo is a remarkable ancient coastal village located near the sea, offering panoramic views of the Mount Etna in Sicily. This southern Calabria village lies about 45 minutes drive from Reggio and is surrounded by five cliffs, depicting the shape of five fingers. Often known as a Ghost Town, Pentedattilo was almost abandoned by its inhabitants for new homes along the coast. The town is now famous for hosting a Paleariza Festival every summer, celebrating the Hellenistic culture. The village also hosts a fascinating International Short Film Festival between August and September.

• Scilla (see photo), a spectacular town of Greek origin located in the north of Reggio di Calabria, offers stunning views over the majestic landscape and breathtaking Tyrrhenian Sea, thanks to its location in front of the Strait of Messina. The strikingly beautiful town is famous for sword fish since Magna Greek times.

• Ruffo Castle, located on top of the famous cape wedged over the sea, has made the beautiful beaches of Scilla a tourist hub.

• The Museum of Musical Instrument is one landmark in Reggio that you can’t afford to miss, with its amazing collection of over 800 musical instruments from different eras.

• San Paulo Church is a timeless testament of the glory and splendor of the Roman civilization of those times, with the splendid structure featuring 3 portals of bronze. The mosaic designs depict imposing images of Saint Paul, St. Augustine, Saint Luke, Saint John, Aristotle, Socrates, Plato, Virgil, Seneca, Alexander the Great, and Julius Cesar.

Reggio di Calabria has undergone rampant reconstruction and experienced alternate times of splendor and decadence after back to back earthquakes that dealt a big blow to the architecture of the region. Reggio di Calabria goes on a frenzied state during festival time, when locals indulge in grand festivities and celebrate local festivals with a stunning display of fireworks by the beach.

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