Melicuccà
Link between Salerno and Reggio Calabria
The A2 motorway, also known as the Mediterranean motorway or Salerno-Reggio Calabria, represents the main link between the cities of Salerno and Reggio Calabria, with a route that also passes through Cosenza and Vibo Valentia, for a total of 432.6 km. Despite its length, it is toll-free and fully managed by Anas.
Location of the motorway and its connections
The A2 motorway is also known for being part of the European roads European route E45 and European route E841, and is the continuation of the natural itinerary that starts with the A1 motorway in Milan, passing through the A30 motorway and ending in Villa San Giovanni, the gateway to Sicily.
Previous and current classifications
The A2 motorway has been classified in different ways over the years. Until June 13, 2017, it had two names based on the route. However, the current name came into effect through the ministerial decree of June 13, 2017, replacing all previous names.
History of the motorway
The construction of the A2 motorway began in the early 1960s, thanks to funding from the Italian government. The goal was to connect Calabria with the rest of the country, a region until then considered "the Island in the Peninsula" or "the Third Island".
The A2 motorway has undergone numerous changes over the years, both in its name and physical form, but remains an important road artery that connects Calabria with the rest of Italy. In addition, it has been the subject of an advertising campaign aimed at promoting tourism in the region through ten cultural routes and a spot starring Giancarlo Giannini.
