Monasterace
Greetings to the province of Reggio Calabria
Hello everyone! Today we will talk about the wonderful province of Reggio Calabria, which unfortunately was replaced in 2017 by the metropolitan city of Reggio Calabria. Despite this, it is important to know the physical geography, municipalities, and history of this wonderful area in southern Italy.
Physical geography
The province of Reggio Calabria faced the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west and the Ionian Sea to the south and east. It bordered the province of Catanzaro to the northeast and the province of Vibo Valentia to the northwest, while it was only 3.2 km away from Sicily to the southwest. With its 97 municipalities, it covered an area of 3,183 km² and occupied 21.1% of the territory of Calabria. The provincial territory was largely affected by the topography of Aspromonte. The mountainous landscape created a breathtaking atmosphere.
Territory
The territory of the province of Reggio Calabria, the southernmost in the Italian peninsula, covered the tip of the so-called "boot." It extended along a coastline of approximately 220 km from the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Ionian Sea, from Rosarno to Punta Stilo. The only plain was "a chjàna" (the Plain of Gioia), located to the south on the Tyrrhenian Sea, but the massif of Aspromonte dominated the landscape. Nature was still unspoiled, and the sight of natural parks, rivers, and beaches was breathtaking.
Municipalities
The province of Reggio Calabria included 97 municipalities with interesting destinations. Each city had its own uniqueness and beauty. Among the most famous municipalities were Reggio Calabria, Palmi, Locri, and Mileto. In addition to these, the province had many other wonderful cities that were worth a visit.
History
The province of Reggio Calabria had a long and varied history. It corresponded to the territories of the ancient province of Calabria Ulteriore Prima, established in 1817. Its symbols are said to have derived from the coat of arms of the province of Calabria Ultra, established in the Norman-Swabian age. The province was an important transit center during the war, and many battles took place there. It was also the scene of Christian and Saracen invasions of Sicily and Calabria. The province of Reggio Calabria has seen so much history and change over the years.
We are sad that the province of Reggio Calabria is no longer an official entity, but we are pleased to know that the beauty of its landscapes and traditions will continue to live on. If you have not yet visited, you should plan a visit to this wonderful corner of Italy. Once you have seen its spectacular nature, charming villages, and breathtaking beaches, we are sure you will never want to leave.
