Reggio di Calabria
Welcome to Reggio Calabria: The Oldest City in Greek Calabria
Reggio Calabria, also known as "Rìggiu" in the local dialect, is the capital city of the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria in Calabria, Italy. With a population of over 171,000 inhabitants, it is the largest municipality and the only Metropolitan City in the region. Together with the metropolitan area of Messina, it represents the heart of the Strait of Messina Metropolitan Area.
The city boasts a three-thousand-year-old history, having been an important and prosperous Magna Graecia city. Today, it presents itself with a modern urban layout, but its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage make it a popular tourist destination. In this article, we will talk about the physical geography of Reggio Calabria, its main attractions, and things to do in the city.
Physical Geography
Reggio Calabria stretches along the eastern coast of the Strait of Messina for about 32 km and extends eastward, from sea to mountains, for another 30 km, with areas of half-coastal, hilly, and mountainous zones. The city covers an area of 236.02 km² and ranges from a minimum altitude of 0 meters to a maximum of 1,803 m above sea level. The historical center of Reggio Calabria was rebuilt at an average altitude of 31 m above sea level to protect it from earthquakes and from the sea, which caused thousands of fatalities during the 1908 earthquake and tsunami.
Reggio is located on the tip of the "boot," at the foot of the Aspromonte mountain range. To the west, it overlooks the Strait of Messina, a 3.5 km-wide stretch of sea that separates it from Messina, the western shore of the strait. Together, the two cities form the Strait of Messina Metropolitan Area, the exact geographic center of what for the ancient Romans was the "Mare Nostrum."
Main Attractions
Reggio Calabria is rich in tourist attractions, but the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria is one of the most important places to visit in the city. It exhibits collections of artifacts from Magna Graecia and the beautiful Riace bronzes, which have become some of its identifying symbols. The museum also houses the remains of an ancient Greek ship, the Loggetta, which has been restored and reconstructed inside the museum itself.
The Ottimati Church is another important attraction in Reggio Calabria. The church was built in 1695 and is considered one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in Reggio Calabria. The church is famous for its carved wooden ceiling and its works of art, including a series of paintings by Antonio Bova, an eighteenth-century Calabrian artist.
Reggio Calabria Cathedral, dedicated to Mary Assumed into Heaven, is one of the most important places of worship in the city. Built in 1060, the cathedral features a beautiful tower bell, which is also one of its distinctive features. Inside, the cathedral houses many artistic treasures, including Byzantine mosaics, eighteenth-century frescoes, and Renaissance works of art.
Things to Do
Reggio Calabria is the ideal place for those who want to enjoy the sea and the beaches. The Falcomatà Promenade Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Calabria, with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Strait of Messina.
If you are looking for adventure, you can check out the organized excursions by the Aspromonte National Park. In the park, there are many outdoor activities, including trekking, mountain biking, and hiking.
If you love shopping, don't miss the pedestrian area of the historic center of Reggio Calabria. Here you will find shops, restaurants, and bars to suit your every need.
In conclusion, Reggio Calabria is a city that offers many tourist opportunities. Its physical geography, its main attractions, and things to do make it an ideal destination for those who love culture, history, natural beauty, and adventure. Come and visit us and discover it for yourself!
