Seminara
Reggio Calabria: a modern city with a millennium past
Reggio Calabria is a municipality located on the eastern bank of the Strait of Messina, in the Calabria region of Italy. With a population of 171,246 inhabitants, Reggio Calabria is the capital of the metropolitan city of Reggio Calabria and the largest municipality in the region. In this article, we will discuss some of the geographical features of the city, its millennium-long history, and some of its places of interest.
Physical geography
The municipal territory covers an area of 236.02 km² that stretches along the eastern coast of the Strait of Messina for about 32 km. Reggio Calabria extends from sea level up to a maximum altitude of 1,803 meters above sea level, including hilly and mountainous areas. The historic center of the city was rebuilt at an average altitude of 31 meters on the eastern coast, leaving the coastal area free from civil constructions as it was devastated by a tsunami in 1908 that caused the death of thousands of people. The city extends from Catona to Bocale and the entire coast in front of the historic center has been leveled on three volumes, via marina bassa, via marina alta, and the botanical strip.
Millennium-long history
Reggio Calabria is one of the oldest cities in Greek Calabria and has a history of over 3000 years. The city was an important city of Magna Graecia and was rebuilt after the Messina earthquake of 1908 that destroyed much of the settlement. Nevertheless, the city has preserved numerous testimonies of its millennium-long past. One of Reggio Calabria's best-known symbols is the Riace Bronzes, two Greek sculptures dating back to the 5th century BC, which are preserved in the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria.
Places of interest
The National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria is one of the main places of interest in the city. In addition to the Riace Bronzes, the museum also exhibits collections of Magna Graecia artifacts. Another place of interest is the Aspromonte National Park, which extends for about 64,000 hectares between Calabria and Sicily. The park offers numerous opportunities for nature lovers, such as hiking, trekking, and cycling.
Conclusions
Reggio Calabria is a modern and fascinating city with a millennium-long history. Located on the eastern coast of the Strait of Messina, the city offers numerous possibilities to enjoy the sea and the surrounding nature. With its museums, parks, and other attractions, Reggio Calabria is an ideal destination for travelers who want to discover the beauty of Calabria and Sicily.
