Reggio Calabria overlooking the sea, a city that fascinates the many tourists who visit it attracted by its history and culture. Its geographical position is particularly interesting as it is located in the southernmost part of the Italian peninsula overlooking the Strait of Messina.
There are many things to see in this city of Calabria that in ancient times was one of the most important urban centers of Magna Grecia. Reggio Calabria is also famous for its traditional cuisine rich in scents and flavors that are the essence of these territories.
Where is Reggio Calabria located?
Reggio Calabria is a city in the region of the same name located in the southernmost point of the Italian peninsula. It is located on the eastern side of the Strait in front of the Sicilian city of Messina. It is the most populous settlement in the region.
The city has been rebuilt several times because of the numerous earthquakes that have affected it and for this reason the architectural structure of the city is of the early ‘900. Behind Reggio Calabria is the Aspromonte Massif that reaches 1800 meters above sea level.
The history of Reggio Calabria
The history of Reggio Calabria is very ancient but the first written evidence dates back to the eighth century B.C. It was during this period that the Greek colony called Rhegion was founded. Its position on the Strait of Messina made the Calabrian city desired by the Sicilian tyrants who wanted to conquer it considering it strategic.
In 386 a. C. was destroyed by Syracusan tyrant Dionysius who rebuilt it more beautiful than before and gave it the name of Phoebe. Later these territories came under the control of the Roman Empire under the name of Regium. In the following centuries the city suffered numerous invasions by the Byzantines, the Normans, the Swabians and the Aragonese.
Moreover, the city had to suffer even more terrible misfortunes because of the numerous earthquakes that hit it. In 1783 it was completely destroyed and later it was rebuilt with a regular plan by the architect Mori.
Another terrible earthquake destroyed Reggio Calabria again in 1908. The reconstruction plan was entrusted to the engineer Pietro De Nava who began work in 1911.
What to see in Reggio Calabria?
Reggio Calabria is a city rich in history and culture. There are many monuments and buildings to see such as the Duomo which is the largest sacred building in the region. Inside is the chapel SS Sacramento whose walls are covered with mosaics. It has eight niches that host the depictions of the Evangelists, Saints Paul and Peter, Saint Thomas and Saint Bonaventure.
One of the most fascinating places to visit in the Calabrian city is the Lungomare Falcomatà. This is one of the most beautiful sea walks in Italy that allows you to admire a wonderful view. It is a two-kilometre route that runs along the sea and through the historic center of Reggio Calabria. Here there are mountains palaces in art nouveau style such as Villa Genoese Zerbi, Palazzo Spinelli and Palazzo Zani.
Foto : Unsplash
In addition, there are also some monuments and a wide variety of trees. This area was redeveloped in 1994. Walking along the seafront you can also admire the archaeological treasures of the Greek Roman era, including a Roman spa, a memorial fountain and finally an outdoor theater in the Greek style.
One of the most interesting exhibition centers, concerning Magna Grecia, is the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria. This museum is famous for the presence of the Riace Bronzes found in 1972 in the seabed. The two bronzes have a height of 1.97 and 1.98 meters and
have been restored several times over the years. According to recent hypotheses made these two statues would represent a king and a warrior.
The museum also houses archaeological finds ranging from prehistory to the Roman period. Another symbol of the city is the Aragonese castle that you can visit both inside and outside. This castle has changed function over the centuries: first prison then barracks and finally refuge.
The traditional cuisine of Reggio Calabria
The gastronomic tradition of Reggio Calabria is very appreciated for its variety. In its typical recipes there are both fish and meat dishes. One of the most popular products in Italy and in the world is undoubtedly the nduja.
It is a soft sausage with a particularly spicy taste that is spread on bread or used as a condiment for other dishes.
Another very appreciated Calabrian speciality is soppressata, a sausage with a centuries-old tradition. As for the first courses among the most known recipes there are pasta with broccoli and Maccaruni a homemade pasta and topped with a sausage sauce.
For fish dishes one of the most appreciated is undoubtedly the sword that is prepared with rolls with olive capers and bread crumbs.
Copertina: Unsplash
