Voices from the past

Reggio Calabria, like most Calabrian cities, is of Greek origin, founded by settlers from Eubea and Zancle between 730 and 720 a. C.; it is in fact the oldest of the colonies, just after Cuma. Conquered by the Messeni people in the 5th century BC and then part of the Italiot league, it became part of the Roman domains and, during the imperial age, was among the most important southern cities. From the 4th century AD it was the seat of the Correctores, the governors of Lucania and Calabria. The city became Byzantine territory and had its brightest moment during that time, becoming seat of the Duke of Calabria and a religious centre for the Greek rite church. Saracen raids meant the city's development went through a regression stage, taken from Bisanzio by Roberto il Guiscardo in 1060. Dominated by Aragonians and Angevins, it became part of the Kingdom of Naples; it was the centre for resurgence movements against the Bourbons and welcomed the Garibaldi army in 1860. Its most recent history is marked by the terrible 1908 earthquake, following which the city was entirely reconstructed.

Don't miss...

If you go to Reggio Calabria you cannot miss two of the greatest masterpieces from Greek civilization: the Riace Bronzes. The two statues, hosted at the Museo Archeologico, are beyond compare, but other remains contained there also deserve notice. Another essential stopover in a visit of the city is at the Castello Aragonese, probably built in the 6th century AD and often re-handled, particularly by the Aragonians in the 15th century. Finally, you must see the archaeological excavations in Locri and the beautiful Cattolica di Stilo, a small Greek cross temple from the Byzantine age, which miraculously escaped abandonment as it was attended to only in the past century.

Events

The most important events in Reggio Calabria concentrate in the summer period and are mostly religious or popular, particularly the celebrations dedicated to the Madonna; probably one of the most suggestive is the Festa della Madonna del Carmine, in Bagnara Calabra during the month of July, when the statue of Mary is carried on the shoulders of the members of the historic brotherhood "Decor Carmeli". Also we should mention the Palio di Ribusa, a race held every year in Stilo at the end of August, between costume festivals and gastronomy. Finally, still between July and August, don't miss the yearly appointment with Catona Teatro, in Catona of course.