Wandering the sun-drenched streets of Reggio Calabria, I felt like I’d stumbled into a living museum. This coastal gem, tucked at the toe of Italy’s boot, grabbed my attention right away with its mix of ancient history and Mediterranean charm.
The city’s crown jewels have to be the Riace Bronzes—two breathtaking, full-size ancient Greek statues found in 1972 near Riace Marina, just 8 meters below the sea.
I spent hours in awe of these bronze warriors at the Museo Nazionale della Magna Grecia. They stand there, almost like silent sentinels, guarding the city’s rich past.
Their artistic beauty is one thing, but their incredible preservation after all those centuries underwater? That’s what really blew my mind.
The museum alone makes the trip to Reggio worthwhile. It’s packed with artifacts that reveal the story of ancient Magna Graecia.
But there’s more here than just the famous bronzes. Reggio Calabria almost feels like an open-air archaeological park.
As I wandered along the seafront promenade, the citrus and salty air mingled together. The views across to Sicily are just spectacular—no wonder 19th-century travelers fell for this place.
The museums are special, sure, but the real magic of Reggio is in the whole atmosphere. It’s an underappreciated Italian treasure if you ask me.
Reggio Calabria: Gateway to the City of the Bronzes
Reggio Calabria sits right at the tip of Italy’s boot, looking out over the narrow Strait of Messina that separates it from Sicily.
This lively coastal city makes a perfect jumping-off point to see the Riace Bronzes and explore Calabria’s deep archaeological heritage.
A Storied Mediterranean City
The first time I set foot on Reggio’s seafront promenade, I felt instantly drawn in by what locals call “the most beautiful kilometer in Italy.”
Walking along Lungomare Falcomatà, I stared out at the sparkling Ionian Sea, Sicily’s coastline, and even Mount Etna in the distance.
Reggio Calabria has a history that stretches back over 3,000 years. Greek colonists founded it in the 8th century BC as “Rhegion.”
Over the centuries, the city survived earthquakes, invasions, and plenty of rebuilding. Now, you’ll see ancient ruins next to elegant Liberty-style buildings from its early 20th-century reconstruction.
The city’s heart beats with local life. I found cozy cafés serving bergamot-infused treats and busy markets overflowing with Calabrian specialties.
The Mediterranean climate here is gentle, making it easy to explore pretty much any time of year.
Historic Ties with Sicily and Ancient Greece
Reggio’s roots run deep into the ancient Greek world. Even today, Greek is the second language in several nearby villages, which still hang onto Hellenic traditions.
This area was once part of Magna Graecia, and you can taste and hear the Greek influence in the dialect, food, and festivals.
The narrow strait between Reggio and Sicily made this spot a hub for trade and culture. Ferries still zip back and forth, just as they have for centuries.
Archaeologists keep finding Greek temples, Roman baths, and Byzantine churches all over the region. But the Riace Bronzes really steal the show—two Greek warrior statues, perfectly preserved, pulled from the sea in 1972.
I couldn’t believe these masterpieces spent nearly 2,000 years underwater before a snorkeler happened upon them near Riace.
Travel Tips for Visiting Reggio Calabria
Getting There:
- Fly into Reggio Calabria Airport with ITA Airways from Rome or Milan.
- Take trains from major cities to Reggio Centrale station.
- Hop on a ferry from Sicily (Messina) and you’ll be in Reggio in about 20 minutes.
Must-See Attractions:
- Archaeological Museum (MARC) – home to the Riace Bronzes
- Aragonese Castle
- Cathedral of Maria Santissima Assunta
- Bergamot Museum
I’d say late spring (May-June) or early fall (September-October) are the best times to visit—pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Three days felt just right for exploring the city. If you’ve got more time, the beaches nearby are worth a detour.
Definitely try the local ‘nduja (spicy spreadable sausage) and bergamot desserts at one of the traditional trattorias downtown.
Unveiling the Riace Bronzes: Marvels of Ancient Greek Art
Inside the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria, I found myself face-to-face with two jaw-dropping bronze warriors. The Riace Bronzes—honestly, they almost don’t seem real.
These statues are some of the finest examples of ancient Greek skill ever unearthed.
Discovery and Restoration of bronzi di Riace
Their story starts on August 16, 1972. Someone out on an underwater fishing trip near Riace Marina accidentally discovered them.
They lay just 8 meters deep, right off the Calabrian coast.
Experts think the bronzes were part of a shipwreck, maybe being moved from Greece for a wealthy Roman collector, before they were lost to the sea.
After their discovery, restoration teams carefully cleaned away centuries of marine build-up.
Now, these warriors stand tall in Reggio Calabria’s museum, drawing visitors from all over. The preservation work really shows—from their rippling muscles to the delicate lines of their faces, they look almost alive.
The Enigmatic Origins: 5th Century BCE Masterpieces
These life-size, bearded warriors date back to the 5th century BCE. They’re about 6.5 feet tall and show off extraordinary anatomical detail.
Scholars still debate who made them—Greek, Greek-Magnus, or Siceliota artists. The lost-wax casting technique allowed them to capture such fine detail in bronze.
What really gets me is the original inlay work—their eyes, teeth, and lips were crafted with silver, ivory, and copper. That must have made them look uncannily lifelike.
Their faces aren’t perfectly symmetrical. That gives each statue a unique personality, unlike the idealized Roman marble copies you see in most museums.
Significance in Ancient Greek Culture
Back in ancient Greece, bronze statues like these often celebrated heroes, athletes, or gods. They embodied ideals of physical beauty and virtue.
People probably displayed them in sanctuaries or public spaces. Greeks believed these works connected mortals to the divine, serving both as art and objects of worship.
It’s wild to think how few original Greek bronzes survived—most were melted down for their metal.
The Riace Bronzes offer a rare look at what real Greek sculpture was like, not just the Roman copies. Standing in front of them, I felt swept back across 2,500 years.
Exploring the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria
The National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria ranks among Italy’s top cultural spots. It spreads across four floors, each packed with treasures that trace Calabria’s story from prehistoric times to the Roman era.
Highlights of the Museum’s Collections
When I walked into the museum, the sheer variety of artifacts blew me away. There are 220 display cases, each filled with objects from different eras.
The collection starts with Neolithic artifacts that show how people first settled in Calabria.
As I moved along, I found pottery, jewelry, and tools from ancient times.
The Magna Graecia section is a real highlight. Greek colonists settled southern Italy, and their legacy shines in beautiful painted vases, marble sculptures, and bronze figurines.
I appreciated how the museum organizes everything chronologically. That made it easy to follow how Calabrian culture evolved.
Experiencing the Riace Bronzes Up Close
The Riace Bronzes are the stars of the museum, no question. These life-sized Greek warrior statues, found in the sea near Riace in 1972, are just mesmerizing.
Standing in front of them, I couldn’t get over the detail—their muscles, facial expressions, even silver teeth and copper lips.
They date back to around 450 BCE and showcase the peak of ancient Greek artistry.
The museum keeps them in a specially controlled environment to protect them. I’d suggest lingering here—the statues almost feel alive, even though they’re over 2,400 years old.
Visitor Information and Guided Tours
The museum opens Tuesday through Sunday, so fitting it into your trip is pretty easy. The €8 entrance fee seemed like a bargain for what you get.
I’d recommend joining a guided tour. The 90-minute tours offer stories and details you’d probably miss on your own. They’re available in several languages and cost about $116.
There’s also a “Pemcard” option that bundles your entry ticket with extra perks. It’s handy if you’re planning to visit other cultural sites nearby.
The whole building is accessible. I liked the clear signs and helpful descriptions—they made it easier to understand the history behind each artifact.
Beyond the Bronzes: Reggio’s Living Heritage and Culture
The Riace Bronzes might be what put Reggio Calabria on the map, but the city’s lively culture spills out far beyond the museum. The streets buzz with traditions, modern art, and a Mediterranean vibe that’s hard to resist.
Vibrant Cultural Scene and Local Events
Reggio’s calendar is packed with festivals and events, especially in summer. I managed to catch the Festa della Madonna della Consolazione in September—locals parade a sacred icon through the decorated streets, and it’s quite a sight.
The Teatro Francesco Cilea puts on opera, theater, and music that draw both locals and visitors. I spent an evening there and enjoyed a classic Italian opera in a cozy venue with surprisingly great acoustics.
Art galleries are scattered around the city center, many showing off works by local artists inspired by Calabria’s landscape and past. Most are free to enter, so I found myself popping in between coffee stops.
Corso Garibaldi: The Heartbeat of the City
Corso Garibaldi is Reggio’s main street and always full of life. I spent hours people-watching along this elegant, pedestrian boulevard lined with historic buildings, boutiques, cafés, and gelaterias.
The evening passeggiata—when everyone strolls around, chatting and enjoying the cooler air—is a must. Around 6 PM, I joined the locals, young and old, just soaking up the atmosphere.
Shops along the Corso sell Calabrian specialties like bergamot perfumes and foods. I picked up some bergamot marmalade, which turned out to be a delicious souvenir.
Strolling along Lungomare and Lungomare Falcomatà
Reggio’s seafront promenade—often called “the most beautiful kilometer in Italy”—offers gorgeous views across the Strait of Messina to Sicily.
On clear days, you can spot Mount Etna rising in the distance.
The Lungomare Falcomatà section has palm trees, art installations, and plenty of benches for sitting by the sea. Sunset here is something else—the sky glows orange and pink.
Fishermen sell their fresh catch along parts of the promenade. I watched them bring in their boats, then tasted that same seafood at a nearby restaurant later.
Beach clubs and cafés line the walkway, perfect for relaxing with a granita while you watch the water. The vibe here really captures Reggio’s laid-back charm.
Calabrian Flavors: Experiencing Regional Cuisine
Calabrian food is bold, simple, and deeply tied to the land and sea. Each bite tells a story of southern Italy’s long, colorful history and its mix of cultures.
Traditional Dishes Unique to Calabria
I’ll never forget my first taste of ‘nduja, Calabria’s fiery, spreadable sausage. Locals love this spicy pork and Calabrian chili paste—chefs slather it on rustic bread or toss it through pasta all over Reggio.
Calabria really knows its cheeses. I’ve tried Caciocavallo and pecorino here, and honestly, the flavors can range from mellow to so sharp they’ll make you pause, all depending on how long they’ve aged.
And then there are the sweet red Tropea onions. People here cherish them for their sweetness; some just slice them raw into salads, while others caramelize them for sauces or even tuck them into jars as jam.
You’ll find plenty of other specialties, like:
- Pasta ‘ncasciata – That’s a baked pasta loaded with local cheeses and vegetables.
- Pesce spada alla ghiotta – Swordfish cooked up with tomatoes, capers, and olives.
- Pitta ‘mpigliata – A sweet pastry packed with nuts, raisins, and honey.
Where Locals Eat in Reggio
If you want the real food scene in Reggio, just watch where the locals go. Family-run trattorias line the Lungomare, the seafront promenade, and they serve up seafood so fresh you can practically smell the ocean. I’ve noticed the busiest spots fill up around 2 PM, when families pile in for their main meal.
For street food, I wander the markets, grabbing arancini (those golden rice balls) or scacciata (stuffed flatbread). Perfect for a quick lunch if you’re out exploring.
Don’t skip the pasticcerie—those pastry shops are little treasure troves. I’ve learned to show up in the morning for traditional sweets like bergamot cookies, since the best stuff disappears fast.
Down by the harbor, seaside restaurants let you watch the sun set over Sicily while you dig into the day’s catch or a bowl of seafood stew. Hard to beat that view, honestly.
Discovering the Surroundings: Natural Wonders and Nearby Towns
Reggio Calabria makes a great jumping-off point for exploring the wild beauty and charming towns nearby. I always find myself torn between mountain trails and the pull of the coast.
Aspromonte National Park Adventures
When city life gets overwhelming, I escape to Aspromonte National Park. It’s just a short drive from Reggio Calabria, and the landscapes here are something else—think rugged mountains and peaks that almost reach 2,000 meters.
Hikers have a field day with all the trails. I keep coming back to the path up Montalto peak; on a clear day, you can see all the way to Sicily and Mount Etna. Not bad for a morning climb.
Wildlife fans will spot wolves, wild cats, and even rare birds of prey if they’re lucky. The ancient beech and pine forests offer cool shade in the summer, which is a lifesaver on hot afternoons.
If you’re up for a little adventure, check out Cascate dell’Amendolea. The waterfalls there are absolutely stunning and perfect for a mid-hike dip.
Charming Escapes to Scilla and Roghudi
Scilla sits just 22 kilometers from Reggio. This fishing village totally stole my heart—the colorful houses cling to rocky cliffs, and the view is something I still think about.
In Chianalea, the buildings seem to rise straight out of the sea. Locals call it the “Little Venice of the South,” and honestly, I get why.
I’d say spend some time on Scilla’s beaches. The water’s so clear you’ll want to stay all afternoon.
Afterward, head up to Ruffo Castle. It towers above the town and gives you a panorama you won’t forget.
If you want something really unexpected, check out Roghudi. It’s a Grecanic village that highlights the area’s Greek roots.
Floods forced people to abandon the original Roghudi, but the new settlement still keeps those ancient Greek-Calabrian traditions alive. You’ll even hear the old language—2,500 years of history, right there.
And please, try the local food. The swordfish in Scilla? I still think about it.
