Reggio Calabria: what to see, where to eat and what to do in the evening

Reggio Calabria is a city that rises above crystal clear waters, where you can immerse yourself for much of the year. An ancient Greek colony and the tip of Italy's boot, the city was almost completely destroyed by the earthquake of 1908. Its modern appearance is a clear consequence of subsequent reconstruction efforts, which have given it a modern look while preserving its ancient soul. A place where you can contemplate both nature and history, Reggio Calabria is often referred to as the city of the Riace Bronzes, but it is more than just that.

Getting to the Aeolian Islands: If you want to take advantage of your stay in Reggio Calabria to visit Lipari, Vulcano, or the other Aeolian Islands, you can take advantage of the various maritime routes available. However, remember to book the ferries in advance, as especially in high season, spots fill up quickly!

The origins of the Cathedral of Reggio Calabria date back to the early 2nd millennium when, with the Norman invasion, it underwent a process of "Latinization". The Art Nouveau style, resulting from recent restoration work, has given the Cathedral a characteristic bright white appearance. Inside, it houses the Chapel of the Most Holy Sacrament, a national monument famous for its mosaics and the eight niches depicting the Evangelists, Saints Peter and Paul, and the Doctors of the Church, Saint Thomas and Saint Bonaventure.

The Arena dello Stretto is a small amphitheater located on Lungomare Falcomatà, built in the style of ancient Greek theaters, meticulously reproducing all the details. Dedicated to Senator Ciccio Franco, the Arena is the venue for concerts and major city events, and is an ideal spot to admire the scenery of the magnificent Strait of Messina.

The Church of the Optimates was completely destroyed by the earthquake of 1908. However, reconstruction was swift, affecting the entire town of Reggio Calabria: the work was completed in 1933, following an Arab-Norman style. The original parts of the church were restored using similar materials taken from the Norman basilica of Santa Maria di Terreti, which was also destroyed by calamities in the previous years.

Over the years, the Aragonese Castle has been inhabited by various personalities, who have each given it a different name. The Aragonese were just the last of a long list, and they shaped the structure as we see it today.

The fortress has also been devastated by the earthquakes that have afflicted Reggio Calabria and, until recently, was in a state of almost total abandonment. After a recent restoration, the Castle has returned to its former glory, and today it is the home of the Institute of Geophysics and important art exhibitions.

As soon as you exit the Reggio Calabria train station, you enter Piazza Garibaldi, where you will find the statue of the hero of the two worlds right where he was wounded in the leg. The statue, three meters tall, was sculpted by Alessandro Monteleone from Carrara marble, a precious material intended to demonstrate the importance that Giuseppe Garibaldi still represents for the city of Reggio Calabria.

The National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria was designed in the post-World War I period by Marcello Piacentini, who was inspired by the main European museums he had visited. Today the museum houses the most important artifacts from the history of Magna Graecia, a section dedicated to underwater archaeology, and the famous Riace Bronzes.

Defined as the most beautiful kilometer in Italy, Lungomare Falcomatà is the meeting point for all roads leading to the main sites to visit in Reggio Calabria. Here, you can admire both the ancient Greek walls and the statue of the Fata Morgana, situated on a rock overlooking the city, turning its back to the Strait, which is the subject of the famous mirage known as Fata Morgana effect. This phenomenon originates from Celtic legends, which claimed that the fairy was inclined to lead sailors to their doom by showing them imaginary castles. Indeed, looking towards the Strait, above the horizon line, Messina and Reggio appear to come closer or farther away.

Also known as Basilica dell'Eremo or Sanctuary of the Eremo, it is the place where the float of the Mother of Consolation is kept, used to bring the statue in procession during the second week of September until the Cathedral Basilica, where it remains until the last Sunday of November. Located in the Eremo district, the Sanctuary occupies the highest part of the city and is a constant pilgrimage destination. Founded in 1532 by twelve Capuchin friars, it houses the painting of the Madonna della Consolazione, created by Niccolò Andrea Caprioli, and numerous other important works, including some bronze panels.

The Park of Multiculturalism is located in the Gallico Superiore neighborhood and hosts structures representing the major cultures of the Earth. Developed around the sanctuary, the park spans five hectares, and is rich in nooks that promote relaxation, including numerous ponds. Within the green area are signs explaining the history and purpose of the park and directions to its major structures, including a Greek theater with 800 seats used for summer events, an Arab house representing Islamic culture, a seven-branched candelabrum for the Jewish religion, and a Pagoda for Asian cultures. At its center is the nativity grotto.

Piazza Italia is also known as Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II and by several other names used throughout the centuries based on the historical events of Reggio: in fact, between 1810 and 1860, the square changed names seven times. The expansion works dating back to 1914 led to the construction of three magnificent buildings: Palazzo San Giorgio, which is the City Hall, the Prefecture Palace, and the Provincial Palace, making Piazza Italia the institutional square of Reggio Calabria. Moreover, the square hosts six layers of archaeological excavations, which include: an ancient Roman paving, walls, wells, and cisterns from the Byzantine era, Norman-age rooms probably intended for bronze processing, Angevin-period buildings, and the foundation of the statue base of Ferdinand of Bourbon dating back to 1823.

For day trips: If you're considering Reggio Calabria as a one-day destination, note that it is well connected to various cities in Italy. We recommend arriving by FlixBus (prices from $9.90) and then moving on foot between points of interest.

Morning: it's best to start at the National Archaeological Museum, slightly farther from the historic center. Here, you can find the famous Riace Bronzes, which cannot be missed, as well as many other rare artifacts from Magna Graecia. After the visit, you can make your way to the Cathedral, taking the opportunity to stroll along the Lungomare Falcomatà, the famous most beautiful kilometer in Italy, enriched by the ancient Greek walls and several other archaeological sites. Once you arrive, the Cathedral will be easy to spot due to its spectacular facade consisting of four pillars. Inside, there is the Chapel of the Most Holy Sacrament, adorned with mosaics and niches housing replicas of the Evangelists.

Afternoon: after stopping for lunch at l'Antica Rosticceria del Corso (only a five-minute walk away), you can head toward the nearby Aragonese Castle, which with its two majestic towers is the undisputed symbol of the city. From there, visit Piazza Garibaldi, then Arena dello Stretto, and finally Park of Multiculturalism.

Evening: just a minute separates you from the recommended venue for dinner, Ragù Mediterranean Bistrot, where traditional Reggio Calabria cuisine is served.

The nightlife in Reggio Calabria is primarily based on the beaches that transform into entertainment venues after sunset, mainly for young people, from aperitifs to nightclub music until late at night. There are also English-style pubs for those who want to stick to a drink. Among the most popular venues are those overlooking Lungomare Matteotti and Lungomare Falcomatà, as well as those in Via Garibaldi; choices abound.