Reggio Calabria history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Reggio Calabria is rooted in deep antiquity. The city, originally bearing the Greek name Rhegion, was founded in the second half of the 8th century BC (approximately 720 BC). Its founders were Greek settlers from Chalcis, making it one of the oldest Greek colonies in Southern Italy.

Key Factors of Establishment

The transformation of a small settlement into a powerful polis was driven by several factors:

• Geographical Location: The city is situated on the very "toe" of the Apennine Peninsula, controlling the strategically important Strait of Messina, which separates Italy from Sicily.
• Maritime Trade: Thanks to a convenient harbor and access to sea routes, Rhegion became a vital trade hub connecting the Eastern and Western Mediterranean.
• Political Influence: Its advantageous location allowed the city to dictate navigation terms in the strait, which contributed to the growth of its political weight in the region.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

As an integral part of Magna Graecia, the city quickly reached a high level of cultural development. Arts and sciences flourished here:

• The city hosted a renowned Pythagorean school, and was home to famous poets and sculptors of antiquity.
• The economy was based not only on transit trade but also on the region's rich natural resources, including vineyards, olive oil production, and ceramics.

Ancient World and Roman Period

• 387 BC — The city is captured and destroyed by the tyrant of Syracuse, Dionysius I, but is soon rebuilt under the name Phoebia.
• 270 BC — Rhegion comes under Roman rule, retaining its Greek language and customs while becoming a loyal naval ally of the Empire.
• 90 BC — The city receives the status of a Roman municipium, strengthening its political and economic position in the region.

Middle Ages and Modern Era

• 536 AD — Byzantine general Belisarius occupies the city, turning it into the capital of the Byzantine Duchy of Calabria.
• 1060 — The Normans, led by Robert Guiscard, conquer Reggio, ending a long period of Byzantine dominance.
• 1282 — During the War of the Sicilian Vespers, the city becomes a battleground between the Angevin and Aragonese dynasties.
• 1594 — The Ottoman fleet carries out a devastating raid on the coast, inflicting serious damage on the city.
• 1783 — A powerful earthquake destroys the medieval structures, leading to the necessity of completely replanning the city.

19th–21st Centuries

• 1860 — Giuseppe Garibaldi captures the city after the battle at Piazza Duomo, marking a key moment in the unification of Italy.
• 1908 — The catastrophic Messina earthquake destroys the city almost to the ground, initiating a massive reconstruction in the Liberty style.
• 1939 — Large-scale reconstruction of the coastal zone is completed. Today, this promenade is known as the Falcomatà Seafront and is often referred to as "Italy's most beautiful kilometer."
• 1972 — The ancient "Riace Bronzes" (Warriors of Riace) are discovered in the nearby sea, becoming the main exhibit of the National Museum and a symbol of the city.
• 2016 — Reggio Calabria receives the administrative status of a Metropolitan City, confirming its role as a regional center.

Stages of Transformation and Development

The history of Reggio Calabria is a series of falls and rebirths, each of which radically changed the appearance and economy of the city. Here are the key milestones that formed the modern metropolis:

• Strategic Hegemony in Magna Graecia.
  Thanks to control over the Strait of Messina, ancient Rhegion became a powerful economic hub. This ensured the flourishing of arts and philosophy, laying the cultural foundation upon which the region's tourism appeal is based today.
• Byzantine "Golden Age" and Silk Production.
  In the Middle Ages, the city became one of the most important centers for silk production in Europe. The development of this industry brought economic prosperity and strengthened trade ties with Byzantium, leaving a noticeable mark on local culture and crafts.
• Urban Revolution of 1783 (Mori Plan).
  After a devastating earthquake, an innovative urban planning system was introduced for the first time. Abandoning chaotic medieval buildings in favor of wide straight streets and safe squares became a prototype for modern anti-seismic standards.
• Architectural Renaissance of the Early 20th Century.
  Recovery after the 1908 disaster gave the city its current unique look. Large-scale construction in the Liberty style (Italian Art Nouveau) turned the center into an open-air architectural museum.
• "Greater Reggio" Project (1927).
  Administrative reform, which united the historical center with 14 surrounding communes, created a unified urban space. This decision allowed for the scaling of infrastructure and boosted demographic growth.
• Creation of "Italy's Most Beautiful Kilometer".
  Comprehensive reconstruction of the promenade (Lungomare Falcomatà) integrated the urban environment with the sea coast. The project became a town-planning triumph, turning the coastline into the city's main recreational and economic zone.
• Metropolitan City Status (2016).
  Obtaining a new administrative rank secured Reggio's role as a key hub in Southern Italy. This opened new opportunities for strategic planning in transport, culture, and attracting international investments.

Urban Planning Concept: A City Reborn

The architectural appearance of Reggio Calabria is unique because it is the result of massive planning following natural disasters. The modern urban structure is based on a strict geometric grid, established in the De Nava Plan after the 1908 earthquake. Wide straight avenues and spacious squares were designed not only for aesthetics but as seismic safety measures, distinguishing Reggio from typical Italian cities with labyrinths of narrow medieval streets.

Architectural Styles and Eras

Due to past destruction, few buildings in the city remain in their original historical form; however, reconstruction has gifted Reggio a cohesive and harmonious ensemble from the early 20th century.

• Antiquity and Middle Ages (Fragmentary).
  Ancient eras are represented mainly by ruins and fortifications that survived or were restored after cataclysms.
  Examples: Greek Walls (4th century BC), Roman Baths, Aragonese Castle.
• Liberty and Eclecticism (1910s–1930s).
  The dominant style of the city center. Italian Art Nouveau (Liberty) acquired a special scope here, symbolizing the rebirth of life. Facades are decorated with floral ornaments, wrought iron, and elegant stucco. A mix of styles (Eclecticism) with elements of Neo-Gothic and Neo-Renaissance is often found.
  Examples: Palazzo San Giorgio, Villa Zerbi.
• Neo-Romanesque and Neoclassicism (Early 20th Century).
  Used in the restoration of religious and administrative buildings to give them monumentality and historical continuity.
  Examples: The Cathedral (Duomo), Francesco Cilea Theatre.
• Rationalism and Monumentalism (1930s–1940s).
  Buildings of this period, constructed according to the designs of famous architects (such as Marcello Piacentini), are characterized by strict lines, functionality, and imperial grandeur.
  Examples: National Archaeological Museum of Magna Graecia.

Iconic Buildings that Shaped the City's Look

A walk through Reggio Calabria is a journey through an open-air museum of architecture, where every building tells a story of recovery.

• Aragonese Castle (Castello Aragonese). The main symbol of the city's military architecture. Despite the name, its foundation is much older, but it acquired its current appearance with two massive towers in the 15th century under Aragonese rule.
• Villa Zerbi. A striking example of eclecticism with a clear influence of 14th-century Venetian Gothic. The building stands out with loggias, arches, and a characteristic reddish facade, reminiscent of the palaces of Venice.
• Palazzo San Giorgio. The City Hall building, designed in the Liberty style. Its elegant facade and interior decoration make it one of the most beautiful administrative buildings in Calabria.
• Falcomatà Seafront. Although not a single building but an entire architectural ensemble, the seafront is a masterpiece of landscape design, uniting historic Liberty-style villas, modern installations, and a botanical garden.

Distinguished Figures of Reggio Calabria

The city has been the birthplace and home to many talented individuals whose names have entered the global history of art, fashion, literature, and public life. Here are key figures associated with Reggio Calabria:

• Gianni Versace (1946–1997)
  Fashion designer and founder of the Versace fashion house.
  Born and raised in Reggio Calabria. It was here, in his mother's atelier on Via Tommaso Gulli, that he learned the basics of tailoring, inspired by the region's Greek history, which was later reflected in his brand's logo — the head of Medusa.
• Umberto Boccioni (1882–1916)
  Painter, sculptor, and theorist of Futurism.
  One of the most influential art figures of the 20th century was born in Reggio. Boccioni became a key figure in Italian Futurism, striving to convey the dynamics and energy of modern life in his works. His sculpture "Unique Forms of Continuity in Space" is depicted on the Italian 20-cent euro coin.
• Ibycus (6th century BC)
  Ancient Greek lyric poet.
  A native of ancient Rhegion, included in the canonical list of the "Nine Lyric Poets" of antiquity. He became famous for his choral works and lyrical poetry. The legend of "The Cranes of Ibycus," which exposed his murderers, became a popular subject in world literature.
• Italo Falcomatà (1943–2001)
  Politician and Mayor of the city.
  Initiator of a period of civic and cultural rebirth known as the "Spring of Reggio" (Primavera di Reggio). It was thanks to his vision and efforts that the famous seafront was reconstructed, which today bears his name and is considered one of the most beautiful in Italy.
• Leopoldo Trieste (1917–2003)
  Actor, playwright, and director.
  Born in Reggio Calabria. He became famous for roles in films by great Italian directors such as Federico Fellini ("The White Sheik", "I Vitelloni") and Pietro Germi. He also played in Francis Ford Coppola's "The Godfather Part II".
• Saint Gaetano Catanoso (1879–1963)
  Priest and Saint of the Roman Catholic Church.
  He served all his life in Reggio and its surroundings, founding the congregation "The Veronicas of the Holy Face". Canonized in 2005. His activities left a deep mark on the spiritual life of the city, and the sanctuary bearing his name is an important place of pilgrimage.