Reggio Calabria: Museums, History and Lungomare

Reggio Calabria combines significant evidence of antiquity with museums, sacred sites and a waterfront promenade along the Strait of Messina. Lungomare Falcomatà, historic walls, collections from around the world and activities for families give the city several facets for an individually planned trip to Italy.

Art and History in the City

The Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Reggio Calabria displays evidence of the great Greek cities of Magna Graecia as well as the Bronzi di Riace. The Pinacoteca Civica di Reggio Calabria complements this: its eleven exhibition rooms are divided into five sections and cover a total of 500 m². The museum predominantly preserves and displays works of art owned by the city of Reggio Calabria; the oldest works date from the 15th to the 19th century.

At the Museo dello Strumento Musicale, the collection comprises 800 musical instruments from around the world. A multimedia screen allows visitors to see and hear instruments being played. Teatro Cilea adds an architectural accent with a 19th-century-style auditorium and a horseshoe-shaped layout.

Ancient Traces and Special Tours

Castello Aragonese was founded during the Byzantine period between the 9th and 11th centuries. One section of the Mura Greche has been preserved. It is located where the western walls turned eastwards and closed Reggio’s ring of fortifications in the south. The Mura Greche are considered important evidence not only of the history of the city of Reggio Calabria, but of the entire classical civilization of the Mediterranean.

Lungomare and Open Space by the Strait

Lungomare Falcomatà is the natural extension of Reggio Calabria’s historic center. Walks along Lungomare Falcomatà lead to the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Reggio Calabria. The Parco Urbano Il Tempietto is also located on the shore of the Strait of Messina, a large urban open space and the concluding connecting area of the monumental Lungomare Italo Falcomatà.

Parco Urbano Il Tempietto has facilities for outdoor sports, including beach soccer, basketball, roller skating and cycling, as well as sensory play equipment for children. When choosing a hotel, you can therefore consider whether you want to focus your days more on museums and historic sites, walks along the Lungomare or spending time in the urban open space.

A City Visit with a Culinary Connection

The Museo del Bergamotto offers hands-on workshops on jams, preserves, liqueurs, cakes and creams made from bergamot. This citrus fruit connection complements the cultural sightseeing with a practical, flavorful experience and also makes the museum interesting for travelers who would like to learn more about regional products.

Sacred Sites and a Set Period

The Basilica Cattedrale di Reggio Calabria was elevated to the status of a minor basilica in 1978. The holy effigy is venerated in Reggio Calabria every year from the second Saturday in September to the last Sunday in November. Those who wish to include these religious aspects can deliberately plan their travel period around this part of the year.

Discover More Places

Brancaleone Superiore, Melito Di Porto Salvo, Stignano, San Roberto, Scilla, Mammola, Galatro and Tritanti.

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Reggio Calabria.