Reggio Calabria, Mediterranean port city in Calabria, Italy
Reggio Calabria stretches along the Strait of Messina with a waterfront promenade offering views of Sicily and Mount Etna across the water. The city connects wide boulevards with narrower streets climbing from the harbor toward the hills inland.
The city began as Rhegion, founded by Greek colonists from Chalcis around 720 BCE, and grew into an important settlement in Magna Graecia. Earthquakes destroyed the city repeatedly, with the most devastating strike happening in 1908.
The National Archaeological Museum displays the Riace Bronzes, two full-size Greek warrior statues cast in bronze and recovered from the Mediterranean seabed. The collection draws visitors from around the world to see these rare ancient sculptures.
The city connects to major Italian destinations through rail services to Naples, Rome, and Milan, while ferries provide regular crossings to Sicily. The waterfront promenade is suitable for walks at any time of day, especially at sunset with views across the strait.
The city produces bergamot, a citrus fruit that grows exclusively in this coastal area and is essential for perfume manufacturing. Local plantations supply the international perfume industry with most of the world's natural bergamot oil.
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