Province of Reggio Calabria, Former province at the southern tip of mainland Italy.
The Province of Reggio Calabria sits at the southern tip of mainland Italy, stretching between two seas with mountains, coasts, and fertile valleys. The area is separated from Sicily by the Strait of Messina and combines Mediterranean terrain with hilly inland landscapes.
In the 8th century BCE, Greeks founded the colony of Rhegion here, which became a major trading hub in the Mediterranean. This strategic location at the straits shaped the region for thousands of years as a crossroads between north and south.
The National Archaeological Museum in Reggio Calabria houses ancient artworks, including the famous Riace bronzes that draw visitors from around the world. These collections tell the story of the region's long Greek and Roman past.
The area is most easily reached via the port city of Reggio Calabria, which has good connections to the rest of Italy. Visitors should know that coastal areas tend to be traffic-heavy, while the mountain regions offer quieter exploration.
The region is the birthplace of bergamot orange cultivation, a specialized citrus that grows only here and is used worldwide for perfume production. This rare plant thrives only under the specific conditions of this place, making the area unique in the global market.
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