: Calabria

Calabria a tinte forti

Calabria has 2.000.000 inhabitants. Catanzaro is the Capital of the region. It’s a beautiful land rich in natural resources. The Tyrrhenian and the Ionian Sea, first of all. The seafront of Reggio Calabria is ‘the nicest kilometre in Italy’ (Gabriele D’annunzio, writer). In the hinterland, an extremely varied flora and fauna: the Sila, the Aspromonte, the treasures of the National Park and other protected areas. Calabria is noteworthy for its archaeological, architectural and cultural heritage, which were influenced by the Ancient Greek civilization (Magna Graecia), who left traces in fortresses, temples and necropoli.
And Reggio Calabria is considered the pearl of Magna Graecia. In fact, the National Museum has some precious prehistoric treasures, among which the world famous Riace Warriors and significant finds that date back to the Greek colonies (the Ionian-Tyrrhenian civilization). The Public Library, located in the city centre, is a striking monument that dates back to the Bourbons. Corso Garibaldi is the main and busiest intersection. The influence of the Ancient Greeks is also confirmed by the numerous calcareous ruins (age-old walls perhaps?)in the Region, while the presence of the Romans is attested by the traces of an imposing Roman thermal plant. Visitors cannot miss the Aragonese Castle and its two imposing towers (536 A.D.).
But Calabria reveals traces that date back to the Palaeolithic and the prehistoric era. In the XVI century BC the land was occupied and inhabited by the Ausones and, later, by the bellicose Bruttii. When the Greeks arrived, the ethnic groups began to mix until, finally, the territory was conquered by the Romans in the III century.