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| Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria | |
|---|---|
| Name | Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria |
| Settlement type | Metropolitan city |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | Italy |
| Subdivision type1 | Region |
| Subdivision name1 | Calabria |
| Established title | Established |
| Established date | 2015 |
| Seat | Reggio Calabria |
| Area total km2 | 3188 |
| Population total | 548000 |
| Population as of | 2017 |
| Timezone1 | Central European Time |
Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria is an administrative entity in southern Italy located at the toe of the Italian Peninsula, occupying the southern portion of the Calabria region and facing the Sicilian Channel and the Ionian Sea. Centered on the city of Reggio Calabria, it was formed during the 2015 local government reform and succeeded the former Province of Reggio Calabria. The area is notable for its proximity to Sicily, coastal landscapes like the Aspromonte National Park, and historical ties to ancient Greek colonies such as Rhegion and interactions with powers including the Roman Republic, Byzantine Empire, and Kingdom of Naples.
The territory preserves archaeological remains from Magna Graecia including artifacts linked to Rhegion and contacts with Syracuse and Tarentum, followed by incorporation into the Roman Republic and later the Byzantine Empire. During the medieval era it experienced incursions by Ostrogoths, Lombards, and Norman conquest under figures associated with the County of Sicily and Roger II of Sicily. The Renaissance and early modern period saw rivalry among the Aragonese Crown of Aragon, the Spanish Empire, and the House of Bourbon culminating in integration into the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies and later unification under the Kingdom of Italy. The 20th century witnessed events connected to World War II operations in the Mediterranean Sea, postwar reconstruction, and administrative reforms like the 2014 Delrio Law that created metropolitan cities.
The metropolitan area spans coastal plains, the Aspromonte massif and upland zones with peaks reaching the Aspromonte National Park, rivers such as the Fiumara Calopinace and Fiumara Amendolea, and littoral stretches on the Tyrrhenian Sea and Ionian Sea. The climate ranges from Mediterranean along the coast to montane in the interior, influencing biodiversity in habitats that host species studied by institutions like the Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research and conservation programs in the Natura 2000 network. Geological features relate to seismicity along the Calabria subduction zone and historical events such as the 1908 Messina earthquake that affected Reggio Calabria and Messina.
The metropolitan governance model follows reforms originating from the Italian Constitution and implementing statutes like the Delrio Law, with a metropolitan mayor elected from municipal administrations and a metropolitan council constituted by mayors of constituent comuni including Reggio Calabria, Scilla, and Villa San Giovanni. Administrative competences interact with regional authorities in Calabria and national ministries such as the Ministry of the Interior. Local institutions collaborate with entities including the Prefecture of Reggio Calabria and provincial offices evolving from the former Province of Reggio Calabria.
Population distribution concentrates in the urban area of Reggio Calabria and satellite towns like Gioia Tauro, Rosarno, and Palmi, while interior comuni such as Gerace and Bovalino exhibit lower densities. Demographic trends reflect internal migration tied to industrial hubs and port employment in Gioia Tauro Container Terminal, historical emigration to countries including Argentina, United States, and Australia, and more recent migratory flows across the Mediterranean Sea impacting reception policies coordinated with agencies like the Italian Red Cross and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Cultural plurality derives from layered influences including Greek (Magna Graecia), Byzantine, Norman, and Spanish legacies.
Economic activity centers on the port and logistics complex at Gioia Tauro, agricultural production of olive oil and citrus in plains around Reggio Calabria and Riviera dei Cedri, forestry and pastoralism in the Aspromonte interior, and tourism tied to coastal resorts and archaeological sites. Industrial history includes craft traditions in Scilla and commercial interactions with Sicily via ferry links to Messina. Economic development is shaped by national programs from the Ministry of Economic Development (Italy) and funds from the European Union such as Cohesion Fund initiatives addressing infrastructure, unemployment, and illegal economies linked to investigations by the Direzione Investigativa Antimafia.
Transport infrastructure comprises the A2 (Autostrada del Mediterraneo), national roads like the SS18, railway services on lines associated with Trenitalia, and ferry connections across the Strait of Messina to Messina. The port of Gioia Tauro is a major Mediterranean transshipment hub, and regional airports include Reggio Calabria Aeroporto dello Stretto (also known as Tito Minniti Airport). Utilities and public works coordinate with bodies such as Anas and the Regional Agency for Environmental Protection and Prevention (ARPA Calabria), while programs from the European Investment Bank have funded local projects.
Cultural life preserves traditions from Magna Graecia to modern Italian institutions: archaeological collections at the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria house the Riace bronzes, religious festivals in towns like Gerace and Palmi, and music linked to the Tarantella tradition. Tourist attractions include the Bronzi di Riace, coastal routes referred to as the Riviera dei Gelsomini, culinary specialities such as nduja and bergamot products, and events coordinated with cultural bodies including the Italian Ministry of Culture and regional heritage programs. Film and literature references connect to creators referencing Calabria in works by authors and filmmakers engaging themes of southern Italian life.
Major municipalities include Reggio Calabria, Gioia Tauro, Palmi, Scilla, Villa San Giovanni, Rosarno, Locri, Bovalino, Gerace, and Siderno. Landmarks comprise the Riace bronzes at the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria, the Aspromonte National Park, the historic center of Gerace with its Norman cathedral, the promenade of Reggio Calabria (often called the Lungomare Falcomatà), the Castle of Scilla (Ruffo Castle), the Gioia Tauro container terminal, and coastal sites along the Costa Viola and Riviera dei Cedri.
Category:Metropolitan cities of Italy Category:Geography of Calabria Category:Province of Reggio Calabria