A timeless tribute rising from ancient stone, celebrating the voice that sang the soul of Reggio Calabria.

Where Classical Memory Meets the Echo of the Strait

Standing in the heart of Reggio Calabria, the Monument to Diego Vitrioli links the city’s ancient past with its cultural identity. It honors the Latinist Diego Vitrioli, born in 1819, whose verses echoed the sea and the traditions of his homeland. His celebrated poem Xiphias, written in classical hexameters, won first prize from the Amsterdam Academy in 1845. It describes the ritual of swordfish fishing on the Strait of Messina—a tradition deeply tied to the region. Through this work, Vitrioli revived classical forms and, at the same time, gave new dignity to a local practice.

The monument reflects this blend of history and meaning. It was created using an ancient paired marble column, likely from a Roman public structure or a Byzantine religious building once located in the city. Today, the column rises on a tall base and acts as a symbolic bridge between eras. On its top stands a sculpted tripod, a clear reference to classical culture. In addition, a medallion with the profile of Vitrioli enriches one of the smooth sides of the column, offering visitors a direct connection to the scholar.

Moreover, the monument’s balanced composition turns it into a silent storyteller of Reggio Calabria’s layered past. It invites travelers to reflect on the city’s dialogue with the ancient world and to observe how its heritage continues to shape local identity. As a result, the site becomes not only a tribute to Vitrioli but also a celebration of the city’s ongoing relationship with history, poetry, and landscape. Therefore, standing before it means stepping into a place where memory, culture, and Mediterranean light converge in a lasting embrace.