A voice cast in bronze, eternal defender of justice and the people of Reggio Calabria.

Where Memory Meets Justice: The Cultural Legacy of Biagio Camagna in the Heart of Reggio Calabria

In the lively Piazza Camagna, along the iconic Corso Garibaldi, stands the Monument to Biagio Camagna. This sculpture is not just a work of art. It is a powerful tribute to justice, civic values, and the historic soul of Reggio Calabria.

Created by local sculptor Domenico Pellegrino in 1924, the bronze statue was unveiled in 1925. It shows Camagna in a compelling courtroom stance. In fact, it represents a real moment from June 3, 1919, when he defended several Reggio-born sailors in Naples. They had been unjustly accused, and Camagna’s speech became legendary.

The statue rests on a double marble base. On it, an inscription reads: “A Biagio Camagna: il Popolo”—“To Biagio Camagna: The People.” This phrase underlines his close bond with the city and its citizens.

Over time, the monument changed location. In 1967, it was moved to Piazza Castello, in front of the city’s courthouse. However, locals never forgot its original home. Therefore, in 2007, after a campaign led by the cultural group “L’Agorà,” the statue returned to Piazza Camagna. The relocation marked a deep emotional moment for the community.

Today, the monument remains a key symbol of Reggio’s identity. Moreover, it invites every visitor to reflect on the values of justice, courage, and civic duty that Biagio Camagna represented.