A sculpted tribute to Calabria’s voice, where literature and identity rise in marble and memory

A Monument Where Culture Meets the Soul of Calabria

In the vibrant heart of Reggio Calabria, just behind the National Archaeological Museum of Magna Graecia, stands the Monument to Corrado Alvaro. This powerful tribute honors one of Italy’s most authentic literary voices. Created in 1965 by the sculptor Alessandro Monteleone, the monument consists of three travertine marble cubes. On each block, visitors can read vivid quotes and see figures from Alvaro’s novels and short stories.

Born in San Luca, Corrado Alvaro gave voice to the struggles, hopes, and values of Southern Italy. His writings captured the emotional landscape of Calabria. For instance, Gente in Aspromonte portrays the hardship and beauty of rural life, while Memorie del mondo sommerso explores fear and doubt with raw clarity. With Quasi una vita, he won the Strega Prize in 1951, gaining national recognition.

Throughout the monument, his words live on. One engraving reminds us: “The greatest despair a society can feel is the belief that living righteously is useless.” Another, facing the open square, reflects the core of Calabrian life: “The strength of Calabria is in its family structure… a promise and a hope.”

The cubes, placed side by side like pages of an open book, invite reflection. Positioned near Lungomare Falcomatà, they serve as both a literary symbol and a cultural beacon. Moreover, they guide visitors from the city’s modern rhythm to its deeper, enduring roots.

Alvaro’s voice remains vital. His legacy connects past and present, giving shape to a collective identity that still speaks to the people of Calabria—and beyond.