A timeless fortress guarding the soul of Reggio Calabria

A Symbol of Strength Through the Centuries

In the heart of Reggio Calabria, the Aragonese Castle rises with solemn grandeur, guarding centuries of Southern Italian history. Though commonly known by its Aragonese name, the castle’s roots stretch back to the Byzantine era between the 9th and 11th centuries. Reggio, once the capital of the Thema of Calabria, needed a stronghold to defend its strategic position. Thus, the first stone walls were laid.

Over the centuries, the fortress grew. Normans, Swabians, and Angevins each left their mark, layering the structure with new functions and forms. However, it was during the Spanish rule, under King Ferdinand I of Aragon, that the castle took on its current form. The two iconic circular towers—thick, battlemented, and bold—emerged in this era, turning the fortress into a lasting symbol of authority and resilience.

Despite enduring earthquakes and political upheavals, the castle never lost its stature. After the catastrophic 1908 earthquake, much of Reggio was redesigned, and parts of the castle were dismantled. Yet its core remained. On August 21, 1860, Giuseppe Garibaldi claimed the stronghold in the name of Italy, adding another layer to its story.

Declared a National Monument in 1897, the Aragonese Castle continues to impress. Today, visitors walk its ancient corridors, admire sweeping views from the towers, and experience exhibitions that bring local history to life.