Where marble speaks of sacrifice, and the sword of liberty gleams under the Calabrian sun

A Symbol of National Identity and Collective Memory in the Heart of Reggio Calabria

In the vibrant heart of Reggio Calabria, where the echoes of history whisper through narrow alleys and elegant piazzas, stands the Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II, also known as the Monument to Italian Unity. Located in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, or Piazza Italia as locals call it, this statue is far more than stone and bronze. It represents the rebirth of Italy and honors those who fought courageously for freedom.

Erected in 1868 by sculptor Rocco Larussa, the monument features a striking white Carrara marble statue of Italia Turrita, the personification of Italy. Towering three meters high, she raises a sword in her right hand while holding a laurel crown in her left. Her gesture is powerful and her gaze determined, as if calling her sons to unite the once-divided Italian territories. In doing so, she perfectly embodies the patriotic spirit of the Risorgimento, the movement that gave birth to modern Italy.

At the base, a solemn inscription pays tribute to the martyrs of September 2, 1847, who resisted Bourbon rule. Among them are Domenico Romeo, Domenico Morabito, and Raffaele Giuffré Billa. Their sacrifice, engraved in marble, reminds every visitor of Reggio Calabria’s crucial role in the nation’s long path toward unity.

Today, the monument stands proudly before Palazzo San Giorgio, just steps away from the scenic Lungomare Falcomatà. It remains a gathering place for civic ceremonies and a silent witness to the city’s enduring sense of pride. Moreover, for travelers exploring the essence of southern Italy, it offers both a journey into history and a moment of reflection.