An ascending path of stone, memory, and resilience, where history rises step by step into the heart of Reggio Calabria.

A Monument of Resilience and Elegance, Linking Sea and Hillside

The Monumental Staircase of Via Giudecca stands as one of the finest expressions of Reggio Calabria’s rebirth and determination. After the devastating earthquake of December 28, 1908, the city lay in ruins. Yet, from its destruction, a new vision emerged. Engineer Pietro De Nava led the ambitious reconstruction, transforming loss into opportunity. Among his many works were twenty-three monumental staircases designed to link the seaside promenade with the hillside neighborhoods. They joined beauty and function, turning urban necessity into a symbol of hope.

Among them, the Via Giudecca staircase is the grandest. Its lower section zigzags gracefully before rising straight to the top, counting 169 steps carved from local Macellari stone. Elegant terraces flank the ascent, while the staircase climbs almost 80 meters, offering breathtaking views of the city and the sea. Every line reflects balance, order, and the timeless dialogue between human creativity and the Calabrian landscape.

But this staircase tells more than an architectural story. It also speaks of solidarity and renewal. Builders reused stones from the demolished Aragonese Castle—once a Byzantine fortress, later a prison—to shape the supporting walls. Even prisoners of war helped rebuild the city, contributing their strength to its recovery. Thus, the staircases became not only urban masterpieces but also escape routes in case of tidal waves—practical, elegant, and vital.

Today, walking up the Via Giudecca staircase means retracing the path of a city that rose from tragedy with courage and grace. Each step echoes Reggio Calabria’s soul—its fusion of Neoclassical, Eclectic, and Liberty styles, and its unbroken will to rise again.