A timeless symbol of civic pride and Liberty elegance in the heart of Reggio Calabria

Where Art Nouveau meets civic identity: the cultural soul of Reggio Calabria’s town hall

In the vibrant center of Reggio Calabria stands Palazzo San Giorgio, the elegant town hall and a cultural symbol of the city. Named after Saint George, co-patron of Reggio along with the Madonna of Consolation, the building tells a story of resilience and rebirth.

After the devastating earthquake of 1908, Reggio rebuilt with courage. From 1918 to 1921, architect Ernesto Basile, a master of international Art Nouveau, designed this stunning example of Liberty style. In 1922, King Vittorio Emanuele III attended its official inauguration—an event that marked a new era for the city.

The building features two floors and a near-square layout. At ground level, a gallery connects Corso Garibaldi with Via Miraglia, guiding visitors through the city’s historic core. Upstairs, richly decorated rooms reflect the grandeur of early 20th-century design. Among them, the Sala dei Lampadari, the Mayor’s Office, the Council Room, and the semicircular Sala del Consiglio, all with furniture designed by Basile himself.

Inside, visitors can admire a remarkable art collection. It includes paintings from the 19th and early 20th centuries by artists from Calabria, Sicily, and Naples—a hidden gem for art lovers.

Outside, the main façade on Piazza Italia impresses with arched windows, sculpted details, and elegant columns. A majestic clock tower, crowned with a bell, rises above the cornice, giving the building its iconic silhouette.