Where Liberty architecture meets civic memory in the heart of Reggio Calabria

A cultural landmark where history, art, and identity converge

Nestled on the upper side of Corso Garibaldi—Reggio Calabria’s vibrant main artery—Piazza Camagna is more than just a square: it is a crossroads of memory, architecture, and civic pride. Framed by elegant Liberty-style buildings, including the distinguished Palazzo Manganaro, the square culminates in a graceful semicircular double staircase that invites visitors upward, toward the elevated heart of the city. This harmonious urban space often transforms into a lively open-air stage for cultural events, concerts, and performances, reinforcing its identity as a living canvas of local life.

At the center of the piazza stands the monument to Biagio Camagna, a prominent lawyer and political figure from Reggio, active during the birth of the unified Italian state. The bronze statue, sculpted by Domenico Pellegrino in 1924, rests on a double marble pedestal and bears the inscription: “To Biagio Camagna: The People.” As a member of the Liberal Party, Camagna served in seven consecutive legislatures, playing a crucial role in shaping the modern Italian republic.

Originally named Piazza Prato, the space was later renamed to honor the new monument and its namesake. After several relocations—including a long stay in Piazza Castello—the statue returned home in 2007, following a passionate citizen-led campaign. This act of collective memory transformed Piazza Camagna into a symbol of community spirit and historical resilience.