The historic crossroads bridging north and south of the city

The Heart of Reggio: From Urban Hub to Ancient Discovery

Piazza Garibaldi is one of the largest and most significant squares in Reggio, serving as a vital connection between the northern and southern parts of the city. Its rectangular layout houses essential urban functions including a public parking area, the Central Station, and a major transport hub for ATAM buses and taxis. Beyond its modern role, the square conceals layers of history beneath its surface. Recent excavations during the construction of an underground parking lot unveiled remarkable Roman archaeological finds, including a tomb dating back to the 1st century AD.

At the center stands a majestic marble statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi, crafted by Alessandro Monteleone in 1956, replacing a wartime-destroyed monument by Rocco La Russa. The statue marks the square as a tribute to the “Hero of the Two Worlds,” surrounded by lush magnolia flowerbeds and bisected by a main thoroughfare for vehicles. This statue’s installation stirred passionate political debate and public demonstrations, reflecting the square’s deep cultural importance.

The archaeological discoveries have further enriched Piazza Garibaldi’s story. Excavations revealed the base of a Roman temple, potentially part of a mausoleum within a sacred precinct, alongside ancient water drainage systems and building remains near the station. These findings uncover an underground Roman cityscape, shedding light on Reggio’s urban evolution. Archaeologist Professor Daniele Castrizio predicts this site will become the city’s most important archaeological area, describing the discoveries as “unique in the history of Reggio.”