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 vibrant squares in Reggio Calabria, linking the northern and southern parts of the city in a seamless flow of movement and life. Designed with a broad rectangular layout, the square hosts essential urban services such as public parking, the Central Station, and a key transport hub for ATAM buses and city taxis. While it serves modern travelers every day, the square also hides layers of ancient history beneath its surface.

During the construction of the underground parking area, archaeologists uncovered remarkable Roman remains, including a tomb from the 1st century AD. These discoveries transformed Piazza Garibaldi into an unexpected archaeological site, revealing stories buried for nearly two thousand years.

At its heart rises a majestic marble statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi, sculpted by Alessandro Monteleone in 1956. The monument replaced one destroyed during World War II, originally created by Rocco La Russa. Surrounded by lush magnolia flowerbeds and crossed by a main thoroughfare, the statue honors Italy’s “Hero of the Two Worlds.” When the monument was inaugurated, it sparked intense political debate and passionate demonstrations, showing how deeply the square resonates with Reggio’s identity.

Moreover, recent excavations have further enriched its historical depth. Archaeologists found the base of a Roman temple, possibly part of a mausoleum within a sacred precinct, along with ancient drainage systems and building foundations near the station. These findings illuminate the hidden Roman cityscape that once thrived below modern Reggio. According to archaeologist Professor Daniele Castrizio, this site may soon become the city’s most important archaeological area, a discovery he describes as “unique in the history of Reggio.”