A timeless tribute rising above the seafront, echoing Reggio Calabria’s rebirth and the spirit of its people.

Where Memory Meets the Sea: A Monument to Renewal and Cultural Identity

The Stele to Italo Falcomatà rises along the bright Falcomatà Promenade, a place forever linked to the mayor who led the famous “Primavera di Reggio” in the mid-1990s. During those years, the city experienced a profound rebirth. Falcomatà completed long-abandoned urban projects and, moreover, restored many neglected areas. He also strengthened the fight against crime and urban decay. As a result, Reggio Calabria gained new energy and a modern identity that still shapes the city today.

As you approach the stele, the gentle rhythm of the Lungomare welcomes you. The promenade is often described as “the most beautiful kilometer of Italy,” and it lives up to its reputation. Here, the sea breeze accompanies every step, while history unfolds in a series of meaningful landmarks. For example, the monumental fountain and several commemorative sculptures highlight key moments in the city’s past. In addition, visitors can admire important Greek-Roman remains. These include the monument dedicated to Ibycus, the 6th-century BC poet of Reggio, and a striking Hellenistic column crowned by a bronze tripod, symbol of Apollo.

Furthermore, two sections of the ancient Greek city walls appear along the path. Nearby, the ruins of a Roman thermal complex emerge as silent traces of daily life from centuries ago. Each fragment enriches the visitor’s understanding of Reggio Calabria’s deep cultural roots.

In this setting, the stele becomes more than a memorial. Instead, it acts as a bridge between memory and landscape, linking the city’s modern identity to its ancient past. It invites visitors to pause, reflect, and look both toward the Strait and toward the enduring spirit of Reggio Calabria. Ultimately, a walk here becomes a journey through rebirth, heritage, and the living soul of the city.