A stroll through scents of the past among the shaded paths of Reggio Calabria’s historic garden

Rediscovering the city’s green heart and timeless history

Located in the heart of Reggio Calabria, between the Cathedral and the lively Corso Garibaldi, Villa Comunale Umberto I is a peaceful botanical oasis that tells stories of the past. It was founded during the Bourbon era in 1854 with the goal of creating a botanical garden. Later, in 1907, King Vittorio Emanuele III inaugurated the garden and unveiled a bust of his father, Umberto I, which still stands today.

Today, the villa is more than just a green space — it is a living museum. Inside, visitors will find a variety of historical monuments, including busts of national and local patriots. Moreover, the neoclassical portal of Palazzo Vitrioli, dating back to the 14th century and made of soft limestone and Lazzàro stone, is a striking example of historical architecture. This portal originally belonged to a palace destroyed in the 1908 earthquake.

Furthermore, the garden features authentic Roman columns along the so-called “Viale delle Colonne.” This area leads to the duck and swan pond, a favorite among children. Nearby, visitors can also enjoy the fish pond, which adds to the villa’s relaxing charm.

Above all, the botanical garden remains the villa’s main attraction. It is home to rare and exotic plants from all over the world. Among the many species, you’ll find towering ficus trees, colorful magnolias, elegant palms, banana trees, pepper trees, and even the bottle tree. Notably rare specimens include Chorisia insignis (the monkey-no-climb tree), Dracaena draco (the dragon tree), Ficus elastica, and Nolina recurvata (known as the elephant’s foot).

In addition to its natural beauty, Villa Comunale is a favorite leisure spot for locals. The park includes a playground, a refreshment kiosk, and hosts cultural events throughout the year — especially during the summer.