The square sits directly above a stratified archaeological site that reveals building foundations spanning from the 4th century BC to the 11th century AD.
Pietro De Nava designed the current layout of the square following the 1908 earthquake to prioritize wide, open spaces for seismic safety.
The archaeological excavations within the square are protected by glass and metal covers, allowing visibility into the ancient urban fabric of Rhegion.
It was historically the primary gathering point for political demonstrations and local governance announcements.
The square features three significant neoclassical buildings that define the city's architectural identity after the 1908 reconstruction.
Piazza Italia, officially known as Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, serves as the historic and political heart of Reggio Calabria. The site contains a significant archaeological area featuring the ruins of Roman-era baths and residential structures dating from the Greek to the Byzantine periods. It is flanked by the Palazzo del Governo, the Palazzo della Prefettura, and the Palazzo del Comune. The square has functioned as a central public space since the city's post-1908 earthquake reconstruction following the plan by Pietro De Nava. It serves as a major intersection for the city's urban layout, bridging the historical remains with the administrative seat of the local government.
The elevated viewing points looking down into the excavated archaeological remains with the Palazzo del Governo in the background.
Walk along the glass viewing platforms to read the informative signage detailing the different historical layers visible below.
Visit during the evening to see the ruins illuminated from beneath the glass covers.
Combine a visit here with a walk toward the nearby waterfront to see the contrast between the ruins and the modern city promenade.
Do not mistake the modern surrounding administrative buildings for the archaeological site itself; the ruins are located within the central sunken area of the square.
