Reggio

Reggio is an Italian toponym used for several places, with the two most prominent being Reggio Calabria in the south and Reggio Emilia in the north. The name appears in other localities and in historical contexts as well.

Reggio di Calabria is the largest city in the region of Calabria and serves as the seat of the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria. It lies on the coast opposite the island of Sicily, across the Strait of Messina. The city functions as a commercial and transport hub and is known for its waterfront, the Aragonese Castle, and cultural institutions such as the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria. Nearby, the Riace Bronzes, renowned ancient Greek statues, were discovered, highlighting the area’s archaeological significance. Reggio di Calabria is connected to Sicily by ferry and rail and road links across the strait.

Reggio Emilia is the capital of the Province of Reggio Emilia in the Emilia-Romagna region, situated inland to the west of Bologna. It has a historic center with landmarks such as Piazza Grande and the Cathedral of San Prospero. The city is associated with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, whose name reflects the traditional production area that includes Reggio Emilia and surrounding territories. It is also known for the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education, a pedagogy developed starting in the 1960s that emphasizes child-centered learning and collaborative projects. The local economy includes food processing, engineering, and services.

In other contexts, Reggio can appear in Latin or historical terms and, in everyday speech, may affectionately refer to either Reggio Calabria or Reggio Emilia depending on the context.