Sacred Area — Griso-LaBoccetta Archaeological Point
The Sacred Area of Griso-LaBoccetta is an ancient sanctuary site within the urban fabric of Reggio Calabria, uncovered during construction works in the modern city. The remains, spanning the Greek and Roman periods, include votive deposits, altar structures, and architectural fragments associated with a cult site that served the ancient colony of Rhegion. The site represents one of the rare instances where Reggio Calabria’s deep Magna Graecia past is visible in situ rather than only through museum displays.
At a glance
- Type
- Ancient sacred area and archaeological site
- Period
- Greek colonial period through Roman imperial era (c. 6th century BC–3rd century AD)
- Style
- Magna Graecia sacred precinct; later Roman adaptations
- Location
- Reggio Calabria, Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria, Calabria, Italy
- Coordinates
- 38.1113° N, 15.6493° E
Overview
Reggio Calabria — ancient Rhegion, founded by Chalcidian Greeks around 720 BC — is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Italy, and its urban subsoil is correspondingly rich in archaeological layers. The Griso-LaBoccetta area, named after the urban districts in which it was discovered, yielded evidence of an organised cult space that functioned across the Greek and Roman phases of the city’s history. The site is part of the broader archaeological heritage managed by the Museo Nazionale della Magna Grecia, which holds the city’s most celebrated finds.
History
Rhegion was founded c. 720 BC by Chalcidian settlers from Euboea and Zancle (modern Messina), occupying a strategic position at the toe of the Italian peninsula facing Sicily across the Strait of Messina. The city was an important member of the Magna Graecia network and maintained its Greek identity through the period of Roman expansion, becoming a Roman ally and eventually a municipium. Urban development across modern Reggio Calabria has repeatedly intersected with these ancient layers; the Griso-LaBoccetta excavations are among several urban rescue archaeology projects that have expanded knowledge of the ancient city’s sacred topography.
What you see
The exposed remains include altar bases, votive pit deposits containing terracotta figurines and ceramic vessels, and architectural elements consistent with a peribolos (sanctuary enclosure). The range of votive types — figurines of female deities, miniature vessels, and animal bones from ritual meals — indicates a long period of active cult practice at this location. The archaeological material is complemented by interpretive signage and, where access is arranged, by guided visits through the Museo Nazionale della Magna Grecia.
Cultural significance
Urban rescue excavations like Griso-LaBoccetta are essential for reconstructing the sacred topography of ancient Greek cities that, unlike Pompeii or Selinunte, were never abandoned and thus survive only in fragments beneath living cities. Each such site contributes a piece to the still-incomplete map of ancient Rhegion and enriches understanding of how Magna Graecia communities organised their religious life alongside civic and residential spaces.
Practical information
- Address
- Area Griso-LaBoccetta, Reggio Calabria, 89100 Reggio Calabria RC
- Hours
- Check with Museo Nazionale della Magna Grecia for guided access arrangements
- Admission
- Access typically arranged through the Museo Nazionale della Magna Grecia; check official website
Getting there
Reggio Calabria is well connected by rail (Trenitalia intercity services to Naples and Messina), by the A2 Autostrada del Mediterraneo, and by the Reggio Calabria–Lamezia Terme airport (REG), which handles domestic and some international connections. The city centre — where the site is located — is walkable from the main Reggio Calabria Centrale railway station.