Reggio di Calabria (ancient Rhegium), city in southern Italy, capital of Reggio di Calabria Province, in Calabria Region, seaport on the Strait of Messina opposite Sicily. The city is a rail hub and beach resort as well as a center for marketing agricultural products, including bergamot oranges (the essence of which is used in perfume production), herbs, and tobacco. Other manufactures include pharmaceuticals and electrical products. A university-level state institute of architecture is located in Reggio di Calabria.
The city was founded by Greek colonists in the 8th century BC. Its strategic location led to repeated invasions. Reggio di Calabria has also suffered many earthquakes; the most recent (1908) was followed by a tsunami (tidal wave) that razed the city. The city was heavily bombed during World War II and was occupied by British forces in September 1943. It was the capital of Calabria until 1971. Population (1999 estimate) 179,919.
