The Municipal Villa of Reggio Calabria presents itself as a green oasis in the heart of the city, rich not only in plants but also in historical monuments, occupying an area of about one hectare right in the historic center, between the Cathedral and Corso Garibaldi.

Its history dates back to the Bourbon era, in 1850, when the site that hosts the villa was purchased by the Economic Society and Agrarian Assembly in order to create a botanical garden. It was later designated for public use and inaugurated in September 1896 during the Marian festivities.

In 1907 it was given the name “Public Gardens Umberto I,” and on that occasion King Victor Emmanuel III unveiled the bronze bust of his father Umberto I, created by the sculptor Concesso Barca.

Inside the villa, in addition to the rich botanical heritage, there are monuments such as several busts of local patriots and historical structures of great value, such as the portal of Palazzo Vitrioli made of limestone and Lazzaro stone, which survived the earthquake of 1908.

The Villa also hosts authentic Roman columns along the evocative “Avenue of the Columns,” next to attractions beloved by the youngest: the duck and swan pond and the goldfish pool.

But the main attraction is the botanical garden, a treasure of unusual and exotic plants. Along the paths one can admire lush palm trees, ficus trees, magnolias, banana trees, pepper trees, rubber trees, camphor trees, and the bottle tree.

Among the rarest plants are specimens of Auricaria, Chorisia insignis (or monkey-repellent tree), Ficus elastica (or rubber tree), Ficus macrophilla, Nolina recurvata (or elephant’s foot), Dracaena draco (or dragon tree), Judas trees, carob trees, and various floral species.