Reggio Calabria’s Piazza De Nava has transformed from a neglected urban relic into an extraordinary public square that bridges the city’s historic past with its modern pulse. The ambitious redevelopment project restores the site’s architectural integrity and reconnects the National Archaeological Museum—home to the legendary Riace Bronzes—with the city’s everyday life.
Let’s be honest — the square was in rough shape. Years of neglect had left it more of an eyesore than a landmark. But now, Piazza De Nava is back in business, emerging as the true heart of Reggio Calabria, where two distinct urban grids — the historic city and the 20th-century expansion — finally make peace. The project leans into this unique layout, creating a space rooted in history and effortlessly modern.
The new design is all about flow. A diagonal axis slices through the square, reflecting the modern city’s expansion and guiding the space’s natural rhythm. On the east side, tiered steps with sleek lava stone seating and new trees create a shady spot for lounging, while the west side features a gentle slope toward the Museum — perfect for public gatherings or just soaking in the vibe.
And speaking of vibes, the redesigned corner at Corso Garibaldi now features a sleek fountain with water jets, smoothing out the old misalignment between the Museum and the Monument. The project also extends to the smaller square that houses the Corrado Alvaro monument, tying everything together with a sense of historical continuity.
Rainwater recycling, a cutting-edge RGB+W LED lighting system, and a fresh planting of Mediterranean trees and shrubs make the square as green as it is chic. The materials are a clever mix of old and new: stainless steel sheets with an iridescent PVD coating give the planters a contemporary edge, while reclaimed paving stones and restored curbstones preserve the square’s historical DNA.
The G. De Nava monument-fountain — once hidden in plain sight — is now fully visible, reclaiming its rightful place in the city’s visual landscape. Perhaps the most dramatic shift is the elimination of the street in front of the Museum. By raising it to match the square’s level, the space has been transformed from a traffic artery into a pedestrian-friendly proscenium — a place where city life can unfold without barriers.
Lighting plays a starring role in the square’s new identity. Inspired by those featured in vintage postcards of the square, two tall lighting poles are fitted with projectors that highlight the Museum’s Piacentini façade and the surrounding space. A dynamic LED strip in the steps shifts between blue and green hues—blue evokes waves crashing on the shore, while green mirrors the nearby Aspromonte mountains.
A space for exhibitions, performances, and everyday life, Piazza De Nava pulses with the energy of a city reclaiming its public spaces. Day or night, it’s a place to meet, linger, and reconnect with Reggio Calabria’s past and future.
Credits
Client: Ministry of Culture – Regional Secretariat for Calabria
Design and Execution: RTP parent company: MICROSCAPE architecture urban design AA
Principals: nuvolaB architetti associati, Stefano Cumbo, Lorenzo Lanciani
Consultants: E. Metais (Landscape), J. Berchielli (Engineering)
Project Management: ABAP Superintendence for the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria and the Province of Vibo Valentia
Contractor: Apulia s.r.l.
Suppliers:
- Bronzed steel: Steel Color spa
- Urban fixtures: Metalco srl
- Lighting: iGuzzini srl
- Irrigation: Irritec spa
- Paving: Siel srl, Stabilsana srl
Surface area: 6,300 m²
Photography: ©Filippo Poli
Timeline: 2019–2022
