Riace Bronzes – Calabria’s Timeless Guardians
Discover one of the most extraordinary archaeological finds of the 20th century — right here in Reggio Calabria.
Every year on August 16, Calabria celebrates the discovery of the Riace Bronzes — two of the most extraordinary archaeological treasures in the world.
These magnificent 5th-century B.C. Greek statues were discovered in 1972 by diver Stefano Mariottini off the coast of Riace — just 200 meters from shore, eight meters deep.
The statues depict two lifelike nude warriors and are celebrated as masterpieces of Classical Greek sculpture.
Experts believe they were part of a larger sculptural group and survived thanks to a shipwreck off Calabria’s coast.
Today, the Riace Bronzes are housed at the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria.
Their discovery elevated Calabria to a central place in ancient-art history.
Seeing the Riace Bronzes in person is an unforgettable journey into the world of ancient Greece.
