Riace Bronzes: the Greek warriors and the Archaeological Museum of Reggio

The Riace Bronzes are two life-size statues of Greek warriors, cast in bronze in the 5th century BC and recovered in 1972 from the Ionian seabed off Riace. They are among the most famous sculptures of antiquity to have reached us, and on their own they are worth a trip to Reggio Calabria.

Today the two warriors, Statue A and Statue B, are displayed in a climate-controlled room of the National Archaeological Museum (MArRC), which gathers the treasures of Magna Graecia. Admiring them in person, in silence, is an experience that blends art, history and mystery: who made them, who they portray and how they ended up in the sea remain open questions that fuel their allure.

The two warriors: Statue A and Statue B

The two statues depict nude warriors, once armed with shield and spear, modelled with striking realism: muscles, veins, silver eyelashes, copper lips and nipples, silver teeth in Statue A. Made with the lost-wax casting technique around 460–450 BC, they are attributed to the great Greek sculpture of the Classical period, perhaps linked to Attic or Argive circles. Statue A looks younger and prouder, B more mature. They were discovered on 16 August 1972 by the diver Stefano Mariottini a few metres down, and after long restorations they are now kept in a climate-controlled room that ensures their stability.

The National Archaeological Museum (MArRC)

The Bronzes are not alone: the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria, housed in the Palazzo Piacentini, is one of Italy’s most important for the art of Magna Graecia. Spread over several floors, it tells the story of Calabria’s Greek colonies — Locri, Rhegion, Medma, Kaulonia — with pottery, coins, gold and sculpture. Highlights include the votive pinakes of Locri, the Head of the Philosopher (one of the oldest Greek bronze portraits) and the Kouros of Reggio. The route leads to the room of the Bronzes, entered through a small decompression space that prepares you for the encounter with the two statues.

How to visit: tickets, opening hours and where to stay

The MArRC is right in the centre of Reggio Calabria, a few steps from the Falcomatà seafront: it is easily reached on foot from the Centrale station or from the Strait airport. It is worth checking opening hours and closing days on the official website and, in peak periods, booking your ticket to avoid queues; entry to the room of the Bronzes is limited for conservation reasons. Allow at least a couple of hours for the full visit. To experience Reggio without rushing and combine museum, sea and the villages of the Strait, the best choice is a holiday home in the city or on the nearby Costa Viola: check availability and send us a request.