If you are wondering where the Riace Bronzes are, you are probably intrigued by the possibility of visiting these mysterious ancient figures. The Bronze Statues of Riace are two Greek bronze statues discovered in the sea near the coast of Riace Marina, Calabria, but are currently kept in a museum located elsewhere in the region, on the other side of the tip of the boot. These extraordinary works of ancient art attract visitors from all over the world because of their fascinating history and their incredible state of preservation.
The fascination of the Riace Bronzes
Archaeological finds such as the Riace Bronzes always arouse great interest and curiosity. The two statues, known as Bronze A and Bronze B, were discovered in 1972 by an amateur diver off the coast of Calabria. The fascination of these discoveries lies in the at least initial mystery surrounding them: who were these men? What was their role in ancient Greek society? And how did they end up in the sea?
The statues date back to the 5th century BC and are considered among the most beautiful bronze sculptures of antiquity. They are about two metres high and probably represent two Greek warriors. The anatomical perfection, the details of the muscles and veins, together with the expression on the faces, demonstrate the extraordinary skill of those who made them. Some scholars believe that these statues were part of a larger group and that they represented heroes or gods, others priests. Bronze A is known for its powerful figure, with a full beard and proud expression, while Bronze B has a more youthful and serene appearance.
The technique used to create these statues is the lost-wax casting method, a complex technique that produced detailed and durable sculptures. The statues were probably intended to decorate a temple or other important public building. Their discovery has provided valuable information on Greek sculpture and the history of ancient art.
Where are the Riace Bronzes?
The Riace Bronzes are located in the National Archaeological Museum in Reggio Calabria. These extraordinary works were moved there shortly after their discovery and have become one of the museum’s main attractions. The National Archaeological Museum in Reggio Calabria is well organised, modern and accessible, making it a must-see destination for visitors to Calabria.
Since 1981, the Riace Bronzes have been exhibited in a specially designed room to ensure their preservation and enhancement. Along with the Riace Bronzes, the museum also houses other important bronze sculptures such as the Head of the Philosopher, recovered in the sea of the Strait of Messina, and the Head of Basel.
Why visit the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria
The National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria houses a vast collection of archaeological finds from the region of Calabria and beyond: it is dedicated to Magna Graecia. The collection is organised in chronological order on four levels, allowing visitors to follow a historical path from prehistory to Roman times.
The first level is dedicated to prehistory and protohistory, with exhibits dating back to the Palaeolithic period. Among the most interesting pieces are the skeletons from the Grotta del Romito di Papasidero, which offer a glimpse of human life in remote times. Continuing along the route, one encounters artefacts that testify to life in the Greek colonies in the south of the Italian peninsula, such as statuettes, coins, ceramics and architectural fragments.
A particularly fascinating section is dedicated to the ancient Hellenistic theatre of Locri, with exhibits including theatre decorations and musical instruments. In addition, the museum houses fragments from the sanctuaries of Magna Graecia, which provide valuable information on the religion and cultic practices of the time.
Finally, the museum exhibits artefacts from the Hellenistic necropolis of Reggio Calabria, with funerary urns, jewellery and other objects that provide an insight into funerary customs and daily life in the ancient city.
How to get tickets to see the Riace Bronzes
To visit the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria and admire the Riace Bronzes, I recommend buying tickets online. This will allow you to enter the museum directly by showing the ticket on your smartphone to the staff at the ticket office. The museum is open every day (except Mondays) from 9am to 8pm, with entry permitted until one hour before closing. However, it is always advisable to check the opening hours on the museum’s official website to avoid inconveniences or to verify that access is guaranteed to all rooms on the selected day.
The online ticket to see the Riace Bronzes also includes the possibility of using Pemcards, an original system for creating a digital postcard of your holiday directly from your smartphone.
A holiday in Calabria, a great choice
Calabria is not only beautiful sea; it is a region rich in history, culture and natural beauty of various kinds, offering a complete and unforgettable travel experience.
Besides visiting the National Archaeological Museum in Reggio Calabria, the area offers many other interesting attractions. You can explore the Bergamot Museum, dedicated to this precious Calabrian citrus fruit, or organise excursions to the Aspromonte National Park, a wonderful natural area with hiking trails and splendid views.