About
Riace is a small village in Calabria, the toe of the Italian boot, on the Ionian side of the region. It is best known for the Bronze Warriors, two ancient Greek statues discovered off its coast in 1972. Their fame brought the village international attention, and it has since become known for something beyond its archaeology: its approach to welcoming newcomers.
What draws visitors
- The Bronze Warriors: The statues are the reason many people first hear of Riace, and they anchor a visit that is as much about history as about the village itself.
- Integration and community: Riace has gained recognition as a symbol of integration, welcoming refugees and working to revitalize the community through cultural exchange.
- Traditional crafts: Local craftwork forms part of the village's life and of the exchange that defines it, giving visitors a chance to see and take home something made by its residents.
Planning a visit
Riace suits travellers who want a slower pace and a closer look at a small Calabrian community. Its appeal lies in pairing an ancient find with a living story about hospitality and renewal. Because it is a village rather than a large city, it works well as a half-day or overnight stop within a wider journey through the region, where the surrounding Calabrian landscape and coastline offer further places to explore.
