Situated on the southern tip of the Italian peninsula, Reggio Calabria has a millennial history going back to the Magna Graecia period during which time it has suffered frequent invasions and risen from catastrophic earthquakes. Later, modern antisismic  criteria were used for  its reconstruction. A combination of environmental factors enable the bergamot to grow in the area, from which the precious essence of fundamental importance to the perfume industry is derived. The via Marina seafront promenade, which the  Sicilian Coast  and Mount Etna providing a spectacular panoramic background, is an area of outstanding beauty  over a kilometre long with an abundance of tropical trees and plants, monuments and brightly lit buildings together with remains of the Greek walls and Romans baths. Nearby, the Municipal Lido also occupies a panoramic position surrounded by palms and multicoloured oleanders. On display in the national Museum of the Magna Graecia is a vast collection of finds testifying the importance of Reggio and other Calabrian centres during the Magna Graecia, the centrepiece of which are the Bronzes of Riace which date from the 5th century BC. In the S. Paolo Museum there are 169 magnificent icons from Russia, the Balkans and the Reggio area together with silverware, sculptures, ivories and important gallery. The church of the Ottimati contains the original mosaic floor of the Basilian Abbey of Terreti. Another important testimony to the city’s past is the Aragonese castle which houses the geophysical observatory. The Cathedral  completely rebuilt following the 1908 earthquake contains  the St. Paul column, a number of 16th/17th century tombs sculptures by F. Jerace  and 17th century paintings by Sicilian artists. From Reggio it is easy by ferry connection to go to Messina, to the Eolian Islans and to Malta.