common roots and shared future [FOTO] • Wonders of Calabria

There is a city in Greece, it is called Chalkis (Chalcis in Italian) and is located on the island of Euboea, lthe second largest island in the country with approximately 60,000 inhabitants. Then there is Reggio Calabria, there lookout of the Strait of Messina, a true archaeological jewel. There are 1,174 kilometers separating the two cities, 19 hours and 18 minutes of navigation time. What, then, do two places so distant and apparently unrelated have in common? The answer is: an ancient and profound bond.

Chalkis it is a city with a long and rich history, dating back to the 8th century BC when it was founded by Greek colonists from Eretria. The city quickly became a important commercial and cultural center, and was also one of the major military powers of ancient Greece. Today, it is a vibrant modern city with historic charm. The city is home to a medieval castle, a Roman aqueduct and numerous Byzantine churches. Chalkis is also a coveted one tourist destinationthanks to its beaches, its typical cuisine (woe to leave here without having tried the saganaki, prawns in tomato sauce) and its famous nightlife.

The roots of the bond with our city lie in the origins: both founded by Greek colonists from Euboea (also Reggio Calabria in the 8th century BC), they became two flourishing and influential realities in the Mediterranean panorama. Reggio suffered over the centuries domination of different cultures, leaving indelible traces in its historical and artistic heritage. Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Normans, Swabians, Aragonese and Spanish have contributed to shaping its identity which is reflected in its monuments, its traditions and its very soul.

Twinning, a cultural osmosis

As, in 2022 Chalkis was officially twinned with the city of Reggio Calabria with the aim of promoting cooperation between the two cities in the fields of culture, tourism, economy and social exchanges. But twinning is not limited to celebrating a common past, it aims above all to build a future of collaboration and mutual growth. The two Municipalities intend to promote cultural exchanges with the organization of exhibitions, concerts, literary events and exchanges of experiences between artists and scholars; tourism development with the valorisation of their respective historical, archaeological and landscape heritages, the creation of joint tourist itineraries and mutual promotion on international markets; economic cooperation encouraging meetings between companies from the two territories, creating synergies and business opportunities in sectors of common interest; social interaction through the promotion of exchanges between young people, associations and sports groups, encouraging friendship and mutual knowledge of cultures.

A bridge between Italy and Greece

The twinning between Reggio Calabria and Chalkis represents an ideal bridge between Italy and Greece, two nations united by a profound common history and shared values. Through collaboration and the valorization of their respective peculiarities, the two cities intend to strengthen the ties that unite them and contribute to the growth and development of their territories. The synergy has already given rise to several concrete initiatives, such as the exchange of visits between official delegations and the organization of joint cultural events. Looking to the future, the objective is to intensify collaboration and give life to increasingly ambitious projects, which can contribute to improving the lives of citizens of both cities and promoting the inestimable value of their historical, cultural and landscape heritage.
(Cover photo: @chalkida_evia)