Calabria is a region in southern Italy located at the "toe of the boot of Italy." Its largest city, Reggio Calabria one of the "jewels of southern Italy" has flourished since ancient times. Facing the sea and serving as a natural harbor, Reggio was a vital hub on the commercial route linking the eastern and western Mediterranean regions. Open to the public, the ruins beneath the city provide a fascinating glimpse into the city's long and storied past with a road that can be traced back to the Roman era.