# Monasterace

> Italian comune

**Wikidata**: [Q54628](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q54628)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monasterace)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/monasterace

## Summary
Monasterace is an Italian *comune* (municipality) located in the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria, within the southern region of Calabria. It is a small administrative division with a population of around 3,500 residents, known for its historical sites such as the Castello Medioevale and its proximity to archaeological landmarks like Caulonia.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Situated in the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria, part of the Calabria region in southern Italy.
- **Population**: Approximately 3,510 residents (varies slightly across sources: 3,441 and 3,303).
- **Coordinates**: 38.4536° N, 16.5531° E.
- **Administrative Status**: A *comune* (municipality) of Italy, governed under the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria (established in 2015).
- **Historical Context**: Part of the former Province of Reggio Calabria before its transition to a metropolitan city.
- **Notable Landmarks**:
  - **Castello Medioevale**: A medieval castle located within Monasterace.
  - **Monasterace-Stilo Railway Station**: A local railway station serving the area.
- **Nearby Sites**:
  - **Caulonia**: An archaeological site in the region.
  - **Punta Stilo**: A cape in Reggio Calabria.
- **Website**: Official municipal website at [http://www.comune.monasterace.rc.it](http://www.comune.monasterace.rc.it).
- **Wikidata Sitelinks**: 52 language editions, indicating multilingual recognition.

## FAQs

**Where is Monasterace located?**
Monasterace is located in the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria, within the Calabria region of southern Italy. It lies near the Ionian Sea coast and is part of a historically significant area with ties to ancient and medieval heritage sites.

**What is the population of Monasterace?**
The population of Monasterace is approximately 3,510 residents, with slight variations reported in different sources (e.g., 3,441 and 3,303). It is a small but culturally relevant municipality in Calabria.

**What are the main landmarks in Monasterace?**
Key landmarks include the **Castello Medioevale**, a medieval castle, and the **Monasterace-Stilo Railway Station**, which connects the area to regional transport networks. Nearby, the archaeological site of **Caulonia** and the cape of **Punta Stilo** add historical and geographical significance.

**How is Monasterace administered?**
Monasterace is a *comune* (municipality) within the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria, which replaced the former Province of Reggio Calabria in 2015. It operates under Italy’s local governance structure, with its own municipal government and official website.

**What is the historical significance of Monasterace?**
Monasterace is situated in a region rich in history, from ancient Greek and Roman influences (evident in nearby Caulonia) to medieval structures like the Castello Medioevale. Its location in Calabria ties it to broader southern Italian cultural and historical narratives.

## Why It Matters
Monasterace serves as a microcosm of southern Italy’s layered history, blending medieval architecture, archaeological heritage, and modern administrative functions. As part of the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria, it contributes to the region’s cultural and economic fabric. Its proximity to sites like Caulonia and Punta Stilo underscores its role in preserving and promoting Calabria’s historical identity. For researchers, travelers, and locals, Monasterace offers a glimpse into Italy’s lesser-known but historically rich municipalities.

## Notable For
- **Medieval Heritage**: Home to the **Castello Medioevale**, a testament to the area’s medieval past.
- **Archaeological Proximity**: Located near **Caulonia**, an important archaeological site in Calabria.
- **Transport Hub**: Hosts the **Monasterace-Stilo Railway Station**, facilitating regional connectivity.
- **Small-Scale Governance**: Exemplifies Italy’s *comune* system, showcasing local administration within a metropolitan framework.
- **Cultural Landscape**: Part of Calabria’s coastal and historical tapestry, contributing to southern Italy’s tourism and heritage sectors.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Monasterace is situated in the **Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria**, a administrative division in the **Calabria region** of southern Italy. Its coordinates are **38.4536° N, 16.5531° E**, placing it near the Ionian Sea coast. The municipality is part of a region known for its rugged landscapes, Mediterranean climate, and historical depth.

### Administrative Structure
Monasterace operates as a **comune**, the basic unit of local government in Italy. It falls under the jurisdiction of the **Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria**, which replaced the **Province of Reggio Calabria** in 2015. This transition reflects Italy’s broader reforms to streamline governance in urban and metropolitan areas. The comune maintains its own municipal government, with an official website ([http://www.comune.monasterace.rc.it](http://www.comune.monasterace.rc.it)) for public services and information.

### Population and Demographics
The population of Monasterace fluctuates slightly across sources:
- **3,510** (primary figure)
- **3,441** and **3,303** (alternative counts)
These numbers reflect a small but stable community, typical of rural and semi-rural municipalities in Calabria. The demographic profile aligns with broader trends in southern Italy, including aging populations and limited urbanization.

### Historical and Cultural Landmarks
- **Castello Medioevale**: A medieval castle within Monasterace, serving as a focal point for local history and tourism. Such structures are common in Calabria, reflecting the region’s strategic importance during the Middle Ages.
- **Monasterace-Stilo Railway Station**: A critical transport node connecting the municipality to regional rail networks, facilitating access to nearby towns and cities.
- **Proximity to Caulonia**: The archaeological site of **Caulonia**, located nearby, offers insights into ancient Greek and Roman settlements in the area. This site enhances Monasterace’s cultural significance.
- **Punta Stilo**: A cape in Reggio Calabria, known for its natural beauty and historical relevance, further enriching the local landscape.

### Connections to Wider Calabria
Monasterace is embedded in a network of historical and geographical sites:
- **Caulonia**: An archaeological site with remnants of ancient civilizations, attracting researchers and tourists.
- **Punta Stilo**: A coastal landmark with strategic and scenic value.
- **Reggio Calabria**: The metropolitan center, providing economic and administrative support to smaller municipalities like Monasterace.

### Digital and Informational Presence
Monasterace is documented across **52 Wikidata sitelinks**, indicating its recognition in multiple languages. The municipality’s official website serves as a hub for local governance, while its inclusion in databases like Wikidata ensures visibility in global knowledge systems.

### Role in Southern Italian Heritage
As part of Calabria, Monasterace contributes to the region’s reputation for:
- **Medieval and Ancient History**: Through sites like the Castello Medioevale and Caulonia.
- **Coastal and Rural Landscapes**: Reflecting the diverse geography of southern Italy.
- **Local Governance**: Demonstrating the functioning of Italy’s *comune* system in a metropolitan context.

### Transportation and Infrastructure
The **Monasterace-Stilo Railway Station** is a key infrastructure asset, linking the municipality to broader transport networks. This connectivity supports local mobility and economic activity, tying Monasterace to regional development initiatives.

### Summary of Significance
Monasterace exemplifies the interplay between history, governance, and geography in southern Italy. Its medieval castle, archaeological ties, and administrative role within the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria make it a notable, if small, player in Calabria’s cultural and structural landscape. For historians, travelers, and policymakers, Monasterace offers a case study in local identity and regional integration.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. [Popolazione Residente al 1° Gennaio 2018. Italian National Institute of Statistics](http://demo.istat.it/pop2018/index3.html)
4. [Popolazione Residente al 1° Gennaio 2017. Italian National Institute of Statistics](http://demo.istat.it/pop2017/index3.html)
5. [Source](https://demo.istat.it/?l=it)
6. GeoNames
7. [Superficie di Comuni Province e Regioni italiane al 9 ottobre 2011. Italian National Institute of Statistics](https://www.istat.it/it/archivio/156224)
8. Wiki Loves Monuments Italia
9. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
10. Seismic classification in Italy
11. [Source](https://rischi.protezionecivile.gov.it/it/sismico/attivita/classificazione-sismica)