# Roccella Ionica

> Italian comune

**Wikidata**: [Q54642](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q54642)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roccella_Ionica)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/roccella-ionica

## Summary
Roccella Ionica is a *comune* (municipality) located in the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria, within the Calabria region of southern Italy. It is a small coastal town with a population of approximately 6,500 residents, known for its Mediterranean setting and administrative role within the broader Italian municipal system.

## Key Facts
- **Type of Entity:** Italian *comune* (municipality).
- **Location:** Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria, Calabria, Italy.
- **Coordinates:** 38.316666666667° N, 16.4° E.
- **Population:** 6,526 (latest data), with historical counts of 6,450 and 6,139.
- **Administrative Context:** Part of the former Province of Reggio Calabria, now integrated into the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria (established in 2015).
- **Official Website:** [https://www.comune.roccella.rc.it/](https://www.comune.roccella.rc.it/).
- **Aliases:** Also referred to as Roccella Jonica or simply Roccella.
- **Wikidata Sitelinks:** 51 sitelinks across multiple languages.
- **Related Settlement:** Nearby human settlement includes Cutunizza.

## FAQs
**Where is Roccella Ionica located?**
Roccella Ionica is situated in the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria, within the Calabria region of southern Italy. It lies along the Ionian Sea coast, with coordinates at approximately 38.3167° N latitude and 16.4° E longitude.

**What is the population of Roccella Ionica?**
The population of Roccella Ionica has fluctuated slightly over recent years, with recorded figures of 6,526, 6,450, and 6,139 residents. It is a small but stable coastal community within Calabria.

**What administrative changes has Roccella Ionica undergone?**
Originally part of the Province of Reggio Calabria, Roccella Ionica was reclassified under the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria in 2015, following Italy’s administrative reforms that converted certain provinces into metropolitan cities.

**Is Roccella Ionica associated with any other settlements?**
Yes, it is geographically and administratively linked to Cutunizza, a smaller human settlement in the same region of Italy.

## Why It Matters
Roccella Ionica represents a typical example of Italy’s *comuni*, the smallest administrative divisions that form the backbone of local governance. As part of Calabria, it contributes to the region’s cultural and economic fabric, particularly through its coastal location, which may play a role in tourism, fishing, or local trade. Its inclusion in the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria reflects broader trends in Italian governance, where metropolitan areas are increasingly centralizing administrative functions to improve efficiency and regional coordination. For residents and visitors, Roccella Ionica offers a glimpse into southern Italy’s municipal life, blending historical continuity with modern administrative structures.

## Notable For
- **Coastal Location:** Positioned along the Ionian Sea, making it part of Calabria’s maritime landscape.
- **Administrative Transition:** Shift from the Province of Reggio Calabria to the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria in 2015.
- **Stable Population:** Maintains a consistent population size, reflecting its role as a small but enduring community.
- **Local Governance:** Serves as an active *comune* with its own municipal website and administrative functions.
- **Regional Identity:** Contributes to the cultural and geographic identity of Calabria, one of Italy’s historically significant regions.

## Body
### Geography and Location
Roccella Ionica is located in the Calabria region of southern Italy, specifically within the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria. Its coordinates place it at 38.316666666667° N latitude and 16.4° E longitude, situating it along the Ionian Sea coast. This coastal position influences its climate, economy, and cultural ties to the Mediterranean. The town is part of a broader network of settlements in Calabria, including the nearby human settlement of Cutunizza.

### Administrative Structure
Roccella Ionica operates as a *comune*, the basic administrative unit in Italy responsible for local governance, public services, and community management. Historically, it was part of the Province of Reggio Calabria, which was dissolved in 2015 and replaced by the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria. This transition reflects Italy’s efforts to streamline governance in urban and semi-urban areas, grouping municipalities under larger metropolitan administrations to enhance coordination and resource allocation.

The Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria, established in 2015, oversees a range of municipal functions, including transportation, urban planning, and economic development. Roccella Ionica’s integration into this structure ensures its alignment with regional policies while maintaining local autonomy in areas like education, waste management, and cultural initiatives.

### Demographics
Roccella Ionica has a population that has varied slightly over recent years, with recorded figures of 6,526, 6,450, and 6,139 residents. These numbers indicate a relatively stable community, typical of small coastal towns in Calabria. The population size influences local services, infrastructure needs, and economic activities, with a focus on sustaining livelihoods through fishing, tourism, and small-scale commerce.

### Digital Presence and Resources
The municipality maintains an official website ([https://www.comune.roccella.rc.it/](https://www.comune.roccella.rc.it/)), which serves as a hub for administrative information, local news, and citizen services. This digital presence is crucial for transparency and engagement, allowing residents and visitors to access municipal updates, regulatory details, and community events.

### Related Entities and Connections
Roccella Ionica is connected to several broader administrative and geographic entities:
- **Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria:** The overarching metropolitan authority governing multiple *comuni*, including Roccella Ionica.
- **Calabria Region:** One of Italy’s 20 regions, known for its rugged landscapes, coastal towns, and historical significance.
- **Cutunizza:** A nearby settlement, reflecting the interconnected nature of rural and semi-urban communities in Calabria.

### Historical Context
The transition from the Province of Reggio Calabria to the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria in 2015 marks a significant administrative shift for Roccella Ionica. This change was part of a national reform aimed at reducing bureaucratic layers and improving governance efficiency. For Roccella Ionica, this means closer integration with Reggio Calabria’s urban center while preserving its local identity and decision-making powers.

### Cultural and Economic Role
As a coastal *comune*, Roccella Ionica contributes to Calabria’s cultural heritage through its traditions, local cuisine, and community events. Its economy is likely tied to the sea, with fishing and tourism playing key roles. The town’s small size and stable population foster a tight-knit community, where local governance and civic participation are central to daily life.

### Notable Features
- **Official Website:** A key resource for municipal information and services.
- **Aliases:** Recognized as Roccella Jonica or Roccella, reflecting local naming conventions.
- **Wikidata Presence:** With 51 sitelinks, the town is documented across multiple languages, indicating its recognition in global knowledge bases.
- **Regional Significance:** Part of Calabria’s network of coastal towns, contributing to the region’s diversity and resilience.

### Comparative Analysis
Compared to larger Italian *comuni* or metropolitan centers, Roccella Ionica is modest in size but representative of the thousands of small municipalities that form Italy’s administrative backbone. Its stability, coastal location, and integration into the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria highlight the balance between local autonomy and regional coordination in Italian governance.

## References

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