Monumento a Francesco Jerace: Honoring Calabria’s Master Sculptor in Polistena

The Sculptor and His Monument

Francesco Jerace, born in Polistena in 1853, rose from a small Calabrian town to become one of southern Italy’s most respected sculptors. His works, ranging from monumental public statues to intimate marble portraits, appear in Naples, Rome, and beyond. The Monumento a Francesco Jerace stands in his birthplace as a permanent tribute, featuring a prominent bronze or stone figure that captures the artist at work or in reflective pose amid the town’s central square.

Why This Monument Matters

Unlike larger tourist draws along the Tyrrhenian coast, this monument offers an intimate encounter with Calabria’s artistic heritage. It sits within the everyday rhythm of Polistena, allowing visitors to appreciate both the sculpture and the surrounding architecture of a working Calabrian hill town. The piece reflects Jerace’s own style: dignified, expressive, and deeply rooted in regional identity.

Planning Your Visit

Polistena lies inland from the Reggio Calabria coast, roughly 50 kilometers northeast of the regional capital. Travelers arriving by car can follow the A2 motorway to the Gioia Tauro exit, then take provincial roads into the hills. Those using public transport typically reach nearby Rosarno or Gioia Tauro by train and continue by local bus or taxi. The monument occupies a central, pedestrian-friendly location, making it easy to combine with a stroll through Polistena’s historic core and its small churches.

Best Time to Go

Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) bring comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer heat can make midday exploration less pleasant, while winter offers clearer mountain views but occasional rain. Local festivals in late summer often feature the square around the monument, providing a lively backdrop to the sculpture.

Nearby Attractions

After viewing the monument, explore the Chiesa Madre and the town’s narrow lanes lined with traditional stone houses. A short drive leads to the coastal plain and the beaches near Gioia Tauro, while the Aspromonte National Park lies farther east for hikers seeking dramatic landscapes. The nearby town of Cittanova also holds works connected to local artists of the same era.

Practical Considerations

• Combine the visit with lunch in a local trattoria to experience Calabrian cuisine centered on fresh vegetables, cured meats, and spicy ‘nduja.
• Bring comfortable shoes; the surrounding streets are often steep and paved with cobblestones.
• Allow at least an hour to linger at the monument and photograph details without rushing.