With "Caminhos de Paulo" Southern Italy becomes a global destination for cultural and religious tourism

Reggio Calabria becomes the starting point of an international spiritual and tourist itinerary that retraces the steps of Saint Paul through Sicily, Calabria, Campania, and Rome, enhancing history, art, and Mediterranean heritage.

Recently launched from the heart of Magna Graecia, a project aimed at projecting Southern Italy into the international tourism landscape.

On the panoramic terrace of the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria — the same that houses the legendary Riace Bronzes — the “Caminhos de Paulo” (The Paths of Paul) was officially presented, a project of religious and cultural tourism that aims to retrace the steps of the journey of Paul of Tarsus, the Apostle Paul, through Sicily, Calabria, Campania, Lazio, and Rome.

The initiative, which combines faith, history, and territorial enhancement, aims to build a spiritual and identity itinerary, capable of connecting Southern Italy through the memory of Paul’s journey, rediscovering ancient routes — both land and sea — communities, and cultural heritages.

The “Caminhos de Paulo” is an ancient pilgrimage route that leads to Rome where, according to Christian tradition, the mortal remains of the Apostle Paul are located. Known as the beginning of Christianity in the world, this is considered one of the most important Christian pilgrimage routes in the world and attracts pilgrims from all over the globe every year.

The project takes shape in Calabria, the cradle of Magna Graecia, which, among temples, theaters, and archaeological finds, preserves the memory of a millenary civilization. Reggio Calabria, in particular, becomes the symbolic starting point: from Aschenez — son of Gomer and great-grandson of Noah, mentioned in the tenth chapter of Genesis — to Paul of Tarsus and the Bronzes that came from the sea, the city embodies an ideal bridge between the Mediterranean, history, and spirituality.

The official launch of the project took place on April 10 in the Press Room of the Chamber of Deputies in Rome, in the presence of deputies elected abroad and prominent institutional supporters. Registered and cataloged, Caminhos de Paulo is already in the hands of tour operators from various overseas countries.

Promoted by the GIA association – Italian Journalists Associated, with journalist Andrea Ruggeri as the creator, and in collaboration with the agency TXT Viaggi, the project proposes an innovative model of spiritual and sustainable tourism, inspired by dialogue between cultures and the rediscovery of Mediterranean roots.

The route is conceived as an intertwining of experiences of faith, art, and nature, with stops that connect scenic suggestions and historical places related to the passage of Saint Paul. The journey starts from the coasts of Sicily, from Syracuse to Taormina, crosses the strait between Villa San Giovanni, Seminara, Palmi, and Reggio Calabria, continues to Messina and Milazzo, and then sails towards Naples and Pozzuoli, finally ascending to Rome along the historic Via Appia, the heart of Christianity.

During the event in Reggio Calabria, present were GIA president Andrea Ruggeri, TXT Viaggi vice president Patrizia D’Aguì, the tourism delegate of the Municipality Giovanni Latella, historian and university professor Prof. Daniele Castrizio, along with numerous representatives of institutions and the territory.

As Patrizia D’Aguì recalled, “Caminhos de Paulo fits into a context of significant structural investments, such as the enhancement of the Strait airport and agreements with Ryanair, which allow us to dream big for our South”.

“Caminhos de Paulo is more than a project: it is a concrete and courageous vision that opens from the South to the world, connecting spirituality, development, culture, and work — concluded Andrea Ruggeri —. Reggio Calabria is no longer just a land of waiting but the starting point of a new journey”.