An important development took place in Southern Italy as the mayor of Matera Province proposed renaming the Ionian Road, also known as highway SS 106, to the Road of Magna Graecia (Greater Greece).
The current road crosses the entire Ionian Arc, stretching for 491 km from Taranto to Regio, passing through the territories of Puglia, Vasilikata and Calabria, Kathimerinos Morias reported.
It is a road of national importance for Italy and is included in the European Route E90.
The idea belongs to the "Committee for the Province of Magna Graecia," which for several years has been fighting vigorously for issues related to culture.
The Mayor of Matera, Piero Marrese, in a letter addressed the Minister of Infrastructure and Mobility and Anas (Italian National Autonomous Road Company), shared the same proposal submitted by the Municipality and the Province of Crotone.
"Our intention," underlined Mayor Marrese, "is to emphasise the homogeneity of the historical and cultural character of the places that cross this road and with the presence of a guideline with essentially similar characteristics."
"For these reasons, it is necessary to change the name of the road so that it is easily recognisable even in the characteristics that accompany it, which is a feature of all socio-economic initiatives, and should be considered as an added value for all relevant initiatives, as well as for the development of tourist attractions intended to take place in these areas which can thus be reconnected with their millennial identity and traditions."
Image Credit: The Grecanici Nation.
READ MORE: New monument in Crotone, Southern Italy dedicated to the city’s Ancient Greek roots.
