Honoring Kobe Bryant in Italy
Vanessa Bryant is honoring the life of her late husband, NBA legend Kobe Bryant, on a heartfelt trip to Italy with her daughters. They included a special visit to the town where the basketball star spent part of his childhood.
Vanessa shared on Instagram, “Visited Reggio Calabria, a city my husband lived in when he was about 8 years old,” accompanying her post with a carousel of images showcasing her daughters exploring the scenic area.
Exploring Reggio Calabria
Vanessa and her daughters—Capri, 3, Bianka, 5, and Natalia, 19—have been traveling throughout Italy for several weeks. They have been documenting their experiences, which include joyful days spent by the water and indulging in delicious Italian meals.
Although Kobe was born in Philadelphia, he spent a significant portion of his childhood in Italy, especially in towns like Reiti in the Lazio region and Pistoia in Tuscany, along with Reggio Calabria. In his youth, Kobe even participated in a local youth basketball league in Reggio Calabria. Following the tragic loss of Kobe and his daughter Gianna in a helicopter accident, the town honored them with an official week of mourning.
Local Attractions
Visiting Reggio Calabria is a must, especially for basketball fans. This vibrant community, located just across from Sicily along southern Italy’s coast, boasts many national treasures. Notable attractions include the National Archaeological Museum, the Bergamot Museum, and the scenic Aspromonte National Park. Additionally, visitors can catch a game of the local professional basketball club, Viola Reggio Calabria, at the PalaPentimele arena. Cheering on the team while wearing a jersey emblazoned with numbers 8 or 24 would surely be appreciated.
Throughout their trip, Vanessa has been sharing glimpses of their adventures on Instagram. Her feed features delightful snaps of gelato indulgences and Natalia—who is also a model—driving a jet ski, showcasing a joyful holiday filled with cherished memories.
