Giovanni Paradisi is probably the most representative political and intellectual figure amongst the citizens of Reggio of the time. Poet and literary man, he is one of the protagonists of the Revolution of Reggio and in 1797 was a member of the Cisalpine Directory. Following this was a member of the State Council (1802), Managing Director of Water and Highways (1805), Council of the Realm, Senator and President of the Senate (1809, 1811-1812).