• reception centre
• urban space
• migrants
• perception of local residents
• integration

This dissertation is an attempt to investigate how the distance or the proximity to the reception centres for migrants could influence the perception of local residents about the presence of foreigners in their cities, and whether the different position of the centre could promote or prevent the process of integration.
As a matter of fact, nowadays Italy has to deal with the migratory phenomenon and the reception of those who arrive on the Italian coasts seeking asylum or international protection. In order to manage this situation, Italy created a national Reception System.
To analyse the topic I conducted a fieldwork in the village of Gioiosa Marea, in the Province of Messina, Sicily. Through the participant observation, and a series of interviews I conducted in the village, I investigated the opinions of citizens and local institutions about the place where to establish the reception centre. Data collected shows that the main purpose is to prevent the segregation of migrants in the space of the centre and their exclusion from the urban space of the village. Furthermore, evidence demonstrates that the process of integration requires a real effort by local authorities to promote the creation of deep relations between the guests of the centre and the local residents.