What to see in Scala, itinerary including the main monuments and places of interest in the village, including Duomo San Lorenzo and Chiesa Minuta.
Tourist information
Located in front of Ravello, Scala is the oldest village on the Amalfi Coast, located in the province of Salerno at an altitude of 400 meters above sea level and inserted in a territorial context including the Valle delle Ferriere Nature Reserve, as well as chestnut groves and splendid terraces, overlooking the sea, with extensive cultivation of lemons and cherry tomatoes.
The peace and tranquility that the place is able to infuse to the visitor make Scala very different from the famous Amalfi and Ravello, ideal for tourists who don't like confusion.
About the historical origins, it seems that the foundation of the village of Scala dates back to Roman times, as some shipwrecked settled there.
Furthermore Scala was a fortified defensive bulwark allied with the Maritime Republic of Amalfi.
In 1073 the town was destroyed by looting and fire by Roberto il Guiscardo.
The historic center has the typical appearance of the medieval village, developed unevenly along the slopes of the mountain and divided into several areas, including Scala Centro, Minuta, Pontone, Campidoglio, San Pietro and Santa Caterina, with the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, patron citizen.
What see
The Romanesque-style cathedral, dating from the twelfth century, has been remodeled several times, especially in the seventeenth century.
Of the original structure, it still retains the central portal, with marble jambs, decorated with carved branches and griffins.
On the facade, above the portal, there is an elegant medieval bas-relief sculpture, depicting the Madonna, San Pietro and San Giacomo Apostolo, with small coats of arms of the Frisara, immediately above you can see traces of ancient frescoes.
Inside the cathedral, renovated in Baroque style in 1615, the large canvases of the ceiling are preserved, representing episodes from the life and martyrdom of San Lorenzo, the work of the painter Cacciapuoti.
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In the central part of the church, the floor, made of hand-painted majolica, depicts a rose window with the staircase and the lion, symbols of Scala.
In the crypt, in Gothic style, there is the colored stucco sarcophagus of Marinella Rufolo, built by her husband Antonio Coppola in 1332.
Very beautiful is the Church of Minuta, probably the oldest in Scala, dating back to the eleventh century and dedicated to the Santissima Annunziata, from the small square in front you can enjoy a wonderful panorama.
