What to see in Scalea, itinerary including the main monuments and places of interest, including the Norman Castle, San Nicola Church, Torre Talao and beaches.
Tourist information
Located in the province of Cosenza in Calabria, Scalea is washed by the Tyrrhenian Sea and located on a promontory that faces the Gulf of Policastro to the south.
Traces of human settlements testify that the territory of Scalea was inhabited since prehistoric times and, thanks to its geographical position, it was frequently subject to attacks by Saracen pirates.
The primordial origins of the inhabited center of Scalea were agricultural and seafaring, on the contrary today the main activity is tourism linked to the sea, having become a renowned holiday resort.
The ancient village, perched on the promontory, develops with terracing along the slopes of the hill while, the most recent part, is located along the coast, with its extensive beaches.
In Scalea, the historic center deserves to be visited, where the ruins of the Norman Castle, dating back to the eleventh century, built on the ruins of a pre-existing fortress from the Lombard era are located.
Among the places of worship is the church of San Nicola in Plateis, built over a Byzantine structure enlarged in later periods, with an interior comprising a main altar surmounted by a grandiose oil painting dating back to the seventeenth century.
What see
The church of Santa Maria d’Episcopio, dating back to the eighth century but later enlarged, also known as the church of the Madonna del Carmine, contains a collection of interesting wooden sculptures.
Scattered in the territory of Scalea you can see some watchtowers, built in the past to defend the town and the coast.
The Tower of Judah, located on a rock north-west of the village and which can be accessed by climbing a series of steps carved into the rock, was once the watchtower of the castle.
Along the coast proceeding south you meet the Torre Talao, very well integrated into the new urban fabric, dating back to 1573 and wanted by the viceroy of Naples Don Pedro de Toledo to defend this coastal area.
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In the caves located under the tower some remains have come to light which confirm the presence of prehistoric settlements.
In the Cimalonga Tower, dating back to the fifteenth century, there is the archaeological museum.
Palazzo dei Principi is also worth a visit, with the main frescoed hall, where the municipal library is located.
There are also free and equipped beaches on the Scalea promenade, as well as hotels, bars and restaurants.
