SCALEA

Scalea is a locality of the Alto Tirreno Cosentino, near to the homonymous Cape and the territory of the Pollino National park. It enjoys a beautiful panoramic position overlooking the Tyrrhenian coasts.

History

Its present day name derives from the development of gradines in the suburb which gradually lead up from the coast.

Scalea came about at the time of Saracen raids and was the ground for clashes between the Longobards and Byzantines (IX century). Nevertheless, its territory was also frequented by the Romans, who constructed some villas in the surrounding areas as well as during previous eras.

It seems certain its identification with the Roman Lavinium and with the Magno-Greek Laos, founded by survivors from Sibari (VI century BC). It was conquered by the Lucani, near to where a battle was fought in 389 BC.
Furthermore, in the grottoes near to Torre Talao, the presence of prehistoric man has been verified (Middle Palaeolithic – 30.000 years ago).

It was an important fortified centre under the Normans (1062) that enjoyed a period of development which also continued under the Swabians (1194-1269). When the Vespri Revolt broke out, it was one of the first centres to oppose the Angioinians and take sides with the Aragonese. In this way, it obtained some independence which favoured marine commerce distinguishing it for centuries.

It was fief of the following families: Sanseverino, Caracciolo and Spinelli.
During the XVI century, it suffered attack from the sea by the Turks, and for this reason became part of the coastal defensive circuit under the wishes of Carlo V, with the construction of the Torre Talao.

In 1848, in the ambit of the Risorgimental motions, it was proclaimed a Republic.

During the Second World War, Scalea was bombed by Anglo-American troops (1943).
In the same century, the centre developed greatly towards the sea, meeting headway with the continual growing need for tourism. In this way, it has become an important seaside centre of Calabria.

A visit to the City

There are noteworthy monuments present in Scalea, beginning with the S. Maria Church of Episcopio,situated in the higher part of the suburb, which preserves frescoes in its interior dating back to the '300s. In the lower part, one can visit the San Nicola in Plateis Church, of ancient foundation, with adjustments made in later eras.

There are important remains of the Norman Castle, where the pact of land partition of Calabria was signed between Roberto and Ruggero (1062). From here, one can also admire the remains of the Basilian Churches (IX century). Another Norman testimony is the Palazzo known as Episcopio (XII century).

The City still preserves tracts of its Medieval wall.
Along the coast, one will come across the Torre Talao, erected during the XVI century to defend Scalea from Turkish pirate raids.

The Talao Grotto is also nearby, and preserves testimonies of the presence of man during the Middle Palaeolithic period.

To have a panoramic view of the long history of Scalea, one should visit the Torre Cimalonga Antiquarium.

Place of interest

- Palazzo dei Principi (XIII sec.)
- Palazzetto Normanno detto l'Episcopio (XII sec)
- Torre Cilindrica (XV sec.)
- Torre di Giuda
- Resti del Castello Normanno
- Resti di Chiese Basiliane (IX sec.)
- Chiesa di San Nicola in Plateis (VIII sec.)
- Chiesa di Santa Maria d'Episcopio (XII sec.)
- Chiesetta di San Cataldo (XI sec.)
- Resti della Grancia e del Convento Francescano del (XIII sec.)
- Torre Talao (XVI sec.)
- Grotta di Torre Talao (preistoria)
- Area Archeologica di Laos
- Parco Nazionale del Pollino
- Visita di Belvedere Marittimo
- Visita di Maratea - Basilicata

Museums

- Antiquarium Torre Cimalonga

Events

- Festa della Madonna del Lauro l'8 settembre

SCALEA
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Calabria region of Italy
 

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