Scalea

Scalea is a municipality in the Cosenza province with a population of around 10,000 inhabitants. The first human settlements date back to pre-historic times as evidenced by a cave found near Torre Talao. The tower overlooks the sea and every year it houses a Presepio. In the 12th century, during the Swabian rule, a Franciscan convent was erected by Piero Cathin da S.Andrea, a follower of Saint Francis of Assisi. This is why Scalea is also a cultural and religious centre. Not to be missed are the Chiesa Santa Maria d'Episcopo, the Madonna del Lauro and Carmelo, the Chiesa di San Giovanni in Plateis, the Chiesa dello Spedale with marvellous Byzanthine frescos. During the Second World War, Scalea was seriously damaged but today has become an important tourist resort with beautiful beaches looking out onto a sea of incomparable beauty. Scalea is part of the Riviera dei Cedri (Cedars' Riviera) or Alto Tirreno Calabrese. Among other natural attractions there are the Grotta della Pecora (cave), the famous Bonifati beach, the Torre di Carmelo, a tower housing an antiquarium, the Palazzo dei Principi and Palazzo Cialli-Mezzaroma, the remains of a Norman Castle and the Scalinata Scalea "Vecchia" stairway.