Old townUpper Tyrrhenian Cosentino · Riviera dei Cedri
Old town of Scalea
The medieval core of Scalea, set on the promontory, with alleys, stairways, churches and palaces that tell the town's Norman and Angevin history.
The old town of Scalea climbs the promontory, a legacy of the medieval village: in the 6th century the Lombards built a fortress here, and for centuries the town remained enclosed within its tightly packed houses. From the 1960s the ancient core was gradually abandoned as residents built the new town to the south.
Among its alleys stand the Church of Santa Maria d’Episcopio (Madonna del Carmine) and, lower down, the Church of San Nicola in Plateis. Also notable are the Palazzo dei Principi, from the 13th century, home to the municipal library and its 17th-century frescoes, and the Norman palace, linked to the figure of admiral Roger of Lauria.
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Frequently asked questions
- The Church of Santa Maria d'Episcopio (Madonna del Carmine), the Church of San Nicola in Plateis, the 13th-century Palazzo dei Principi and the Norman palace, along with the castle ruins.
What is there in the old town of Scalea?
More places in Scalea
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Culture Norman Castle
The castle ruins overlooking the old town of Scalea, offering a view over the coast and the Tyrrhenian Sea.
- Culture
Church of Santa Maria d'Episcopio (Madonna del Carmine)
The main church of Scalea's old town, dedicated to the Madonna del Carmine, patron of the city; its origins date back to the 8th century.
- Viewpoint
Torre Talao
An islet and 16th-century tower on the Scalea coast, a historic natural landing; its caves preserve traces of the Palaeolithic.
Itineraries through here
- 4 daysGrand tour
Grand Tour of the Riviera dei Cedri
Four days from north to south along the Upper Tyrrhenian Cosentino coast: islands, Norman towns, murals and sanctuaries.
11 stops8 townsMay–OctoberSee the stops -
3 daysTowns & historyTowns & history
Three days among old towns, castles and the only Occitan language island in southern Italy.
6 stops5 townsAll year roundSee the stops -
2 daysSacred & cultureIn the footsteps of the sacred
Two days among sanctuaries and devotion, from Saint Francis of Paola to the Madonna della Grotta.
3 stops3 townsAll year roundSee the stops -
4 daysSea & beachesFour days on the Tyrrhenian coast
Four days devoted to the sea, from San Nicola Arcella to Cetraro: arches, islands, beaches and marina.
8 stops6 townsJune–SeptemberSee the stops -
2 daysTowns & historyWeekend in the old towns
Two days among museum, stone village and murals: history and art without a devotional focus.
4 stops3 townsAll year roundSee the stops - 4 daysTowns & history
Four days among old towns
Four days among castles, Norman towns, sacred art and the Occitan language island.
8 stops5 townsAll year roundSee the stops -
4 daysWellness & spaNature and Pollino in four days
Four days among spa, cave, mountains and river in the Pollino National Park.
8 stops5 townsMarch–NovemberSee the stops