Upper Tyrrhenian Cosentino · Riviera dei Cedri
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.
Known to everyone as the Madonna del Carmine, the Church of Santa Maria d’Episcopio is rich in monuments and works of art and dominates the old town of Scalea. Its earliest core dates to the 8th century; in the Norman period it was greatly enlarged and entrusted to the Benedictines of Cava dei Tirreni. In 1554 it was sacked by Dragut’s Saracens.
The Madonna del Carmine was proclaimed patron and protector of Scalea on 7 March 1875, after a cholera epidemic; her feast is celebrated each year on 15 and 16 July.
Frequently asked questions
- The patron's feast is celebrated on 15 and 16 July each year. The Madonna del Carmine was proclaimed patron and protector of Scalea on 7 March 1875, after a cholera epidemic.
When is the Madonna del Carmine celebrated in 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.
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Old town 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.
- 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
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4 daysGrand tourGrand 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 & historyFour 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