CultureUpper Tyrrhenian Cosentino · Riviera dei Cedri
Church of San Nicola in Plateis
The “lower church” of Scalea’s old town, recorded from the 8th century: the 17th-century painting by Giovanni Bernardo Azzolino and, in the chapel of St Catherine, the funerary monument of Admiral Ademaro Romano.
The church of San Nicola in Plateis, dedicated to St Nicholas of Platea, is Scalea’s “lower church”: its imposing bulk dominates the lower part of the old town, while the Madonna del Carmine rises above. It is recorded from the 8th century; born in Gothic forms, it owes its present appearance to the reconstruction that followed the Second World War, during which the town was bombed. Inside it keeps two notable works. On the high altar is the 17th-century painting by Giovanni Bernardo Azzolino of the Madonna of Mount Carmel with the Christ Child, flanked by Saints Nicholas and Charles Borromeo. In the 14th-century chapel on the left, dedicated to St Catherine of Alexandria, stands the funerary monument of Admiral Ademaro Romano, a native of Scalea, a remarkable work attributed to the circle of the sculptor Tino da Camaino. It is a sign of the age when the town, an important sea landing from the 14th century, had a fleet whose ships reached the leading ports of the Mediterranean. Around it, the old village is explored through alleys, steps and the characteristic suppuorti, the covered passages built for defence.
Frequently asked questions
- On the high altar the 17th-century painting by Giovanni Bernardo Azzolino with the Madonna of Mount Carmel and Saints Nicholas and Charles Borromeo; in the 14th-century chapel of St Catherine the funerary monument of Admiral Ademaro Romano.
- It is recorded from the 8th century; originally Gothic, the present building is the result of reconstruction after the Second World War.
What can you see in the church of San Nicola in Plateis?
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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.
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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.
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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 & 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