Vacation rentals in Scala

Scala

Scala is positioned on a rocky hill at 400 meters above sea level. As many of the nearby villages, it was founded by the Romans. Being of strategic significance, Scala was an important defensive location, much like its sister city, Ravello.

After the fall of the Maritime Republic the fortress of Scala was unable to withstand attacks by Roberto Guiscardo, the Norman conqueror. Following a new assault by the Pisani, Scala's economy was completely devastated. However occupying a strategic berth high above the sea and protected because of this critically important location, a flourishing trade system distinguished Scala in the Amalfi area. Commerce was a natural extension of Scala's setting at the crossroads to adjacent villages.

The Scalesians were known for their production of wool, which was very important to this region until the 17th century. Their production of sabot, wooden slippers which were worn by Friars in the Middle Ages, and more commonly referred to by their Greek name "calepodia", was less significant than wool.

The Medieval roots of the town of Scala can be found in St.Caterina Church, the city square, the Chapel of St. Paolo or St. Maria della Porta. The church of St.Pietro contains sculptures from the Angioino period (Carl d'Angio of the XIII century). However, the church was originally dedicated to St. Angelo dello Spedale because of the hospital he founded in 1320.

Scala's most magnificent monument is the Cathedral. Preserved within its medieval walls, the crypt, embellished in Baroque style, contains the tomb of Angioino Marinella Rufolo. The Romanesque portal survived a 17th century Baroque renovation. Inside there is a colourful mosaic pulpit and religious artifacts including a wooden crucifix from the VIII century and a Bishop's mitra.

A number of lovely walks around this region commence in Scala. A two hour walk to Casa Santa Maria dei Monti offers breathtaking views of the Sorrentine Peninsula. An easier walk goes from Scala to the tiny hamlet of Minuta where you can visit the Romanesque church of the Assumption with its beautiful Byzantine frescoes. The incredible location of Annunziata provides stunning, breathtaking vistas. A stepped path descends to Pontone and the ruins of St. Eustachio and the churches of St. Filipo Neri, St. Giovanni Battista and St. Maria del Carmine. To amble through the footpaths of Scala is to return to a time long ago lost to this modern world. The spectacular, striking panorama of this gorgeous landscape will fill your senses. You will remember, forever, the beautiful silence of walking in Scala.