Scalea

Scalea is a coastal municipality in the province of Cosenza in the Calabria region in southern Italy, with 10,317 inhabitants (as of 31 December 2012).

Location and data

Scalea is located about 95 km north of Cosenza on the western coast of Calabria.

Borders the following municipalities: Orsomarso, San Nicola Arcella, Santa Domenica Talao and Santa Maria del Cedro.

History

Finds and paintings from prehistoric times show the presence of sedentary people since that time.

With the construction of the Franciscan convent by Pietro Cathin, a follower of Francesco d' Assisi, Scalea became a religious and cultural center. In the Lombard period Scalea was assigned to the diocese of Policastro, under the Normans came in 1098 to Cassano all'Ionio, under which it, however, in modern times formed its own Vikarie. In 1979 it was united with the diocese of San Marco Argentano San Marco Argentano - Scalea.

The secular dominion over Scalea was to the 16th century in the hands of the Sanseverino family, then she went to the Spinelli, or to Princes Lanza di Scalea, on which mainly resided, however, in Sicily. One of the most well-known representative of the family is the Member of Parliament, Senator and multiple Minister Pietro Lanza di Scalea ( 1863-1938 ).

Because of the maritime pier Scalea was repeatedly subjected to attacks by the Saracens and Corsairs over the centuries.

During World War II the city was heavily damaged by air and water attacks the Anglo-American forces.

Attractions

Surrounded by sea and mountains forms the historic old town with its long staircase (Latin scala, hence the name of Scalea ) a pleasant contrast to the modern center on the shore of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The coastal Torre Talao is the landmark of the city Scalea.

Traffic

Scalea is located on the Strada Statale 18 Tirrena Inferiore and on the railway line Salerno -Reggio di Calabria. Almost five kilometers south of Scalea an airfield was opened in 2006 ( ⊙ 39.77623715.811042833333 ). The river flowing past here Lao damaged the plant at high water several times, so it was a long time not used. The airstrip is oversized for general aviation, but commercial aircraft airfield is too small. The nearest commercial airport is Lamezia Terme.

Sports

In 2000, here the third stage of the 83rd Giro d'Italia has been completed, obtained by Ján Svorada.

Pictures

Scalea - Centro Storico ( historic center )

Scalea - Monastery ruins in the historic city

Scalea - Long Stairs

Scalea - Modern Center

Scalea - Torre Talao