Scauri
Scauri, a seaside tourist destination in Central-Southern Italy
Scauri is a village of 7,259 inhabitants in the municipality of Minturno, overlooking the Lazio coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Thanks to its beautiful beaches, Scauri has become one of the most popular seaside tourist destinations in Central-Southern Italy.
Origins of the name
The city of Scauri is named after Marco Emilio Scauro, a Roman consul from 115 BC who owned a luxurious seaside villa in the port of Pirae, thought to be located in the territory of Scauri. However, historians are divided on the origin of the city's name, and there are some alternative theories.
The toponym of Pirae
It has been suggested that the city of Pirae, located near present-day Scauri, was not a civilian settlement but a military and commercial outpost of Minturnae. However, four cippi found at the Museum of Minturnae attest to the existence of the gens Pirana (or Peirana), an aristocratic family that probably had properties in Pirae. Moreover, Pliny the Elder in Naturalis Historia of the 1st century AD describes it as a ruined oppidum between Formiae and Minturnae.
The Possessio scauriana
The Possessio scauriana, mentioned in the Liber Pontificalis of AD 432, was not a territorial possession as believed in the past but a monetary taxation. This misinterpretation originated from the historical and antiquarian interest of Tarcagnota, a sixteenth-century polygraph.
Scauri through the centuries
Over the centuries, Scauri has been contested by various naval powers such as Saracens, Byzantines, Normans, Aragonese, and Bourbons. In 1860, Scauri became part of the Kingdom of Italy.
In the twentieth century, Scauri became an increasingly popular tourist destination thanks to its natural beauty and mild climate. After World War II, restaurants, hotels, and other activities developed to meet the growing tourist demand.
Tourist attractions of Scauri
Scauri is known for its beautiful beaches, including the Spiaggia delle Sirene and Lido Azzurro, but there are many other tourist attractions to visit. For example, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, built in the fifth century AD, is one of the main religious monuments in the area.
The Castle of Minturno, built in the ninth century as a watchtower, is a few minutes' drive from Scauri and is another popular tourist attraction. Among other things, it hosts exhibitions, shows, and concerts.
Gastronomy of Scauri
Scauri is also known for its delicious local cuisine, which includes fresh fish dishes such as fish soup, grilled swordfish, and shrimp alla busara. The local wine is also highly regarded, especially Falerno, which dates back to the Roman era and is still produced in the area.
Conclusions
In summary, Scauri is a beautiful seaside resort in Central-Southern Italy, famous for its beaches, cultural attractions, and delicious local cuisine. Here, you can spend an unforgettable vacation in every season of the year and enjoy the beauty of the Lazio coast.
