Scalea
Introduction
Hello friends, today I will talk to you about Scalea, a municipality in the province of Cosenza in Calabria. With a population of 11,363 inhabitants, Scalea extends over a vast promontory that delimits the Gulf of Policastro. But let's take a closer look at all the details that make this municipality such a fascinating place.
Physical Geography
The territory of Scalea has a quadrangular shape with a larger base of about 8 km lying on the Tyrrhenian Sea. It has a depth towards the interior of about 3 km, a total extension of 31.71 km² and borders to the north with San Nicola Arcella, to the east with Santa Domenica Talao, to the southeast with Orsomarso, to the south with Santa Maria del Cedro and to the west with the Tyrrhenian Sea. The coastline initially appears sandy and linear to the south, while it assumes a rocky and jagged character to the north with the presence of caves. Half of the extension of the territory is flat, schematized by the sediment of the Lao river, which flows into the sea after crossing the southern part of the territory for about 3 km. The other half is hilly, with a maximum height of 408 m above sea level.
Origins of the Name
The name "Scalea" could derive from the Greek Skalìon (σκαλίον), diminutive of skala (sκἀλα), an ancient Latin word that entered the medieval Greek lexicon with the meaning of "marina quay, dock, pier". It could be the ancient configuration of the coast of Scalea that is at the origin of its name.
History
Scalea is one of the oldest municipalities in the Alto Tirreno Cosentino. The city has a history that dates back to ancient times, where the city was populated by a tribe of Lucani. In the Byzantine period, Scalea was a strategic center and was used as an important transit center between Italy and the Byzantine Empire. In the 800s AD, Scalea was a populated and prosperous center, with a notable port and a preferred agriculture based on oil and wine. In the year 1783, Scalea was hit by a strong earthquake, from which it was rebuilt and has now kept traces of its ancient history.
What to Visit in Scalea
The city of Scalea is famous for its attractions, including the Church of Madonna del Portosalvo and the Historic Center of Scalea, with the Presence of the Church of San Nicola Arcella. In addition to these important attractions, Scalea is also famous for its wonderful beaches and cliffs. The Sirene beach is perfect for a day of relaxation while Scalea Marina beach has a vast coastline that stretches for about 5 km.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Scalea is a beautiful municipality in Calabria that offers breathtaking landscapes. With its strategic position, ancient historic center, and a great variety of tourist attractions, Scalea is definitely a place to visit. If you are a fan of beaches and places with an authentic atmosphere, then Scalea is a place you cannot miss!
