Scandale
Scandale: a city on the hill
Hello everyone! Today I will talk about Scandale, a beautiful town in the province of Crotone in Calabria. Scandale is located on a hill in the center of Marchesato, with a breathtaking panorama between the Ionian Sea and the mountains of Sila. The municipality has 2796 inhabitants and is also known by its Greek name ''Σχανδάλη'' or in Calabrian dialect ''Scandali''.
The origin of the name
But where does the name "Scandale" come from? It seems to derive from Greek and was used to indicate the "wood of the trap in which bait is attached". In general, it means "trap". Interesting, isn't it? There is also another town with the same name on the Greek island of Lesbos.
History and archaeological finds
The town has ancient roots and some archaeological finds dating back to the Neolithic era have been discovered in the area, which can be admired at the museum in Crotone. Among the found artifacts are a large neolithic dark stone axe, female terracotta figures of the Tanagra type, clay busts, and some statuettes with particular symbols. In addition, around Scandale, the Marquis Armando Lucifero found twenty tombs dating back to between the 6th and 3rd century B.C.
The feud of Sanfelice and the foundation of the Casale
The old town of San Leone, which was located not far from the current Scandale, was destroyed during the siege of Siberene by the Arabs in 840. From the 13th to the 15th century, Scandale was a fiefdom of the noble Sanfelice family. Later, Count Galeotto Carafa of Santa Severina founded the city in 1555 on a hill popularly known as Gaudioso. Its inhabitants had all the privileges and immunities contained in the nineteen chapters granted at the time of the foundation of the Casale. In 1561, this town was inhabited by 25 Albanian-speaking families and only one Italian.
Scandale from 1555 to nowadays
Since 1555, the city was part of the territory of Santa Severina, together with San Mauro, and later had various feudal lords, including the Ruffo, Carafa, Sculco of Crotone, and finally the Grutther. The people of Scandale were the first to join the army of the Santafede of Cardinal Fabrizio Ruffo in 1799, since the city was completely pro-Bourbon. After assaulting Crotone and confiscating the assets of the so-called "Jacobins", many followed the cardinal to Naples.
In conclusion, Scandale is an ancient city full of history, with many archaeological finds and ties to the city of Santa Severina. If you happen to be in Calabria, don't miss the chance to visit this beautiful hilltop town.
