Scilla
Scilla: a touristic paradise overlooking the Strait of Messina
Scilla is a town located on the northeast tip of Reggio Calabria, a coastal city in the Italian region of Calabria. With a population of 4,586 residents, this city is a very popular tourist destination thanks to its spectacular position on the Italian coast, overlooking the Strait of Messina.
Physical Geography
The town of Scilla sits on the Scilleso promontory, a hilly area overlooking the Strait of Messina, a stretch of sea situated between Calabria and Sicily. The name of the town derives from the Greek term Skýla, which means "dog". This name is related to an ancient legend that tells the story of a sea monster residing in this stretch of sea.
Origin of the Name
According to Greek mythology, Skýla was a sea nymph who was transformed into a monster with six dog heads and serpent tails after becoming jealous of the attention of Glaucos, another sea god. This story has been told in many literary works, including Homer's Odyssey and Ovid's Metamorphoses. However, there is also another philological hypothesis regarding the origins of the names Scilla and Charybdis. It is said that the name arose from a series of rumors that accumulated over the centuries regarding the dangerous navigation between the Scilla peninsula and the Sicilian cape of Charybdis.
History
The history of Scilla is very ancient, as its origins are related to Greek mythology. However, Scilla has also been inhabited by indigenous populations and by other populations that have crossed the Mediterranean over the centuries. The city was also conquered by many kingdoms and empires, including the Romans, Byzantines, and Normans.
Mythology and Philology
According to legend, the Strait of Messina was considered a dangerous place to navigate due to the presence of two sea monsters, Scilla and Charybdis. However, many scholars believe that this legend is not true and that the name arose from exaggerated tales of often perilous navigation in this area. Nevertheless, this legend has helped to fuel the fascination with Scilla, making the town a popular tourist destination.
In conclusion, Scilla is a beautiful coastal town in Calabria, famous for its panoramic position on the Italian coast and its ancient legend related to sea monsters. The town has been inhabited for millennia and was conquered by many empires throughout its history. Today, Scilla is a popular tourist destination, thanks to its mild climate, natural beauty, and rich cultural history.
