Scala

The marvelous places along the Coast of Amalfi are many. One of them is Scala, located on a rock at 400 meters above sea level.

It was found in the 4th century by Romans, who were on their way to Constantinople, but rested, as the rock was a strategically important defence point. There are various stories about the foundation and development of Scala, but they are all questionable. For certain is that Scala, just as Ravello had an important function of defence for the territory of Amalfi.

Based on a document by Carlo II D'Angio (Charles II of Angio) two castles could be identified, one called Castrum Scalae Maioris and the other Castrum Scalellae, located near Pontone. The laters ruins are still visible today.

When the power of the Duchy of Amalfi declined in 1073 the fortress of Scala could not withstand any longer the Norman attacks led by Roberto Guiscardo.

The people of Pisa gave this location in 1143 another hard hit, which was followed by attacks from Brunswick on behalf of the Ottons in 1210. However, Scala continued to distinguish itself in the Republic of Amalfi by its trade and craftmanship.

In the 11th century the people of Scala found their dedicated business zone nearby Porta Nolana in Naples, and transfered themselves later to Rua Sclaesia, a street which nowerdays is to be found in the district of Pendino. The Scalesians were known for their production of wool, which was very important in this zone untill the 17th century. Their production of sabot, called by its Greek name "calepodia", was not bad either, but had minor importance with regards to the wool production.

Untill today the medieval structure of the town is visible like in the towns of S. Caterina, S. Pietro, Campodonico, Scala, Minuto, Pontone.

The traces of the past can be seen in S. Caterina with its church of the same name, the city porch and the Chapel of S.Paolo or S.Maria della Porta.

At Campoleone the church of S. Pietro shows sculptures from the period of Angioino. However, the church was originally devoted to S.Angelo dello Spedale because of the hospidal found in 1320. At Campodonico is the church of S. Giovanni Battista dell'Acqua with a belltower characterized by the Arab style of architecture.

The cathedral of Scala has a medieval crypt which later was decorated in Baroque style. The tomb of the Angioinia Marinella Rufolo, a wooden cruxifix from the 8th century and a bishop's mitra from the same period are to be found in this church.

At Minuto one can visit the Romanesque church of the Assumption.

At Pontone the ruins of S. Eustachio and the churches of S. Filippo Neri, S. Giovanni Battista and S.Maria del Carmine can be visited.

Apart from a few newly built houses all others reflect the distinct medieval style of the Coast of Amalfi, as for example the house of the noble family of Sasso (who's family member was the well known Fra' Gerardo, the founder of Ordine degli Spedalieri) and the houses of the Mansi - D'Amelio, the Bonito and the Campanile.

How to reach Scala

By motorway, coming from Naples on the A2, pass Pompei and Salerno. Take the exit for Angri and go for Nocera. Continue along the indications for Valico di Chiunzi. At Valico di Chiunzi follow the signs heading for Ravello, Scala, Amalfi.

When you reach Ravello turn to your right into the tunnel. At its exit turn right again. After a first bend to the right continue for about 50 meters and you reach another sharp corner to the right. This is the road that will safely guide you to Scala.

Coming from Amalfi continue in the direction for Minori, Maiori, Salerno untill you find the indications for Pontone, Scala, Ravello, Valico di Chiusi, Angri, A2 Napoli, Pompei Salerno.

Coming from Salerno continue in the direction for Maiori, Minori and befor you reach Amalfi follow the signs for Pontone Scala, Ravello, Valico di Chiunzi.

Following this street, after about one kilometer you reach the town square. Continuing along this street you enter the square with the town hall and the cathedral. To the left of the cathedral is another little square that not only reveals a lovely fountain but also a beautiful panorama from which you can see Ravello and the villas of Rufolo and Cimbrone, Maiori and if the sky is clear also Salerno and Punta Licosa in the background. It is a sight one will not forget, but capture forever in his heart.