The contradas of Scala

Situated 450 metres above sea level, about 20 kilometres from our boutique hotel, Scala is the oldest town on the Amalfi Coast (it is said to have been founded in the 4th century A.D. by some Roman families on their way to Constantinople). The urban structure, typically medieval, is concentrated around 6 contrade, each gathered around a church and distributed along a north-south axis.

What are the contradas of Scala? Let’s discover them together!

Scala Centro

Scala Centro is the oldest village as well as the heart of the town, where commercial activities and major monuments are concentrated. It is accessed by crossing a sunny avenue of lime trees leading to Piazza Municipio, overlooked by the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, Scala’s most important and significant monument. Erected in the 11th century but remodelled several times over time, the exterior features a majestic façade while the interior is embellished with valuable works of art. Of great interest is the majolica panel inserted into the floor, dating back to the 19th century. Next to the bell tower is an 18th-century fountain, behind which is the small square of San Lorenzo, from which one can enjoy a vast panorama sweeping from Ravello to the sea.

San Pietro

From the centre of Scala, heading towards the mountains, one reaches the contrada di San Pietro, also known as Campoleone. It boasts of being the birthplace of the Blessed Fra’ Gerardo Sasso (c. 1040-1120), founder and first Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of the Knights of Malta. All that remains of the Sasso family’s imposing and valuable palace is a forepart and a small atrium with four bare columns supporting the vaults. The district develops around the Church of San Pietro in Castagna. Although it is only documented from the 14th century, it presumably dates back to the 10th-11th centuries. Externally characterised by a three-arched portico, the interior houses a remarkable statue of St Michael (donated in the second half of the 14th century by Paolo de Saxo) and a beautiful bas-relief of St Catherine dating from the 14th century.

Santa Caterina

Immersed in chestnut woods (the municipality of Scala is renowned for the cultivation of a particular variety of chestnut tree to which it gives its name), Santa Caterina is a district with a strong rural vocation. In its territory are two churches that are undoubtedly worth a visit. The first, the graceful Church of St Catherine of Alexandria, was built, according to some scholars, before the 10th century while, according to others, it was built between the 13th and 14th centuries. It has a Byzantine layout with Baroque-style decorations inside. The second, the Church of Santa Maria della Porta, is adjacent to that of Santa Caterina and probably dates back to the period when Scala’s defensive walls and north gate were built. Its majolica floor is spectacular.

Campidoglio

Located 650 metres above sea level, Campidoglio is the highest and most scenic district of Scala. Characterised by the presence of so much greenery, it stretches out like a balcony on the finish of the Punta della Castagna. Here stands the Church of San Giovanni Decollato. There is no certain information on the year the present church was built, but it is first mentioned in 1476. Small in size, it is preceded by an irregularly shaped churchyard and has a longitudinal plan with a rectangular hall. Of particular interest is the bell tower, which is on three levels.

Minuta

Minuta is the district that best preserves the imprint of its prosperous medieval past. It develops around an authentic jewel, the Church of the Santissima Annunziata. Dating back to the 11th century, it is a typical example of early Christian architecture with fresco decoration. A staircase in the right aisle leads to the crypt, where a splendid cycle of frescoes (largely preserved) from the medieval period (9th-10th century) can be admired. From the small square where the church is located, one can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view. For trekking enthusiasts, a path leads from Minuta to the upper part of the Valle delle Ferriere, a natural area of great interest from a botanical and phytogeographical point of view.

Pontone

The district of Pontone, also known as the ancient Scalella, is almost completely surrounded by citrus groves. It was once the favourite destination of Amalfi nobles for its calm and relaxing atmosphere. It develops in a circular fashion around the Church of San Giovanni Battista (12th century), which is a precious example of medieval religious architecture. Inside, it houses numerous valuable paintings. Other sights to see in Pontone include: the Church of San Filippo Neri, with its square-shaped stone bell tower covered by a cross vault; the ruins of the mighty Basilica of Sant’Eustachio, where Christian and Islamic influences intertwine; and the Ziro Tower, known not only for its architectural interest but also because over the centuries it has been the scene of so many events.

Featured Photo © Michael Gibson