Scilla was our last stop in Calabria before crossing to Sicily. It is the home of Scylla, the sea monster of Homer’s Odyssey. The town sits in a beautiful bay dominated by an impressive castle perched on a high rock, keeping watch over the Aeolian Islands.
Legend has it that the castle dates back to Ulysses who built the oldest part of the fort as a temple to honour Minerva. Since then the Byzantines, Normans, Aragonese and others have all added their touches. Its latest reconstructions were in the 13th century by Carlo of Angio, De Nara in 1421 and the Ruffo family in 1542. Today it houses a lighthouse and is used for cultural events.
Scilla is divided into 3 parts. San Giorgio is the highest and is home to public offices and facilities. (We didn’t go there) Marina Grande has a long beach edged with shops and restaurants.
We got lucky, we stayed in the most interesting section of Scilla, Chianalea. It is the ancient fishermen’s settlement and lies directly on the seashore. Much of it can only be reached on foot.
We stayed at a wonderful B&B, La Veduta, run by the delightful Nella and her husband. We had the best position, right at the top of the building, with the best view.
Take a look at the water…it is crystal clear.
Our breakfast was served on the tiny terrace hovering just above the water.
We just happened to be there when the patron saint San Rocco did his parade through the streets from San Rocco church right past the B&B and on to the church at the end of town. The photos aren’t much good. I took them from a balcony high above the street.
Scilla is gorgeous. It was my favourite place in Calabria, followed by Pizzo and Tropea. (There were some pretty ordinary places in between)
Scilla’s tiny streets along the edge of the sea are full of delights between glimpses of the clear blue sea. There are some very good restaurants enticing lots of people to visit.
If you go be sure to stay with Nella at La Veduta. She is a mine of information about her town, and she makes a great breakfast.