Considered the oldest settlement on the Amalfi Coast, the village of Scala spreads along a mountainside between the Dragon Valley (below) and the gentle curves of the Lattari Mountains (above). Five hamlets revolve around its center: Minuta to the north and Pontone to the south toward the sea.
In the Middle Ages, its noble residents had built grand palaces and richly decorated churches that shaped the village with the many architectural examples of the period. Spirituality left an indelible mark on Scala, and its residents have long transmitted a deep sense of faith worldwide.
Scala Cathedral on Amalfi Coast
A plaque in Piazza Municipio honors Fra Gerardo Sasso, a Scala monk, founder of the Order of the Knights of Malta, and the first Italian to build a hospital in the Holy Land. The imposing size of Scala Cathedral is a testament to the city’s omnipresent faith, which also manifests itself in the dedication to their patron saint, San Lorenzo.
Not far from the center, a creased gate marks the entrance to the Grotto of St. Alphonsus. Walking down a steep flight of steps, one peeps into the chapel with a cave in its background. It is the place where in 1730, the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Alphonsus Maria de ‘Liguori.
Scala offers various intriguing walks where history and nature blend seamlessly. The best place to start is from the hamlet of Minuta, scenically situated on a mountain slope perched between land and sea.
The intensity of Scala
At the center of Minuta is the Church of the Annunziata. Founded in the 11th century, it is among the oldest churches on the Amalfi Coast. The restored church reveals medieval architectural elements, while the crypt holds an unexpected treasure. A series of 15th-century frescoes fill the space with vibrant red, yellow, and green hues. Among the religious scenes are stories from the life of St. Nicholas of Bari.
From Minuta, we move on to Pontone to discover the ruins of the 12th-century church of St. Eustace. A few steps from Pontone stands the Torre dello Ziro, the 15th-century watchtower once part of Amalfi’s defensive system-another reminder of this area’s rich past. From this point, the view opens up over Atrani, Amalfi, and the hidden landscapes of the Amalfi Coast.
Photo cover Scala the oldest village on the Amalfi Coast. Courtesy Michele Inserra @cartotrekking
Tourist Information Office Pro Loco Scala
Piazza Municipio, 13
84010 Scala [Salerno, Italy]
+39 089 858056
Tourist Information Office Amalfi Coast Tourist District
via G. Capriglione, 116 B
84010 Praiano [Salerno, Italy]
Opening hours until April 30th from Monday to Saturday (Sundays and holidays closed) 9.30 am : 1.30 pm | 4.30 pm : 8.30 pm
Opening hours from 1st May to 30th September from Monday to Saturday (Sundays and holidays closed) 9.00 am : 1.00 pm | 5.00 pm : 9.00 pm
Tourist Information Manager
Rosalba Irace
infopoint@distrettocostadamalfi.it | +39 089 874557 – +39 342 0602674
