Scala, so named for the conformation of the land, is the oldest town on the Amalfi Coast. Scala is a little town made up of six quaint hamlets, each with houses huddled around its local Church and stately home.They are: Scala Centro, Minuta, Pontone, Campidoglio, Santa Caterina and San Pietro.In the Middle Age it was Episcopal See and it became very important. The historical richness of Scala is confirmed by monuments, old palaces, towers, churches and monasteries that today still exist.

WHAT TO VISIT

CATHEDRAL of SAN LORENZO
The Cathedral, dedicated to San Lorenzo, dates back to 987, when Scala became Episcopal See. The Cathedral keeps numerous and priceless treasures: the Holy Crucifix in gothic-romanic style carved during the XII Century and preserved in the Gothic Crypt; MarinellaRufolo’s funeral monument in polychrome stucco, ascribable to TinoCamaino’s school; the big paintings on the ceiling by Cacciapuoti representing scenes from San Lorenzo’s life; the Treasure Altar. The Cathedral is opened every day from 10:00 to 18:00.
THE CAVE OF SANT’ALFONSO
In 1911 this small single nave Chapel was built in front of the cave where Sant’Alfonso loved to pray and meditate and where he is said to have had vision of the Virgin Mary.To visit the Cave contact the Redemptorist Fathers.
BASILICA of SANT’ EUSTACHIO
The D’Afflitto noble family built this Basilica during the XII century. The main surviving parts are the stunning apsidal walls, some pillars, some marble capitals and some odd pieces of architraves. It had a nave and two aisles with an atrium and a bell tower. The very high apsidal walls contain architectural decorations made with stone-work of various colours. The ruins are opened every day from 10.00 to 17.00 – free entrance.

EXCURSIONS AND TREKKING

TORRE DELLO ZIRO
This tower was built by the Duke Antonio Piccolomini. This is one of the many towers scattered along the Amalfi Coast used to spot enemies that arrived by sea. Its name comes from its resemblance to the cereals or oil tanks of Arab origin, the siri. The viewpoint of the Torre dello Ziro offers one of the most beautiful and suggestive views of the Amalfi Coast. The path starts from Pontone, a small medieval hamlet of Scala, reachable by bus or by foot. Walking time: 2/3 hours - Difficulty: Easy.
VALLE DELLE FERRIERE
The State Natural Reserve of the Valle delle Ferriere was founded in 1972. It is one of the most unspoiled places of the Coast and it keeps botanical rarities like the giant fern Woodwardia Radicans, a sub-glacial fern. You can find other species of carnivorous plants and different species of fauna. In the lower reaches of the valley there are some derelict factories once used for the extraction of iron and for the production of handmade paper. The path starts from Pontone, a small medieval hamlet of Scala, reachable by bus or by foot. Walking time: 4/5 hours - Difficulty: Medium – arrive to Amalfi.
PUNTA D’AGLIO
The path to Punta d’Aglio, belonging to the Lattari Mountains, starts from Campidoglio hamlet and it links Scala to Pogerola. Uphill crossing tunnels and fords, it offers a fantastic panoramic view on Amalfi and Atrani. The path starts from Campidoglio. Walking time: 2 hours - Difficulty: Easy

EVENTS

S. LORENZO’s DAY
Patron Saint of Scala– 10 August.
CHESTNUT FESTIVAL
it is a fixed date in autumn in Amalfi Coast. In October week-ends the town turns into a place fully dedicated to fun as well asto food and wine tasting. In the characteristic stands it is possible to taste the local chestnuts cooked in many ways together with traditional dishes and good local wine. Guided visits to the monuments, popular games and music shows complete a rich program.Second half of October.