Scala – the oldest town on the Amalfi Coast

Almost vertically above Amalfi and not far from Ravello, on the other side of the Dragon Valley, off the beaten track, surrounded by chestnut forests and terraces sloping down towards the sea lemon groves, lies the oldest town of the Amalfi Coast. Scala, which does not reach the mass tourism, offers peace and quiet to explore the numerous monuments in a natural setting, stunning views and long and fascinating history dating back to its beginnings in the fourth century AD. It’s the perfect place to escape from the crowds and bustle of the full season in Amalfi towns situated by the sea.

Author: Natalia

Scala seen from Ravello

Located at an altitude of approx. 400 m asl Scala is the oldest town on the Amalfi Coast, founded – according to legend – in the fourth century AD by Roman shipwrecked aiming to Constantinople.The heart of Scala is a charming Piazza Municipio, surrounded by the school and the town hall. An interesting monument of the town, the Duomo di San Lorenzo, the impressive cathedral of St. Lawrence from the twelfth century. Quite ascetic, Romanesque facade nothing reveals, that the interior was enriched in 1615, among others, with baroque frescoes on the ceiling, depicting scenes from the life of St. Lawrence, the patron of Scala. In the Middle Ages Scala it was significant, and so prosperous city included in the powerful Maritime Republic of Amalfi.

Piazza Municipio

Duomo di San Lorenzo

The interior of the Cathedral. At the center of the main aisle, laid on the floor hand painted tiles depicting a lion climbing up the ladder, which is the symbol here. The word “Scala” in Italian means “stairs” or “ladder”.

Scala is divided into several settlements, including Scala Center, Minute and Pontone. The tiny Minute boasts a twelfth century church of Santissima Annunziata, which is the oldest in Scala, as well as – or perhaps especially – intimate square Piazza Minute in front of the church, which offers a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside. From this place begins a wonderful walking trail, climbing down you can reach Pontone, visiting along the way one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen around the Amalfi Coast, which I’ll describe later in the post.

Piazza Minuta and small church Santissima Annunziata

Piazza Minuta

Entering to the Minute from the Scale

Pontone, Ravello, Amalfi and barely visible fragment Atrani

Scala i Andrea Bocelli – Festival “Scala incontra New York”

“Scala meets New York” is a festival held annually in the town held from 11 August to 11 September to commemorate the victims of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. The oldest town on the Amalfi Coast “meets” the most modern metropolis of the United States. In 2010, during the eighth edition of the Festival, at the Scala gave a concert the famous tenor Andrea Bocelli, who sang during the concert “Notte stellata”, or “starry night”. You can listen the fragments of the performance of the great master while watching the video posted below.

Andrea Bocelli in Scala

Scala / Minuta – Grotta di San Alfonso

Being in Scala you can not miss the inconspicuous, small church Sant’Alfonso, located just below the road at the entrance to Minute. Inside, on the place of the altar you see a rock grotto of St. Alphonsus. Actually, the church was built after few years later to cave in which Sant’Alfonso prayed in 1775, staying in Scala. This place made a big impression on me, see for yourself.

Church of Sts. Alfonso seen from outside and stairs leading up the hill

Interior of the church

Interior of the church

The Cave

Interior of the church

Scala / Minuta – ruins of Bazylica di Sant’Eustachio i the way from Minuta to Pontone

>We begin going down the panoramic route from Piazza Minute downwards. Amazing view, which stretches from here shows us the village of Pontone slightly below, to the left side of the Valley of the Dragon you can see Ravello and Amalfi on the right and small Atrani on the left side. Also you can see terraced gardens with olive groves and citrus. Let’s go!

Hand-painted tiles

Half of March. Some of lemon trees still covered with black ago needled cloth, that protects the ripe fruit. In the bottom you can see town of Amalfi.

The ruins of the Basilica of Sant Eustachio seen from the path

We are close. On the rock on the left side you can see the gardens of Villa Rufolo in Ravello.

Rural Atmosphere Around. Who said that this path is only for people?

Entering the Sant’Eustachio. Breathtaking view.

The view from the ruined window of the Basilica. Ravello © Massimiliano Fabbri

The view from the ruined window of the Basilica. Pontone, downbelow Amalfi. © Massimilano Fabrri

Ruins of Sant’Eustachio seen from the shore side

Sant’Eustachio Basilica was built in the twelfth century. On behalf of the family D’Afflitto. It had three aisles preceded by a vestibule and bell tower. On the three high apses today you can watch the decorative elements made of colored stones. In the following video you can see how Basilica presented itself during its best years.

After a leisurely leaving the ruins of Sant’Eustachio we headed down to Pontone. Apparently, this path takes you all the way down to the Amalfi, but I had no opportunity to check it out. The trail is beautiful, but requires considerable effort. I would not recommend it to people who, for various reasons of health should not overwork, especially on hot days.

Pontone and Amalfi. © expedia.com

Pontone © expedia.com

Pontone and piece of ruins of Sant’Eustachio. © expedia.com

Ruins of the Basiica of Sant”Eustachio seenfrom Piazza in Pontone

Ślub w ruinach Sant’Eustachio

Beautiful location and unique atmosphere of the ruins of the Basilica of Sant’Eustachio made this place became popular among young couples looking for a romantic and quiet place off the beaten track, surrounded by greenery and stunning views. Although you can only get here on foot beating countless stairs, the wedding planners are doing well using to carry chairs, ornaments and even catering respectable and reliable means of transport, which to this day on the Amalfi Coast are donkeys and a mules. See for yourself.

Preparing the wedding ceremony in ruins of Sant’Eustachio – April 2016 r. © Sposa Mediterranea

Preparing the wedding ceremony in ruins of Sant’Eustachio – April 2016 r. © Sposa Mediterranea

Preparing the wedding ceremony in ruins of Sant’Eustachio – April 2016 r. © Sposa Mediterranea

Probably you are wondering, what the bride do in a long dress and high-heeled shoes? She can of course reach the wedding venue on foot, but in my opinion more graceful is to reach the altar sitting on a white horse.These and many other unforgettable attractions offers Italia, and the wedding in this wonderful country is within reach not only for the rich people. See for yourself. In Ravello has its headquarters company Sposa Mediterranea, involved in organizing weddings, and special events throughout Italy, and in particular on the Amalfi Coast and Cilento. Suita Carano Bonadies, a person very well-known in the Italian wedding industry, which has extensive connections and great experience. The Sposa Mediterranea representative for Poland is Małgorzata Ewa Mikrut, living permanently in the area of Sorrento for over twenty years. Maggie can assist or give any information to people interested in wedding or other event in Italy. I invite you to visit her fanpage Wesela w Italii z Margherita – Sposa Mediterranea Group.

• The ruins of Sant’Eustachio are open everyday for free from 10:00 to 17:00
• Main photo source – case vacanze amalfi.

Post is the result of cooperation with the company Sposa Mediterranea, on the invitation of which we stayed for ten days on the Amalfi Coast and Cilento Coast in March 2016.

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