With its unique castle perched on the promontory, its colored houses overlooking Strait of Sicily, Scilla, in the province of Reggio Calabria, is one of the most characteristic villages of Italy. Not only the traditional site of the sea monster Scylla of Greek mythology, it is one of the gems of Costa Viola – literally ‘purple coast‘ because of the color that marine waters take in particular hours of the day – that, just north of Reggio Calabria, includes also the municipalities of Bagnara Calabra, Villa San Giovanni, Palmi, and Seminara.
Particularly romantic is Chianalea, the oldest part of Scilla, where small alleys separate the houses built directly on the rocks: it is no coincidence that it is also known as the Venice of the South. The small fishing village seems to be suspended in time, where the lively fishing activity is witnessed by the boats anchored at Scaro Alaggio. However, Ruffo Castle is inevitably the star of the show: built for military purposes, in the 16th-century it was turned into the residence of Count Paolo Ruffo. Who, like visitors the visitors of the fortress today, could enjoy the extraordinary view of the Aeolian Islands and the Sicilian coast.
Marina Grande is instead the name of the area of Scilla that includes a beautiful 800-meter long beach nestled in a bay in the gulf and protected by the surrounding hills. In Piazza San Rocco, there is the Belvedere, from which to admire the beach below, the Town Hall, and the Church of San Rocco, with its façade that reminds of classical temples. Another splendid panorama, that ranges from the strait to the Marina Grande up to Ruffo Castle, can be admired from the square in front of the church, all along via Minasi, and from the elegant panoramic veranda of the Bellavista Bar.
Cover ph: Anna Majkowska
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