Scilla: Chianalea, a small fishing village
In the shadow of the Castle stretches the seaside district that offers Scylla's most picturesque image and now also its liveliest tourist walkway
Where
What is it and where is Chianalea, Scylla's seaside village
Chianalea, the seaside village of Scylla stretches close to its promontory, that is, in the coastal strip that is most protected from the currents, so much so that it is all reef. To get into the spirit of the place try to imagine the roadstead crowded with those Latin-sailed galleys that for centuries have been the protagonists of Mediterranean trade, and as far as Scylla is concerned, especially with Venice.
Why it is special: fishing village and lords
In the name of Chianalea one will then recognize the appellation 'Plain of Galleys.' On the cliff, a curtain of buildings, interrupted only by a few stepped descents to the sea: at one time,
Not to be missed: Scaro Alaggio
The most photogenic corner of Chianalea is undoubtedly the Scaro Alaggio, the slipway where the small fishing boat is still being hauled out to dry. Here the array of buildings by the sea opens up, and it is no coincidence that the village's most significant residence stands out here, the 18th-century Scategna palace: portal in Syracuse stone with a noble coat of arms, two floors punctuated by windows with beautiful molded cornices, a floor of warehouses by the sea; passed from hand to hand among Scylla's most prominent families, it is now an atmospheric hotel with a restaurant on stilts by the sea, so as to give an idea of the tourist tenor of the locality.
The church of Santa Maria di Porto Salvo
Another widening that one encounters as one travels through the village is the churchyard of the Church of Santa Maria di Porto Salvo, the patron saint of Scylla's sailors, especially those engaged in sword fishing, who were once united in a confraternity. This is why the church is still the focus of a heartfelt celebration on the last Sunday in August, when the officiant first crowns the statue of the Madonna and Child and also honors Saints Cosmas and Damian who flank her, then carries it in procession to the port of call where the dead of the sea will be commemorated and intercession asked for a good fishing season. Come evening, grand finale with fireworks fired from a floating barge.
The marina and swordfish fishing
At the far inland end of the district is the marina, on the tip, just below the Castle. Walking along the pier enclosing the mooring cove is always pleasant, both for the new perspective one has of the village and for the curiosity aroused by the activity of the fishing boats. Among the moored boats, those for swordfish fishing, the so-called 'feluccas,' motorized, with the very high lookout antenna and the bow gangway from the end of which the harpoon is cast. The highlight of their day is, of course, on their return with the landing of the fish and the commentary frame of the huddle of people, including locals and outsiders, that invariably forms.
Enter the Map of Italy's Undiscovered Wonders and find treasures where you least expect it... Inspire, Recommend, Share...
Collections
The Map thanks:
Scilla, dove peschiamo sorrisi – Comune di Scilla – PNRR Ministero della Cultura M1C3, Mis. 2, Inv. 2.1 “Attrattività dei borghi storici” – Finanziato dall’Unione europea, NextGenerationEU – CUP: F79I22000150006 – CIG B8DCA761AB
In the Community
Enter the Map of Italy's Undiscovered Wonders and find treasures where you least expect it... Inspire, Recommend, Share...
