Scala is the oldest inhabited
settlement on the Amalfi Coast. In later years it became the place where
the aristocracy of the Republic chose to live, sharing all its successes
and defeats. The nobles here benefited from flourishing trade with the
Orient, and suffered the invasions by the Pisans in 1135 and 1137 and
Roberto Guiscardo in 1703.
Towards the end of the 13th century a 'noble roll' of the most powerful
families of the area was established here in Scala . Among the families
mentioned were the D'Afflitto, Rufolo, Muscettola, Trara, Coppola and
Saxo Families.The extistence of this Roll is a testimony of the
achievements of the Patrician Families in Scala during the Duchy of
Amalfi.
Frà Gerardo, the founder of the Jerusalem Hospital Order in the 11th
century ( which was later to become the Order of the Knights of Malta)
was a member of the Saxo ( Sasso) Family. Scala also hosted Saint
Alfonso Maria de Liguori in the 1730s.
It was with his help that the Venerable Sister Maria Celeste Crostarosa
founded the Order of Redentorist Nuns in 1731. The following year Saint
Alfonso founded the Congregation of the Holy Redeemer in Scala.
Built in the heart of the Lattari Mountains, Scala enjoys the benefits
of both hill and mountain. It overlooks two winding valleys, Ravello on
one side, Amalfi and Atrani on the other, with a backdrop of the crystal
blue sea.
Characteristic pathways and steps lead to seemingly endless chestnut and
lemon groves, through unspoilt valleys and countryside where rare
botanical specimens can be found. In the natural Reserve of the Valley
of the Mills, the Woodwardia Radicans, unique in the whole of Europe has
found a safe place to flourish. Furthermore, during the many walks
through this marvellous scenery, tourists can visit churches, monuments,
towers and castles, still bearing traces of their origins, in portals,
balconies or fountains. Even the irrigation system used for the lemon
groves is witness to the historic and cultural developments in the area.
