Scilla
Scilla is a town and comune on the Tyrrhenian coast of Calabria, administratively part of the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria in southern Italy. Set on the Strait of Messina, it is the traditional site of Scylla, the sea monster of Greek mythology. The town is famous for its dramatic cliff crowned by a castle and for the historic fishermen’s quarter of Chianalea descending to the sea.
At a glance
- Type
- Coastal town and comune
- Period
- Ancient mythological associations; historic town
- Style
- Calabrian clifftop coastal town
- Location
- Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria, Calabria, Italy
Overview
Scilla is a town and comune in Calabria, Italy, administratively part of the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria. It stands on the Tyrrhenian coast at the northern end of the Strait of Messina. It is the traditional site of the sea monster Scylla of Greek mythology.
History
Scilla is identified in antiquity with the rock of Scylla, which classical tradition paired with the whirlpool of Charybdis as twin perils of the Strait of Messina. The promontory’s commanding position guarded the strait and was fortified over the centuries, with a castle rising on the rocky height above the sea. Beneath it, the seafaring community of Chianalea grew along the water as a fishing settlement.
What you see
The town is dominated by a high rocky promontory crowned by the Ruffo Castle, looking out over the Strait of Messina toward Sicily. Below, the quarter of Chianalea is built directly along the shore, its houses rising from the water and divided by narrow lanes. Sandy beaches lie at the foot of the town, framed by the dramatic coastal landscape of the strait.
Cultural significance
Scilla is renowned for its place in Greek mythology as the home of the sea monster Scylla, a name embedded in the literary tradition of the Strait of Messina. Its castle, picturesque fishing quarter and mythological associations make it one of the most evocative coastal towns of southern Calabria.
Practical information
Scilla’s historic centre, beaches and the quarter of Chianalea are freely accessible and busiest in the summer season. The Ruffo Castle keeps its own visiting hours; for current times and admission details, check the official website of the site or the comune.
Getting there
Scilla is served by its own station on the Tyrrhenian railway line between Reggio Calabria and the Tyrrhenian coast. By road it is reached via coastal routes with motorway access from the A2 (Autostrada del Mediterraneo). The nearest major airport is at Reggio Calabria.