Scilla, Calabria

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Scilla
Comune
Comune di Scilla
The Castle of Scilla.
The Castle of Scilla.
Scilla is located in Italy
Scilla
Scilla
Location of Scilla in Italy
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Country Italy
Region Calabria
Province / Metropolitan city Reggio Calabria (RC)
Frazioni Favazzina, Melia, Solano Superiore
Government
 • Mayor Gaetano Ciccone (since May 14, 2001)
Area
 • Total 43.68 km2 (16.86 sq mi)
Elevation 91 m (299 ft)
Population (September 2009)
 • Total 5,162
 • Density 120/km2 (310/sq mi)
Demonym(s) Scillesi
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
 • Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code 89058
Dialing code 0965
Patron saint St. Roch
Saint day August 16
Website Official website

Scilla (Greek: Skylla) is a town and comune in Calabria, Italy, administratively part of the Province of Reggio Calabria. It is the traditional site of the sea monster Scylla of Greek mythology.

The town, 22 kilometres (14 mi) from the city of Reggio, lies in front of the strait of Messina, and it is composed of two parts: the downtown, where the town offices and the residence of the patronal saint are situated, and Marina di Scilla, the beach-front, populated by tourists and thus heavily characterized by hotels and restaurants. Since its beach is the first place north of Reggio Calabria where the waters are not cooled down by the strait draughts.

The Ruffo Castle, a fortress built by the Dukes of Calabria overlooks the beach. On a seaward-facing terrace is Scilla Lighthouse, an important aid to ships entering the Strait of Messina from the north.

The village suffered greatly from the 1783 Calabria earthquakes.

Twin towns

Scilla has been twinned with the following:

See also