Talao Tower in Scalea

Talao Tower is one of Calabria's best-preserved coastal towers, part of the defensive system against the Saracens developed by Charles V in the 16th century. Talao Tower is the symbol of Scalea, one of the most popular seaside resorts in the Tyrrhenian coast. Built in 1563 by Pedro Afán de Ribera d'Alcalà, viceroy of the kingdom of Naples, Talao Tower in Scalea is a classic example of Aragonese military architecture. It stands on a rock that was originally a small island on which sulphurous water flowed. Still today, at the base of Talao Tower is the cave of the same name, which has yielded some prehistoric artefacts.

Talao Tower maintained its artillery until the end of the 17th century, when it was deprived of its cannons. At the beginning of the 20th century, the owner of the time, Del Giudice, began to successfully bottle and market the sulphurous water gushing from the spring at the base of the rock. In 1909, the new owner, Amedeo Rocco Armentano, turned it into nothing less than a cenacle inspired by the ancient Pythagorean School: the Schola Italica.