Chianalea di Scilla

Chianalea is Scilla’s historic fishermen’s quarter, where houses stand beside narrow channels and rocky inlets along the Strait of Messina. The neighbourhood lies below the Castello Ruffo and is known for its maritime setting and association with swordfish fishing.

Why it matters

Chianalea is often called the “Piccola Venezia del Sud” for its houses and lanes at the water’s edge. Its settlement pattern is closely tied to the coastline beneath the castle rock, while the surrounding Strait has long been associated with swordfish fishing. The quarter is included among the historic villages recognised by the regional tourism authority.

What to notice

Three fountains punctuate the lanes: the Fontana Ruffo, dated to the sixteenth century; the Fontana Tre Canali, dated 1610 and decorated with mascarons and friezes; and the fountain called Il Canalello or San Clemente. The quarter also includes the churches of Santa Maria di Porto Salvo and San Giuseppe, Palazzo Zagari, and Villa Zagari, a national monument dedicated to physician Giuseppe Zagari. The channel-side houses and the view toward the castle show how closely the architecture follows the shoreline.

Context and history

The regional tourism authority derives the name Chianalea from “Piano della Galea,” referring to a type of boat used in swordfish fishing; an older form of the name was Canalea. The authority also records descriptions of swordfish fishing in the Strait from classical-era writers, including Polybius. A local legend links the fish with the sea monster Scilla, whose name is also associated with the town. The quarter grew beneath the promontory occupied by the castle.