Ruffo Castle (Castello Ruffo di Scilla), also known as Castello Ruffo di Calabria, is an ancient fortress standing on the rocky promontory of Scilla, along the southern coast of the Strait of Messina. The Ruffo Castle dominates the surrounding landscape and represents one of the most recognizable historical landmarks of Calabria. The Ruffo Castle overlooks the historic district of Chianalea and controls one of the narrowest points of the Strait of Messina. Because of this strategic position, the castle played a major military and defensive role for many centuries. The rocky cliff on which the Ruffo Castle stands has been inhabited since antiquity. Ancient Greek tradition associated the place with Scylla, the mythological sea monster described by Homer in the Odyssey. Throughout history, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Normans, Angevins, Aragonese rulers, and the Ruffo family transformed and expanded the fortress according to military and political needs. Today, the Ruffo Castle is one of the most important cultural monuments in southern Italy. Besides its historical significance, the castle offers panoramic views over the Strait of Messina and the Sicilian coast. Short History of the Ruffo Castle (Castello Ruffo di Scilla) Origins of the Fortress The first fortified structure on the Read more [...]
All Castles in Scilla
Castello Ruffo is the fortified landmark built on the rocky promontory between Marina Grande and Chianalea. The castle overlooks the Strait of Messina and historically controlled one of the most strategic maritime passages between Calabria and Sicily.
The Scilla castle is visible from the beach, the seafront and the old fishing district, making it the main historical attraction of the town. The fortress stands above the sea near the town center, with views toward Sicily, the Costa Viola and the Aeolian Islands.