Talao Tower

Talao Tower, a symbol of Scalea, is a coastal watchtower dating back to the 16th century. A typical Aragonese fortification, it was built in 1563 by Pedro Afán de Ribera d'Alcalà, viceroy of the Kingdom of Naples. It was part of the coastal defence system against Turkish incursions prepared by Charles V. Torre Talao was built at the expense of its subjects, each according to his or her abilities. In the early 20th century, Amedeo Rocco Armentano rented the tower, turning it into a meeting place for the Pythagorean school known as Schola italica.