Scala, the oldest town along the coast, was founded in the 4th century AD by shipwrecked Romans trying to make their way to Constantinople. The history of the town is closely associated with that of the Marine Republic of Amalfi; it is the birthplace of Brother Gerardo Sasso, who founded the "Ospedalieri di Malta" which later became the Order of the Knights of Malta. Scala is known for its many churches and noble houses; you can still see the remains of the antique walls that were built to defend the town. Due to its historical and cultural features and the preservation of its architectural heritage, Scala was recently included amongst the "Villaggi d'Europa" (European Villages): This initiative consists in the creation of a chain of tourist services in small rural and distinctive towns in the countries of the European Union.
The Duomo of Scala, modified in Baroque times has maintained the medieval crypt, the Angevine sepulchre of Marinella Rufolo, and an episcopal mitre and a Crucifix from the 13th century. Other important monuments are the church of San Pietro, in Angevine-Gothic style, the church of San Giovanni Battista, with a Moresque bell tower and the romanesque church of Annunziata.