Turkish staircase: between myth, history and curiosity
Considered among the most beautiful and characteristic beaches in western Sicily, as well as a mandatory stop for all those who wish to witness breathtaking scenery. Characterized by soft lines, as rounded as they are extremely irregular; all completely immersed in crystal clear water. But above all, entirely white. And it is precisely the color of the cliff that has made this stretch of the Agrigento coastline unique: the Scala dei Turchi.
History: the real name of the Turkish Staircase
The real name is Stairway of the Saracens (improperly called Turks by the Sicilians, to identify Arab populations). Yes, it was they in the 16th century who landed on the shores of Realmonte and plundered the villages through the wall. This, moreover, because of its “stepped” conformation, has always given the idea of a
scale which often became a breeding ground for pirate actions, being poorly controlled.
Myth: the legend about the birth of this unique place in the world
U zitu and a zita: this is what the two rock formations in the sea of Realmonte are called., right next to the staircase. And, according to the myth, the two boyfriends in the story in question who were hopelessly in love were named Rosalie and Joseph.
She belonged to a wealthy family in Realmonte, he a simple laborer. In the wake of one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, namely Romeo and Juliet, their love was thwarted by Rosalie’s father. In fact, he did not want to give her in marriage to Joseph, certainly a good guy, but of humble origins and with a profession that would not, in his opinion, guarantee his daughter a simple and comfortable life.
The man, therefore, decided to lock her up in a monastery. So it was that the two contrived to see each other secretly one last time, and to seal their love, they decided to jump off the tip of Monte Rossello together.
It is said that at the exact spot where the lovers died, two rocks appeared . Also, legend has it that since then, when there is a full moon and the sea is becalmed, it has been possible to hear the sad song of a woman. For anyone is Rosalia’s heartbreaking chorus to her beloved Joseph.
Curiosity: what not everyone knows
Among the most interesting curiosities concerning this beautiful Sicilian beach is certainly the question of whether the Scala dei Turchi. In fact, it would appear that the stretch of coastline is privately owned, despite the Sicily Region has funded recovery and maintenance projects together with other agencies and associations.
Still, another singularity concerns the world of entertainment. In particular, “Malena,” “Il commissario Montalbano,” “In guerra per amore.” are just a few of the films where scenes shot in or about this magical place stand out. The whole area also hosted social events, fashion shows and cultural gatherings. Recently, the Turkish Staircase was also the set of some filming for the new
commercial by fashion designer Giorgio Armani
.
How to reach this enchanting place?
First and foremost, it is advisable to wear comfortable shoes (hiking or sneakers), a hat and slather on sunscreen. In Realmonte, in the province of Agrigento, a few kilometers from the Valley of the Temples, the Scala dei Turchi awaits tourists and travelers from all over the world–but to be admired from another point of view. At least, still for 2021.
In fact, due to some landslides from 2019 onward, throughout this year it will not be possible to sunbathe on it or admire its view directly from the viewpoint. But you can still enjoy its charm from other places: by sea and from the lighthouse at Cape Rossello. Here, the advice is to get there at sunset: it will turn out to be one of the most beautiful sights seen so far.
This magnificent nature site is a candidate for a Unesco World Heritage Site long ago, thanks to the intervention of both the Region of Sicily and numerous associations, united to preserve this beautiful natural coastline.
In a pivotal year from a tourism point of view, in which Sicily was confirmed as one of the most popular destinations not only in Italy and on the international scene (which we discussed in a specific article “Tourism: Sicily ranked sixth among the most beautiful islands“), it is essential that all players in the field, from institutions, accommodations, and associations, work together to restoreaccessibility, decorum, and safety to this fantastic place as soon as possible.
Davide Donnarumma