Scialandro Rock
Sapri’s symbolic islet with the bronze Spigolatrice (1994)
Scoglio dello Scialandro, Sapri SA 84073
The placement on the Scialandro dates to June 25, 1994; the author is sculptor Gennaro Ricco.
Luigi Mercantini’s 1858 poem—written in memory of the 1857 expedition—made the Spigolatrice an icon of the Italian Risorgimento.
Lo Scoglio dello Scialandro is a rocky islet off Sapri. Since June 25, 1994 it has hosted the bronze statue of the Spigolatrice by Gennaro Ricco: a tribute to Luigi Mercantini’s verses dedicated to Carlo Pisacane’s 1857 expedition. The rock is clearly seen from viewpoints along the SS18 and from the “Apprezzami l’Asino” trail, and it’s one of the Gulf of Policastro’s most iconic vistas.
Why visit
To take in landscape, Risorgimento memory and public art at a glance. Late-afternoon light and the cliff line offer evocative photos and an ideal context to understand Sapri’s bond with Mercantini’s poem.
How to get there
On foot: from the center walk to the harbor, then continue along SS18 towards Maratea to the scenic pullouts. By car: SS18 towards Maratea, stop only where allowed. By sea: visible and photographable during boat/kayak outings in favorable weather conditions.
Useful tips
- Bring a medium telephoto lens or binoculars to isolate the statue.
- Best light: afternoon golden hour.
- Safety: shoot only from authorized pullouts; SS18 is busy.
Nearby
- Sapri Harbor
- “Apprezzami l’Asino” trail
Poem
La Spigolatrice di Sapri
Luigi Mercantini
Eran trecento, eran giovani e forti,
e sono morti!
Me ne andava al mattino a spigolare
quando ho visto una barca in mezzo al mare:
era una barca che andava a vapore,
e alzava una bandiera tricolore.
All'isola di Ponza si è fermata,
è stata un poco e poi si è ritornata;
s'è ritornata ed è venuta a terra;
sceser con l'armi, e a noi non fecer guerra.
Eran trecento, eran giovani e forti,
e sono morti!
Frequently asked questions
There are no public walkways or access points: it’s enjoyed as a panorama from land or from the sea (safely and in favorable weather).
Yes, it can be seen from the coastal road (SS18) and roadside viewpoints.
No: on the rock is the 1994 bronze Spigolatrice by Gennaro Ricco. On the seafront there is a second statue inaugurated in 2021 (by Emanuele Stifano).