PORTABELLA

The Portabella staircase represents a true journey through time and the living memory of Sellia, winding its way through 130 steps to tell centuries of history. Built in the 11th century as the southeast gateway to the ancient fortified village, this majestic staircase led directly to the wide gate from which it takes its name, serving a dual purpose: on one hand, it was a vital artery connecting the town to coastal trade routes, and on the other, a strategic defense barrier against Saracen invasions and a checkpoint to monitor anyone entering the village. Originally carved by hand into raw local stone and seamlessly integrated into the cliffside rock, its appearance changed radically in 1923 during a major renovation. That marked a historic moment for local architecture, as reinforced concrete was used in this area for the very first time—a cutting-edge material at the time that stabilized the slope, turning it into a pioneering public work. Today, walking up the staircase means more than just bridging the gap between the town's two urban souls—the lower district (born in the 1950s following severe landslides) and the historic core; it is also a chance to enjoy breathtaking views that stretch along the Simeri River valley all the way to the blue waters of the Gulf of Squillace, keeping alive the unbreakable bond between 20th-century engineering and the timeless charm of the ancient medieval fortress.