La Cala

La Cala is the arc of sea between Via Francesco Crispi and the Foro Italico, the oldest port city of Palermo. The Phoenicians were the first to exploit this natural creek. The pier was built between 1300 and 1445 and was the main port of the city until the sixteenth century, when it began the development of the port areas of Saint Lucia (now Borgo Vecchio) and Saint Erasmus. It was once defended by the Sea Castle, built under the Arabs but transformed and reused later as a fortress, prison and home, until the final mutilation of 1922 for the expansion of the new pier. The district that lies behind it is introduced by the St. Mary of the Chain's Church. Currently, the Cala is a marina in the shape of "U", in the heart of the historical center, divided into a space lane, also suitable for long scenic walks and jogging.