Portacomaro – Ricetto, Churches and Culture

Portacomaro is a destination for travelers who want to include historic churches and the layout of a fortified part of town in their trip. The Ricetto, San Pietro and San Bartolomeo reveal different architectural and historical aspects; there is also a local brotherhood tradition, the annual Sagra del Caritin and individual activities available on request. If you are looking for a hotel, you can first plan your stay around these themes: historic architecture, religious traditions or an activity in the vineyard. When planning, pay particular attention to San Pietro’s visiting hours, the date of the Sagra and advance confirmation of the yoga activity.

The Ricetto and the Medieval Townscape

Il Ricetto in Portacomaro dates back to the 10th or 11th century and is a walled, fortified complex. It served to protect the town’s houses, warehouses, granaries and important buildings. This function brings together residential and storage buildings with other important structures, making the Ricetto’s role as a protected area clear. The buildings stand about ten metres above the level of Piazza Marconi. This helps place the complex’s elevation in relation to a specific square in the town. This link between fortification and protection is a distinct focus in the town’s history alongside its churches.

San Pietro: Romanesque Architecture and Crypt

San Pietro was built around 1130. The rectangular building is in the Lombard Romanesque style and has a gabled structure. It is 13.86 metres long and 4.80 metres wide, making it almost three times as long as it is wide. These dimensions illustrate its elongated shape, while its style and form draw attention to its Romanesque architecture. The church also has a crypt, accessible through a trapdoor in front of the portal. Access is limited to certain times: from April to October, San Pietro is open on the first Sunday of each month; the church can be opened year-round on request, but is usually closed. Check access for your preferred date in advance.

Other Churches and Historical Layers

Today’s parish church, San Bartolomeo, offers a different historical perspective. The former building was demolished along with two adjoining houses and a section of wall below it; the present church was built in 1699–1700. It preserves a side altar of the Rosary dating from around 1654. The altar is therefore older than the current church building. Together with San Pietro, built around 1130, it reveals the span of time represented by Portacomaro’s churches.

The Chiesa dei Battuti (Batì) stands on the Ricetto in Località Rosa and is the traditional home of the local Confraternity of the Disciplines. It adds a local religious tradition to the architectural history: the focus here is the church’s connection with the confraternity, rather than a description of its layout or dimensions. Those interested in the town’s cultural life will find, alongside its church buildings, a connection to the history of the local community.

The Sagra and Activities

The annual Sagra del Caritin is also linked to religious traditions. A temporary Mass is held in the church square. During the service, the “carità” offered by the faithful and intended for auction are blessed. The celebration offers a distinct reason to visit, in addition to seeing the churches. If you would like to experience the Sagra, check the event date before your trip.

The Cammino di Sant'Evasio leads to the Sant'Evasio Chapel in the Miravalle area, on the border between Portacomaro and Asti. The chapel’s location in the border area is a point of interest for visitors who want to include the route and its destination in their trip. Yoga in the vineyard is also offered on request at Produttori di Portacomaro; advance confirmation is required.

When looking for a hotel in Portacomaro, you can first decide what you want your trip to focus on: the Ricetto and churches, the Sagra or an enquiry about yoga in the vineyard. You can then plan your visit around San Pietro’s opening hours, the Sagra’s date or the required confirmation of the yoga activity.

Discover more destinations: Castagnole Delle Lanze, San Paolo Solbrito, Castelnuovo Don Bosco, Casalotto, Motta Di Costigliole, Mombaruzzo, Nizza Monferrato, Castel Rocchero.

For the overview of the wider area: Asti.