Comiso – Architecture, Nature and Wine Culture

A trip to Comiso can appeal to a range of interests: architecture, archaeology, scenery and regional wine culture. Historic buildings and their different construction phases shape the town’s cultural character, while a nature reserve, park and wine route offer further options to consider when planning your trip.

Castello Aragonese and its frescoes

Documents from the 13th and 14th centuries mention the Castello Aragonese in Comiso. One of its distinctive features is an octagonal baptistery in the eastern section, dedicated to Saint Gregory the Great. It contains surviving fragments of Byzantine frescoes dating to around the year 1000. A Serlian three-light window was added to the northern section in 1728. Known as the Loggetta, its walls are decorated with frescoes depicting landscapes and birds. The two areas thus differ in their location within the Castello, their decoration and their historical dates.

Churches and theatre

The Chiesa di San Biagio reflects a change in its architectural history: after the 1693 earthquake, it was rebuilt as a single-nave church in the second half of the 18th century. Traces of its former two side aisles remain. Its local-stone façade includes a portal made by local stonemasons. The Chiesa San Giuseppe is notable for its single-nave layout, seven altars and underground crypt.

The Teatro Naselli also combines architectural features with a cultural programme. Its Doric-Sicilian portico has pillars and a pediment made of white stone from Comiso. The theatre has 264 seats and has offered a continuous programme of theatre, loft and music since 25 November 2000. Check the current programme separately if you are planning a visit around it.

Town history and archaeology

The monumental building of the Fondazione Gesualdo Bufalino houses the writer’s private library, a permanent bibliographic and documentary exhibition, and a multimedia area. These offer different ways to explore his work and estate.

Piazza delle Erbe has had several uses over time: it was first the town’s botanical garden and later a vegetable market. The Terme Romane reveal another historical layer. The surviving remains belong to a Roman-Byzantine thermal complex. They were discovered in the second half of the 19th century, when the foundations of today’s town hall were being excavated.

Landscape, park and wine route

The Pagoda Della Pace stands on a hill overlooking the plain of Comiso and the former Comiso missile base. At 16 metres high and 15 metres in diameter, its dimensions are easy to compare. The Pino d’Aleppo Nature Reserve extends across the territories of Ragusa, Vittoria and Comiso.

The Cava Porcaro archaeological and natural park covers around 27 hectares. It lies between the Torrenti Cucca and Porcaro at an altitude of 300 to 400 metres above sea level and preserves Christian underground catacombs dating from the 4th century AD. An equipped outdoor area with ponds, lawns and play areas is intended for leisure, picnics and relaxation. Facilities may change, so check the current situation before your visit. Stage 36 of the Antica Trasversale Sicula runs from Comiso to Castello di Donnafugata; if you are planning this route, check the route details before setting off.

The Strada del Vino Cerasuolo di Vittoria runs for about 20 kilometres through the municipalities of Vittoria, Comiso and Acate in the Province of Ragusa. Various wineries and agricultural businesses can be visited along the regional route. There, you can taste Cerasuolo di Vittoria, Nero d’Avola and Frappato. Availability at individual businesses may vary, so arrange visits and tastings directly with the relevant business in advance.

Discover more destinations: Scoglitti, Modica, Cannizzara, Santa Croce Camerina, Ispica, Santa Maria Del Focallo, Donnafugata, Campanella-gianforma.

For the overview of the wider area: Ragusa.