Discover Comiso: Architecture, Landscape and Wine

Comiso: Architecture, Landscape and Wine

Comiso brings together architecture, traces of history, landscapes and wine. If you are looking for a place with a variety of cultural and nature-related attractions for your trip to Italy, the options here range from the Castello Aragonese, churches and theatres to parks, a hiking stage and regional tastings.

Historic Traces and Architecture

In the eastern part of the Castello Aragonese stands an octagonal baptistery dedicated to Saint Gregory the Great, with remnants of Byzantine frescoes dating from around the year 1000. In the northern part is the Serlian trifora added in 1728, known as the Loggetta; its walls are decorated with frescoes of landscapes and birds. Documents from the 13th and 14th centuries mention the Castello Aragonese in Comiso.

The Chiesa di San Biagio was rebuilt as a single-nave church in the second half of the 18th century after the 1693 earthquake; traces of its former two side aisles have been preserved. Its façade is made of local stone, and the portal was crafted by local stonemasons. The Chiesa San Giuseppe has a single-nave interior, seven altars and an underground crypt.

The Teatro Naselli has a Dorian-Sicilian portico whose pillars and pediment are made of white stone from Comiso. It has 264 seats and has continuously offered theatre programmes featuring drama, loft and music since 25 November 2000.

The monumental building of the Fondazione Gesualdo Bufalino houses Gesualdo Bufalino’s private library, a permanent bibliographic and documentary exhibition, and a multimedia area. The Terme Romane are the remains of a Roman-Byzantine thermal complex discovered in the second half of the 19th century while excavating the foundations of the present-day town hall. Piazza delle Erbe was formerly the city’s botanical garden and later a vegetable market.

Landscape and Excursion Destinations

The Pagoda Della Pace stands on a hill opposite the plain of Comiso and the former Comiso missile base. It is 16 metres high and has a diameter of 15 metres. The Pino d’Aleppo Nature Reserve extends across the areas of Ragusa, Vittoria and Comiso.

The Cava Porcaro archaeological and nature park covers approximately 27 hectares, lies between the two Torrenti Cucca and Porcaro, and is situated at an elevation of 300 to 400 metres above sea level. It preserves Christian underground catacombs dating from the 4th century AD. The park also has an equipped outdoor area for leisure, picnics and relaxation around ponds, lawns and play areas.

Wine and Regional Routes

The Strada del Vino Cerasuolo di Vittoria is located in the province of Ragusa and extends for approximately 20 kilometres through the municipalities of Vittoria, Comiso and Acate. Along this route, you can visit various wineries and agricultural businesses, where Cerasuolo di Vittoria, Nero d’Avola and Frappato can be tasted.

When planning your accommodation, Comiso can be organised around several specific themes: its historic buildings, cultural offerings, landscapes, Cava Porcaro Park or the wine route. If you are considering a hotel in Comiso, you can prioritise these features according to your travel interests. Another connection is provided by the 36th stage of the Antica Trasversale Sicula, which leads from Comiso to Castello di Donnafugata.

For additional destinations when planning your trip, you can also explore Donnalucata, San Filippo, Marina Di Ragusa, Scoglitti, Ispica, Frigintini, Sampieri and Punta Braccetto.

For the overarching travel overview: Ragusa.