Comiso history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the city of Comiso is rooted in deep antiquity. Archaeological findings indicate that the territory was inhabited as early as the time of the Sicels. The city's origins are often linked to the ancient Greek colony of Kasmenai, founded by Syracusans in the 7th century BC as a military outpost in the island's interior.

The Romans left a significant mark on history, evidenced by discovered mosaics and the remains of thermal structures. During the Byzantine period, the settlement was fortified, and under Arab rule, it received a name close to its modern one and began to expand around the fortress walls.

Key Factors of Development

The development of the city in the south of Italy (on the island of Sicily) was determined by several important circumstances:

• Strategic Geography: Its location at the foot of the Hyblaean Mountains ensured control over fertile valleys and trade routes connecting the island's interior with the coast.
• Feudal Governance: A crucial stage in the city's history was the rule of the Naselli dynasty. From the 15th century, this family, having received the title of Counts, contributed to the economic and architectural flourishing of Comiso, transforming it into a significant administrative centre.
• Religious Influence: The construction of majestic temples and monasteries, especially after the devastating earthquake of 1693, formed the city's unique architectural appearance.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of early Comiso was based on agriculture. Thanks to fertile soils, the cultivation of grains, olives, and grapes flourished here. Arab influence introduced new irrigation technologies and crops, such as citrus fruits and cotton.

Culturally, the city has always been a crossroads of civilisations. After the earthquake of the late 17th century, Comiso was rebuilt in the Sicilian Baroque style, which is today the region's hallmark and attracts architecture connoisseurs from around the world.

Key Historical Milestones

• 4th Century AD — The first permanent settlement forms around the ancient monastery of San Nicola on the site of modern-day Comiso.
• 827 — With the arrival of the Arabs, the settlement receives the name "Joms" and a powerful impulse for agricultural development.
• 1392 — The lands come under the control of the powerful Counts of Cabrera, rulers of neighbouring Modica.
• 1453 — The fiefdom is purchased by the Naselli family, whose rule would define the city's architectural and political character for centuries to come.
• 1571 — The settlement officially receives the status of a barony, significantly increasing its administrative prestige.
• 1693 — A devastating earthquake in the Val di Noto valley destroys medieval buildings, initiating reconstruction in the Sicilian Baroque style.
• 1778 — Construction is completed on the majestic dome of the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Stelle, one of the city's symbols.
• 1860 — Following Garibaldi's landing in Sicily, the city joins the unification process, entering the Kingdom of Italy.
• 1939 — The Vincenzo Magliocco military airfield is commissioned, becoming an important strategic facility.
• 1943 — During World War II, the city is subjected to Allied aerial bombings prior to the Allied invasion of Sicily.
• 1981 — The airfield is selected as a base for NATO cruise missiles, turning the city into a focal point for the global pacifist movement.
• 1991 — Following the end of the Cold War, the military base is liquidated, and the facility conversion process begins.
• 2013 — The airport officially opens for civil aviation, becoming the region's new tourist gateway.

Stages of the City's Formation and Transformation

The evolution of the city of Comiso represents a journey from a fortified feudal settlement to a modern transport and cultural hub in the south of Italy. Key development stages have shaped its unique economic and architectural appearance.

• Consolidation of Power by the Naselli Dynasty (15th–16th Centuries).

  Significance: The transition of the city under the administration of the Naselli family was a turning point in urban planning. From a scattered medieval settlement, Comiso turned into a structured city. The castle was rebuilt into an aristocratic residence, which attracted artisans and merchants to the city, laying the foundation for the local economy.

• Baroque Reconstruction after 1693.

  Significance: Recovery from the devastating earthquake defined the modern visual appearance of the city. The large-scale construction of churches (such as Santa Maria delle Stelle) and palaces in the Sicilian Baroque style not only restored the housing stock but also created a monumental heritage that is today the main magnet for cultural tourism.

• Industrialisation of Stone Mining (18th–19th Centuries).

  Significance: The active development of hard limestone deposits, known as "Comiso stone", became an economic driver. This durable and aesthetic material was used for paving streets and constructing buildings throughout Sicily, ensuring employment for the population and an influx of capital into the city treasury.

• Development of Civil Infrastructure (Late 19th Century).

  Significance: During this period, the city acquired the features of a modern administrative centre. The construction of the municipal theatre (Teatro Naselli), a covered market, and public schools testified to the growth of prosperity and a shift in focus from ecclesiastical construction to the secular and public needs of the citizens.

• Airport Conversion (Early 21st Century).

  Significance: The transformation of the former military facility into the Pio La Torre civil airport (opened for commercial flights in 2013) radically changed the region's logistics. This event brought the city out of local isolation, making it an important air gateway for tourists visiting south-eastern Sicily.

Urban Appearance and Development

The architectural landscape of the city was formed over centuries, creating a unique dialogue between strict medieval planning and the vibrant splendour of Sicilian Baroque. The urban structure developed polycentrically: secular life bustled around the feudal castle, while spiritual life centred around majestic temples that set the vertical dominants of the city panorama. The local stone, possessing a warm golden hue, lends a special atmosphere to the streets.

Main Styles and Eras

The changing historical milestones are clearly traced in the city's appearance, each leaving its mark in stone:

• Middle Ages and Renaissance (until the 17th Century): This period is represented by the layout of the oldest quarters with their narrow, winding streets. The architecture bears a defensive character, gradually softening with Renaissance elements, as seen in the transformation of fortress structures into aristocratic residences.
• Sicilian Baroque (18th Century): After the earthquake of 1693, the city experienced a construction boom. This style became the region's hallmark: building facades were adorned with intricate carvings, convex balconies with wrought-iron grilles, and theatrical staircases turning urban space into a stage.
• Neoclassicism and Liberty Style (19th–20th Centuries): The time of the appearance of public buildings and bourgeois mansions. Architecture became more restrained and symmetrical, with an emphasis on order systems and the elegant floral decor of the early 20th century.

Iconic Architectural Monuments

A symbol of the continuity of eras is the Naselli Castle (Castello dei Naselli). Retaining Byzantine and Norman features at its core, it was significantly rebuilt during the Aragonese rule and the Renaissance. Particular attention is drawn to the elegant portal and the octagonal tower, demonstrating the transition from severe fortification to palace aesthetics.

The pinnacle of Baroque craftsmanship is the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Stelle (the Mother Church). Its slender facade and soaring dome dominate the centre. No less impressive is the Church of the Annunciation (Chiesa dell’Annunziata), led to by a wide monumental staircase—a typical technique of Baroque architects to enhance the grandeur of the temple.

The centre of public life, Piazza Fonte Diana, is surrounded by buildings of a later period. Here, the Town Hall (Palazzo Comunale) stands out, executed in a strict Neoclassical style that harmoniously contrasts with the Baroque surroundings, completing the architectural portrait of the city.

Famous Natives and Residents

The city of Comiso became the birthplace of many outstanding individuals who left a bright mark on the art, science, and spiritual life not only of Sicily but of all Europe. Their heritage is carefully preserved in local museums, libraries, and street names.

• Pietro Palazzo (1570–1648)

  Priest, educator, and architect.
  An outstanding figure of the 17th century, founder of the Oratorian congregation in the city. He played a key role in the spiritual renewal of society and initiated the construction of several significant buildings, including the Church of San Filippo Neri.

• Biagio Pace (1889–1955)

  Archaeologist, historian, and statesman.
  One of the most authoritative researchers of antiquity. His fundamental work "Art and Civilization of Ancient Sicily" became a reference book for generations of historians. Pace also actively participated in political life, contributing to the development of the region.

• Salvatore Fiume (1915–1997)

  Painter, sculptor, playwright, and set designer.
  A master of world renown whose works have been exhibited in the largest museums on the planet, from New York to Moscow. Despite international success, he maintained a close connection with his homeland, gifting the city a collection of his works.

• Gesualdo Bufalino (1920–1996)

  Writer, poet, and translator.
  An intellectual and laureate of the prestigious Strega Prize. Having worked for a long time as a simple teacher, he found fame in his mature years. His novels, imbued with love for his native land and philosophical reflections, are considered classics of 20th-century Italian literature.

• Salvatore Adamo (born 1943)

  Singer and composer.
  Although his family emigrated to Belgium when he was a child, this world-famous chansonnier always proudly recalls his origins. Adamo is one of the most commercially successful musicians, having sold more than 100 million records worldwide, glorifying Italy beyond its borders.