Castle of the Naselli d’Aragona
The Castle of the Naselli d’Aragona is a medieval fortress at the centre of Comiso, a town in the Province of Ragusa in south-eastern Sicily. Originally built as a stronghold for the Norman-era lords of the territory, it was substantially expanded and refined by the Naselli d’Aragona family — the counts who ruled Comiso for several centuries — and remains the most important historic monument in the town, now partially open to the public as a cultural heritage site.
- Type
- Medieval feudal castle
- Period
- Medieval origins; major expansions 14th–16th century under the Naselli d’Aragona family
- Style
- Medieval military architecture with later Renaissance modifications
- Location
- Piazza del Municipio, 97013 Comiso RG, Sicily, Italy
- Coordinates
- 36.9475° N, 14.6012° E
- Current use
- Partially open cultural heritage site; portions used for civic functions
At a glance
- Type
- Medieval feudal castle
- Period
- Medieval origins; expansions 14th–16th century
- Style
- Medieval military and late-Gothic Sicilian architecture
- Location
- Comiso, Province of Ragusa, south-eastern Sicily, Italy
Overview
Standing at the heart of Comiso’s historic centre, the Castle of the Naselli d’Aragona has dominated the town’s main square for centuries, functioning as the political and physical anchor of the feudal community. Comiso itself is a town of notable antiquity, with Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Arab layers beneath its Baroque surface, and the castle’s history reflects the succession of powers that controlled this fertile corner of the Hyblean plateau. Today the castle is one of the key heritage assets along the Val di Noto cultural itinerary of south-eastern Sicily.
History
The earliest fortification on the site likely dates to the Norman period following the conquest of Sicily in the late 11th century, when the territory of Comiso was granted as a fief. The Naselli family, who later adopted the title d’Aragona in recognition of their Aragonese allegiances, took possession of the county and progressively enlarged and fortified the castle through the 14th to 16th centuries. The complex served as the centre of feudal administration and court life for the County of Comiso until the abolition of feudalism in Sicily in the early 19th century, after which it passed through various hands and suffered partial abandonment.
What you see
The castle’s surviving fabric includes a cylindrical tower — its most distinctive element — along with sections of curtain wall, a gatehouse, and internal courtyards. The architecture shows traces of different construction phases: the rougher medieval masonry of the lower courses gives way to more refined late-Gothic and Renaissance stonework in the upper sections. The main square around the castle is surrounded by Baroque buildings that contrast with the castle’s more austere military character, creating a visually rich historic ensemble.
Cultural significance
The Castle of the Naselli d’Aragona is a listed heritage monument under Italian law (Codice dei Beni Culturali) and represents a rare surviving example of feudal Sicilian castle architecture in the Val di Noto area, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape celebrated chiefly for its Baroque towns. Together with the Baroque churches and the ancient thermal baths of Comiso, it forms the nucleus of the town’s historical identity.
Practical information
Access to the castle may be limited or require arrangement through the Comune di Comiso or local cultural associations. Check the official Comune di Comiso website for current visiting conditions, as restoration works have affected public access in recent years. The surrounding piazza and exterior are freely viewable at all times.
Getting there
Comiso is located in the Province of Ragusa in south-eastern Sicily, approximately 15 km north-west of Ragusa and 10 km from Comiso Airport (CIY), which serves several European routes. From Ragusa, buses and local roads connect to Comiso in about 30 minutes. The castle is in the town centre on Piazza del Municipio, within easy walking distance of the bus stop. Parking is available on the surrounding streets.
Sources & resources
Find it on the map
See this place and what’s around it →📷 Diventa un fotografo di Cultural Heritage Online
Condividi le tue foto dei luoghi: restano pubblicate con la tua firma come autore. Più vengono viste, più ti fai conoscere — e presto un concorso premierà le foto più apprezzate.
Accedi o registrati gratis per aggiungere una foto