Castello dei Naselli: A Historic Castle in Comiso, Italy

Visitor Information

Google Rating: 4.2

Popularity: Very Low

Google Maps: View on Google Maps

Country: Italy

Civilization: Unclassified

Remains: Military

History

The Castello dei Naselli is located in the heart of Comiso, Italy. Its origins trace back to the period of medieval fortifications, with the initial constructions dating from at least the 13th to 14th centuries, when it formed a key part of the town’s defensive walls.

During the late 14th century, around 1392, control of the castle passed from Federico Speciaro to the Cabrera family, a noble lineage of counts. Later, in 1453, the property changed hands again to Periconio Naselli, who held the title of baron of Mastra. The Naselli family’s connection to the castle deepened when Gaspare Naselli, one of Periconio’s descendants, was named Count of Comiso in 1571 by Philip I of Sicily. From that time onward, the castle served as the primary residence for the Naselli family for several generations.

In 1693, a devastating earthquake struck the region causing significant destruction to the castle, leaving mostly the tower standing. Restoration efforts continued into the early 18th century, culminating in a transformation of the fortress into a noble palace. This architectural and functional change coincided with a visit by Viceroy Cristoforo Fernandez de Cordova, who resided there with his entourage during this period.

Following the arrival of Bourbon rule, the castle fell into neglect and was largely abandoned until the mid-19th century. In 1841, parts of the structure were adapted for new purposes: one section was converted into a theater and eventually handed over to local civic authorities, while the castle’s lower areas were repurposed to serve as a district jail. More recently, in 2024, ownership transferred from the Nifosì family, descendants of the barons of Canalazzi, to the company Multifidi in Comiso, with approval from cultural heritage authorities, marking a new chapter in the castle’s stewardship.

Remains

The Castello dei Naselli displays a complex layout that reflects its evolution from medieval fortress to noble residence, showcasing layers of construction spanning several centuries. The oldest surviving element lies on the eastern side of the complex: an octagonal baptistery dedicated to Saint Gregory the Great, dating approximately to the year 1000. This rare early medieval structure features remnants of frescoes in the Byzantine style, visible on its interior walls. Architecturally, the baptistery rises from an eight-sided base that transitions into a cylindrical upper section, crowned with a finely shaped dome, embodying the period’s religious craftsmanship.

On the northern side, visitors can observe the Loggetta, a refined architectural addition from 1728 designed by Michelangelo Canepa, a notable Genoese architect. This feature is a Serlian trifora, a type of three-part window framed by arches, which opens onto the castle courtyard. The walls of the Loggetta are decorated with frescoes that portray scenic landscapes populated with flying birds, adding an artistic flourish connected to the castle’s 18th-century transformation.

The castle also still possesses two pointed (ogival) portals, one of which is closed off by an iron-studded door dating back to the 15th century. This heavy door is reinforced with large metal studs, serving as a visible reminder of the fortress’s medieval defensive role. Within the internal courtyard stands a sculpted fountain shaft carved from local stone, crafted around 1600. This ornate element highlights the use of regional materials and craftsmanship from the early modern period.

Additionally, a small wall-embedded fountain attributed to the Gagini workshop or its school, renowned for Renaissance sculptures, dates to the 16th century. This fountain adds another layer of artistic heritage to the castle, reflecting the influence of Sicilian Renaissance artisans.

Together, these archaeological and architectural features illustrate the site’s continuous adaptation across eras, preserving important traces of Comiso’s past from early Christian worship through noble residence to civic reuse.