Discover what to visit in Valle di Comino: guide to villages, excursions, history and gastronomy
If you are looking for ideas on which villages to visit in Comino Valley and surroundings, our guide offers interesting ideas for organising your weekend. You can enjoy hiking in nature, visit historical sites and taste excellent local gastronomy - everything here is km 0!
An open-air museum: the history of the Comino Valley goes back to prehistoric times
La Comino Valley is located in lower Lazio, halfway between Rome and Naples, and is well worth exploring. This area, between Campania, Abruzzo and Molise, boasts ancient villages, medieval fortresses, mountain pastures and indigenous vineyards. The magical Val di Comino is an enchanting valley nestled between the majestic mountains of the Abruzzo Apennines and the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise. Here you can immerse yourself in an ancient and authentic world of traditions and breathtaking landscapes, only 60 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Rome. Choose to live an unforgettable experience among the enchanted villages and hidden treasures of the Val di Comino.
La Comino Valley has origins dating back to prehistory, Livy and Dionysius of Halicarnassus speak of it in connection with the Third Samnite War, with reference to the destruction of the city of Cominium, in 293 BC. Even today it is still an open-air museum, ideal for an archaeo-trekking on the traces of Roman rule, from the polygonal walls of Atina to those of Vicalvi. Or you can take touring trips to medieval castles and monasteries, perhaps as far as Montecassino, following in the footsteps of St Benedict.
Explore the Comino Valley: a legendary journey through idyllic landscapes
The evocative Comino Valley will take you on an unforgettable journey through idyllic landscapes, still reminiscent of Moravia's verses and the neo-realist scenes of De Sica (who was born in Sora). The picturesque Comino Valley will take you on an unforgettable journey through idyllic landscapes, inspired by the verses of Moravia and the neo-realist scenes of De Sica (who was born in Sora). You will explore the roads once trodden by brigands and pilgrims, orators and philosophers such as Marcus Tullius Cicero (who was also born here), minstrels and singers. Dive into the life of yesteryear, walking at a slow pace and with a light heart: the Valle di Comino awaits you!
This guide will give you just a foretaste of all the things you can discover in the beautiful Comino Valley. You can organise out-of-town trips from Naples and Rome, or immerse yourself in longer stays, exploring the heart of the Peninsula in search of the most ancient flavours, or even treat yourself to a trip steeped in nostalgia, discovering the slow and authentic Italy that knows how to make you feel at home wherever you are. That is why the sincere and warm welcome of this land is its greatest calling card.
What to see in the Comino Valley
Atina
Atina is a charming municipality with a population of about 5,000, located at the entrance to the Val Comino coming from Cassino. The historic centre dates back to the late Middle Ages, and the town is divided into three parts: the Colle, Atina Inferiore (or Ponte Melfa) and the historic centre itself. According to legend, Atina was founded by Saturn along with other “saturnie” towns such as Arpino, Anagni, Alatri and Ferentino.
Atina was first under the control of the Samnites and then under that of Rome, and much evidence of this past can still be found in the area today, such as the polygonal walls. In the “Archaeological Museum of Atina and the Comino Valley”you can find out more about the history of the city and the surrounding area.
Among the things to see in the historic centre of Atina are the Cathedral of St Mary of the Assumption, the former Convent of St Francis and the Ducal Palace located in Piazza Saturno, which houses a beautiful mosaic depicting Samnite warriors. In addition, there are other fine buildings such as the Palazzo Visocchi, the Palazzo Marrazza and the Palazzo Prepositurale in Piazza Marconi.
In summer, don't miss the Atina Jazz Festival and the International Folklore Festival. If you are a food and wine enthusiast, you absolutely must include Atina in your Comino Valley food and wine tour. The town is famous for the Cannellino Bean PDO and wine Atina Cabernet DOC, which are true local treasures. Thanks to the agronomist Pasquale Visocchi, who imported some renowned French grape varieties such as Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah, wine culture developed in Atina. The Atina Cabernet DOC wine is a fine nectar, with a ruby colour and fruity scent, that is worth the trip to the Valle di Comino.