San Donato Val di Comino

A picturesque medieval village on the carbonate rock cliffs of Monte Pizzuto

The town is made up of two large sections or "Rioni": Rione Castello is the oldest one and includes the area within the castle walls (nowadays incorporated in the structure of the houses), with severe gates to access it; Rione Valle is the section outside of the castrum walls.

Population: 2,192 Sandonatesi
Elevation: 730 m

Excursions
Walks in the old town: Rioni, Spuort, keystones, votive aediculae.
Springs itinerary.

Historic sites
The medieval tower erected to defend the castrum, which was called "Castrum Sancti Donati" (San Donato was a local shrine). Rione Castello and its severe access gates (Porta Orologio, Arco di San Donato and Porta del Colle). Stairs, alleys, steep cobblestone streets, votive aediculae dedicated to the Virgin, and the typical "Spuort" (covered passageways). In Rione Valle: the Dome of Santa Maria e San Marcello Papa, the solar clock in Piazza Carlo Coletti.

Interesting facts and places
The town is characterized by limestone works created by local stonecutters, such as stairways, Baroque portals, friezes, keystones and ornamental masks.

Celebrations
San Donato Vescovo e Martire, Patron Saint (August 6th, 7th and 8th), Santa Costanza Martire (last Sunday of August): on this day, a traditional pottery and onions market takes place in the streets.

Traditions
"Estate Sandonatese": a national festival presenting theatre plays, art and painting exhibitions. Palio della Lotta on the last Saturday of August. "Natale Insieme": nativity scenes in the Rioni. Peasant festival in September.
Stonecraft, woodworks, wrought iron craft.

Gastronomy
Abbuoti (rolled lamb entrails), calascioni (puff pastry panzerotti filled with eggs and pecorino cheese), salsicce a punta di coltello sotto strutto (handmade sausages preserved in lard), onion dish on Santa Costanza's Day