Photo © Giorgio Galeotti

Comano

Immersed in the green mountains of the Lunigiana

Comano is an area immersed in green landscapes, located in a narrow valley along the slopes of the Caporaghena Alps. Its small factions are ideal starting points for spectacular nature walks to discover the region's surrounding beauty. The municipality’s namesake town is found in a slender valley bordering the Taverne torrent, a zone that housed the areas early settlements. The area boasts archeological finds from centuries ago; records describing the town of Comano date to the 14th century. Throughout the following century, the Este family took charge of the town; after about two hundred years it became property of the Malaspina, the most powerful family of the Lunigiana. The town finally passed under Florentine control, which guaranteed a long period of political and economic stability.

What to see in Comano

The most famous attraction of the area is surely the hilltop cylindrical tower, which is all that remains of the 11th-century Malaspina Castle.

Another treasure worth visiting is the Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta in the hamlet of Crespiano. Like many churches in this part of Tuscany, the structure is both Lombard and Romanesque in form and is truly a meeting point between land and culture (the synthesis of architectural elements is still visible today even under the Baroque features later added to the church interior).

Not too far from the residential center, in an arduous area, you'll find the ruins of the Groppo di San Pietro Castle, once a Guelf stronghold that opposed the Malaspina family.

The most famous attraction of the area is surely the hilltop cylindrical tower, which is all that remains of the 11th-century Malaspina Castle.

Not too far from the residential center, in an arduous area, you'll find the ruins of the Groppo di San Pietro Castle, once a Guelf stronghold that opposed the Malaspina family.

Nearby

The best way to explore the beautiful area of Comano, within the Lunigiana, is to cross it on foot. Discover lush nature and become totally immersed in the green mountains of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine National Park. The hamlets of the municipality are perfect starting points for embarking on beautiful excursions and perhaps even admiring the remarkable panorama that can be seen from the Lagastrello Pass.

In the hamlet of Camporaghena, you can admire the traditional craftsmanship of the Lunigiana people with their stonework art. There are numerous portals that are rich in friezes and coats of arms. You can also see sculptures of grotesque figures that served as embellishments on palaces to keep evil spirits at bay.

Events

Every September, there's an event for lovers of the equestrian world: the Comano Cavalli equine festival. During this event, visitors can attend lectures, shows, folkloristic events and a market of typical Lunigiana products.

Typical dishes and products

You can also taste the excellent products of typical Lunigiana cuisine. These products will amaze you, including testaroli, focaccette with salami, Lunigiana DOP honey, famous poledro and many other delights. Traditional sweets include carscenta, a sort of focaccia with aniseed, raisins, and pine nuts.