Il Castle of the Naselli d'Aragona is one of the most important historical buildings in Comiso. The probable construction of the castle took place around the 12th century, thanks to the testimony of several documents from the 13th century which mention its presence. It remained the residence of the noble Naselli family for a long time until, in 1693, the devastating earthquake.
Architecture
Although a large part of the castle was destroyed by the earthquake of 1693, it is still possible to admire several remains dating back to the early years of the 11th century, as well as having numerous documents that clearly describe the original structure. At the time, he owned a drawbridge which guaranteed protection for access, isolating itself from the territory in front to avoid any attacks. On the right of the current building it is still possible to admire the most historical part, represented by a baptistery containing several frescoes dating back to the Byzantine era. On the north side there is instead one Eighteenth-century loggia with further frescoes depicting landscapes and animals. The internal gardens make up a suggestive scenario, with several fountains of the fifteenth and seventeenth centuries, which blend perfectly with the surrounding greenery.
References:The Church of St Donatus name refers to Donatus of Zadar, who began construction on this church in the 9th century and ended it on the northeastern part of the Roman forum. It is the largest Pre-Romanesque building in Croatia.
The beginning of the building of the church was placed to the second half of the 8th century, and it is supposed to have been completed in the 9th century. The Zadar bishop and diplomat Donat (8th and 9th centuries) is credited with the building of the church. He led the representations of the Dalmatian cities to Constantinople and Charles the Great, which is why this church bears slight resemblance to Charlemagne's court chapels, especially the one in Aachen, and also to the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna. It belongs to the Pre-Romanesque architectural period.
The circular church, formerly domed, is 27 m high and is characterised by simplicity and technical primitivism.