Comano: Historic Sites, Mountain Views and Regional Cuisine

Historic Traces and Regional Themes

The themes in Comano range from the medieval tower ruins and regional specialities to hiking destinations, natural sites and an event in September. Torsana, with its historical and scenic attractions, is also one of the places you can consider when travelling to Comano. The individual destinations focus on different themes: history, regional cuisine, views, hiking, wildlife observation, waterfalls, lakes and events.

History in Comano and Torsana

A cylindrical tower ruin stands on a hill. It is the surviving part of the 11th-century Castello Malaspina and a characteristic landmark of Comano. The first documented records of the town of Comano date back to the 9th century.

The Church of San Giacomo Maggiore in Torsana was built in the 12th century. From the church square of the Church of San Giacomo Maggiore, you may be able to observe golden eagles that nest on Punta Buffanaro. Torsana has been part of the Parco Nazionale dell’Appennino Tosco-Emiliano since 2010.

Regional Cuisine

If you would like to discover regional cuisine, Pattona di Comano is a bread made from chestnut flour. Pattona di Comano is baked in a wood-fired oven wrapped in chestnut leaves. Pattona di Comano is produced in Lunigiana, particularly in the municipality of Comano in the province of Massa-Carrara. In Comano, testaroli are part of the typical cuisine of Lunigiana and can be sampled there.

Hiking, Views and Landscape

Comano’s Big Bench No. 153 was installed in 2021 on the road to Passo del Lagastrello. From Big Bench No. 153, the view extends from the mountains of the Parco Nazionale dell’Appennino Tosco-Emiliano to the Alpi Apuane. The districts of Comano are starting points for walks and hikes to the scenic Passo del Lagastrello.

The Cascata di Torsana is a 10-metre-high waterfall in the municipality of Comano. The approach to the Cascata di Torsana begins at the cemetery of Torsana. The trail is classified as an E-grade hiking route and takes approximately 30 minutes. Those planning short routes with specific natural destinations can include the Cascata di Torsana alongside walks and hikes to Passo del Lagastrello.

Lago Paduli is artificial in origin and lies at approximately 1,157 metres above sea level. This means that a lake at a clearly defined elevation is also among the scenic destinations around Comano.

Event in September

In September, Comano hosts the equestrian event Comano Cavalli. It includes conferences, demonstrations, folkloric performances and a market with typical products from Lunigiana. The programme thus combines equestrian themes, regional culture and products from Lunigiana within this event. In September, the Comano Cavalli event represents a distinct point in Comano’s annual calendar.

Other places: Zeri, Bagnone, Pontremoli

For the overarching travel overview: Massa-Carrara.