Spuort of the Plague

In the heart of the 17th century, a dark shadow extended over the Kingdom of Naples: the terrible plague epidemic of 1656. San Donato Val di Comino, an integral part of this kingdom, experienced at that time one of the most dramatic moments in its history. Accounts of the time tell of a real demographic catastrophe: out of a population of 2374 souls, as many as 1704 were snatched from life by the disease.

The social fabric was deeply torn apart, with entire families dying out, leaving behind an unbridgeable void. By the end of the epidemic, only 670 Sandonatesi had survived, carrying with them the burden of a collective tragedy. The memory of those fateful days is still alive in historical documents, which preserve the list of surnames that disappeared forever from San Donato Val di Comino because of the plague.

In 1835, another serious epidemic spread through the Comino Valley: cholera. This disease brought with it death and suffering throughout the region. In San Donato Val di Comino, as in the other towns in the valley, the clergy and authorities distinguished themselves for their efforts to support the sick; in fact, faced with the contagion, the wealthiest people in the valley chose to abandon their homes and take refuge in the countryside. The cholera epidemic of 1835-37 was the second largest in Italy in the 19th century, causing a profound social and economic impact. The disease spread rapidly throughout the country, leading to the deaths of thousands of people.

For tourists who wish to discover the history and charm of San Donato Val di Comino, a visit to the "Spuort della Peste" is a must . Entering the heart of the historic center, among the winding alleys and stone houses, it will be possible to come across this striking covered passageway . As you walk along it, you will almost feel the echo of the past, imagining the people who walked through it in past centuries.