Today we want to take a trip back in time, to a year that for our community of San Donato Val di Comino marks the beginning of a thousand-year history: way back in 778 A.D. It is in this special month that we ideally celebrate the "birth" of the original nucleus of our beloved village, an event that has shaped its identity and destiny through the centuries.
It was a gesture of great historical significance that marked this starting point: the donation, by the Lombard Duke Ildebrando of Spoleto, to the powerful and influential Monastery of San Vincenzo al Volturno, of what was then the church of San Donato and its vast surrounding territory. This act was not just a simple transaction, but laid the foundation for the creation of a settlement that would soon flourish and take on a more definite form.
That first core, steeped in faith and strategically positioned, consolidated over time, evolving into what would be officially recognized as Castrum Sancti Donati as early as 1269. A name that evokes fortifications, community and a distinct identity, a place marked from its origins by a deep interconnection between history, religious devotion and an innate spirit of courage and resilience.
Over the centuries, our Castrum has seen some of the most illustrious and influential dynasties on the Italian scene take turns at its rule: from the powerful Conti dei Marsi, who consolidated its structure, to the d'Aquino nobles, whose vicissitudes are intertwined with the great history of the South, to the Cantelmo family, who left a significant imprint on the architecture and administration of the territory. Each lineage contributed to weaving the complex and fascinating web of our history, leaving visible marks in the urban fabric and local culture.
As evidence of this deep and ancient Benedictine origin, an unbreakable bond with the Monastery of St. Vincent al Volturno that provided the spiritual and organizational foundations of the village, even today the proprietor of our shrine proudly retains the traditional title of "abbot-parish priest." An echo of a distant past that continues to resonate in our traditions and faith.
It is with immense pride and deep affection that today we extend our warmest wishes to our beloved village! San Donato Val di Comino, for no less than 1247 years the beating heart of our history, continues to be a place where the past dialogues with the present, where every alley, every stone, every glimpse tells centuries of life, faith and community. A priceless heritage that we are proud to celebrate and cherish.
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We will accompany you to discover the most picturesque places in the village, telling you their history and revealing their hidden treasures.
