Godega di Sant'Urbano
Godega di Sant'Urbano: a historic municipality in the heart of Treviso province
Godega di Sant'Urbano, also known as Vódega in Venetian dialect, is an Italian municipality with a population of 5,962 located in the province of Treviso. Situated along the Strada statale 13 Pontebbana, this small town is equidistant from the municipalities of Conegliano, Vittorio Veneto, and Sacile.
Origin of the name
The toponym Godega was first mentioned in a document from 972, where the terms "in circuitu Gudagae" and "de ipsa curte supra nominata Gudago" were used. The name appears to derive from the adjective "gothicus," a testament to the Gothic settlement present in the area during the period of barbarian invasions.
History
However, human presence in the territory of Godega can be traced back to prehistoric times, with archaeological finds from both the Venetian and Roman eras. In the 13th century, under the rule of the Da Camino family, the town developed around the Pozzo della Regola, which still marks the oldest residential nucleus of the municipality. The Regola, an assembly of household heads who met to deliberate on administrative, utility, and public order matters, was the foundation of the community's growth, which over time saw the development of significant events such as the Ancient Fair.
After having been part of the podesteria of Sacile, Godega came under the control of the Republic of Venice and subsequently of the Lombardo-Veneto Kingdom. In 1867, with its annexation to the Kingdom of Italy, the toponym Godega was appended with the name "di Sant'Urbano" to distinguish it from the municipality of Godego (which was renamed Castello di Godego).
Monuments and places of interest
The artistic and cultural heritage of Godega di Sant'Urbano is replete with religious and civil architecture of great historical value.
Religious architecture
Among the most important churches in the municipality are the Church of Santa Margherita, located in the center of Godega, and the Campanile of Godega. Other noteworthy churches are the Church of San Martino Vecchia and Nuova in Bibano, the Church of San Lorenzo in Pianzano, and the Chapel of San Giuseppe in Pianzano. Additionally, there are the Church of San Biagio in Baver, the Church of Santa Maria Ausiliatrice in Levada, and the Church of San Giovanni Battista alle Campanelle in Levada.
Civil architecture
The municipality of Godega di Sant'Urbano is home to several Venetian villas of great historical and artistic interest. Among these are the Villa Benedetti Pera Riello Favero in Pianzano, the Villa Cavalieri Costantini Gasparinetti Burei Marinotti in Baver, the Villa Amalteo Lucheschi in Pianzano, the Casa Gava Salamon, also known as Casa Corva, in Godega, and the Villa Savorgnan in Bibano.
In addition to religious and civil architecture, Godega di Sant'Urbano hosts an important historical symbol. The Pozzo della Regola, restored in 2004, dates back to the 13th century and is located in the old village of the town.
Conclusion
Godega di Sant'Urbano is a municipality that preserves a great historical, artistic and cultural heritage. Situated along the Strada statale 13 Pontebbana, the town is in a privileged position with respect to the neighboring municipalities of Conegliano, Vittorio Veneto, and Sacile, making it an unmissable stop in the heart of the Treviso province.
