Santa Lucia di Piave
Santa Lucia di Piave: a hidden treasure in Veneto
Hello friends! Today I want to talk to you about Santa Lucia di Piave, a small municipality in the province of Treviso that deserves to be discovered. With its 9,068 inhabitants, this little village holds a rich history that dates back to the Roman era and an ancient fair that attracts visitors from all over the region.
History
Roman era
Santa Lucia di Piave can boast an ancient Roman origin, dating back to the 3rd century AD. This was confirmed by archaeological excavations carried out in 1954 and 2008, which brought to light the foundations of brick workshops and burials.
The court of Lovadina
For centuries, the village was a strategic crossroads for all those who crossed the Piave river, the easiest access point in the territory. Here was located the ford of Lovadina, a Roman thoroughfare that connected North and South Europe, and that therefore became important for the development of activities related to pastoralism, livestock, and trade. The territory of Santa Lucia, before the 9th century, was part of the "Corte di Lovadina".
The Via Hungarica and Roman roads
In the territory of Santa Lucia di Piave, there was also an important crossroads called "Boccadistrada", a branch of the Via Hungarica that connected Oderzo, Feltre, and Trento.
Santa Lucia Fair: origins
The Santa Lucia Fair is one of the oldest in the Veneto region. It is said to have originated in the 6th century, although the first documents mentioning it are in the Statutes of the Municipality of Treviso in 1313. The fair was famous above all for the sales of horses, donkeys, cattle, sheep, pigs, hemp, and wool. Initially, the fair took place at the end of a religious feast, but then it was moved to December 13 becoming an independent celebration.
In the Middle Ages
In the Middle Ages, Santa Lucia di Piave was under the control of the Count of Collalto and was named Sub Silva, "under the forest", due to the presence of a vast woodland area. The current name of the municipality was given in 1312, when it was under the control of the counts of Collalto of the San Salvatore castle.
19th century
The municipality of Santa Lucia di Piave was also involved in major historical events at the national level, such as the Battle of the Piave in 1809, which saw Austria clash with France.
Life in the village
In addition to its numerous historical landmarks, Santa Lucia di Piave has much more to offer. The center of the village is characterized by a main square where the parish church of San Vincenzo and the town hall are located. Another important church in the village is that of Santa Lucia, which is located just to the south.
But that's not all! Santa Lucia di Piave also offers a wide choice of sports and cultural activities: the municipality has a modern sports facility (gym and soccer field) and a municipal library where you can gather to read a good book.
Eating and drinking in Santa Lucia
The cuisine of Veneto is famous for some culinary delicacies, such as risottos, bigoli (a pasta similar to spaghetti), and cheeses. Santa Lucia di Piave also has gastronomic excellences to offer, such as Baccalà alla Vicentina, Tiramisù, polenta, and Venetian sweets such as rice fritters or bussolai (butter cookies). As for wine, the area of Santa Lucia di Piave is known for its exquisite white wines.
Events
In addition to the Santa Lucia Fair, which takes place every year on December 13, the municipality hosts several festivals throughout the year. One of these is the Baccalà Festival, which takes place every year in the summer and includes a menu based on baccalà.
How to reach Santa Lucia di Piave
Santa Lucia di Piave is located about 45 km from Venice and 50 km from Treviso. The nearest railway station is that of Oderzo, about 10 km from the center of the village. Alternatively, you can reach the municipality by car using the A4 motorway (exit Vittorio Veneto Nord).
I hope you enjoyed this tour of Santa Lucia di Piave. An ideal destination for those who want to discover new places and learn something new about the history of Veneto.
