Sesta Godano
Welcome to Sesta Godano
Welcome to Sesta Godano! This Italian municipality is located in the province of La Spezia in Liguria and has a population of approximately 1269 inhabitants. The territory is mainly mountainous and foothill, crossed by valleys furrowed by minor streams, all coming from Mount Gottero, the highest mountain in the province. The municipality is part of the regional natural park of Montemarcello-Magra-Vara, a protected area of great naturalistic interest.
Origin of the name
The toponym Sesta could derive from the expression "sexta ab urbe lapidem", which indicates the town located at the sixth milestone from the city of Brugnato, but this theory is still subject to debate. Godano, on the other hand, could derive from the dialectal contraction of the Lombard term "wotàn - godàn - godano", which indicated the god Odin.
History
The area of Sesta Godano has ancient origins, linked to the penetration inland of the ancient Romans, who colonized the coastal strip to protect the communication routes. Later, Christianity had a great impact and gave rise to the construction of dioceses and monasteries, around which the first residential communities of the valley were formed. Castles and fortresses were also built to protect the territory, among which were also those of the Malaspina family, the feudal family of Sesta Godano, which controlled not only the castles of the valley but also those of the entire Lunigiana. The Republic of Genoa made its presence felt, by concluding treaties and maintaining garrisons in the fortresses of the area. In 1229, the village of Godano came under the jurisdiction of the Municipality of Pontremoli.
What to see in Sesta Godano
Sesta Godano offers many tourist attractions, including the castles of the Malaspina family, such as Godano and Cornice, and the castle of Marzio di Groppo, which in 1248 signed an act of submission to the Municipality of Genoa. You can also admire the Co-cathedral of Saints Peter, Lawrence, and Colombano, founded by the monks of the abbey of San Colombano and which represented the Episcopal see of the area. In addition, the natural beauties of the area are unmissable. The regional natural park of Montemarcello-Magra-Vara offers naturalistic paths between the mountains and valleys, with enchanting and emblematic landscapes.
Events and traditions
Sesta Godano is a municipality that preserves many traditions linked to its history and culture. Among the most important events is the Chestnut Festival, which is held every year in autumn and celebrates the typical fruit of the area. In addition, the Lily Festival, the Hearth Festival, and the feast of the patron saint of the village, Saint Colombano, are moments of celebration and social life in which it is possible to discover and taste the delights of the local cuisine.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Sesta Godano is a municipality of great historical, cultural, and naturalistic interest, which offers visitors a wide range of tourist attractions and possibilities. The beauty of the mountains and valleys, the castles, the traditions, and the local events are just some of the motivations that make Sesta Godano a pleasant and unforgettable destination for tourists who want to discover the beauties of this part of Liguria.
