The name is the combination of the words "motta" (peak, height) and Livenza, added at a later stage, alluding to the specific location of the town, close to the river Livenza. Municipality in the province of Treviso, situated in a plain rich in vineyards, which borders with the Venetian area, where the river Monticano flows into the Livenza. It is a center related to farming activities, that favored by the mild climate, a rich composition of soil and the abundance of water, produces excellent wines and has also developed a modern industrial area.
The discovery of some pre-Roman artefacts has allowed us to hypothesize that the area was already inhabited at the times of the Paleovenitian ages, an ancient Italic population who were attracted by the presence of the River. The first permanent settlement dates from the year 148 B.C., when the Romans started the building of the road Via Postumia. In 776 it was scenario of an historic clash between the troops of Charlemagne and the Lombard Duke Rotcauso. In the X century, for defense purposes against the Hungarians, a fortress was built, granted to the Camino, which, in turn, donated the castle and lands to the Serenissima Republic of Venice. Under the Venetian domain the center took advantage of a period of great prosperity and development, becoming an important river port and a bustling commercial center. It expanded in urban terms and was enriched with sumptuous villas of Venetian taste. The arrival of Napoleon and subsequent period of Austrian rule gave way to a period of decline. Later incorporated into the Kingdom of Italy.
Attractions:
- the XIV century Cathedral of St. Nicholas, whose façade features four half columns on rectangular bases, provided with capitals. At the center, it is embellished by a portal surmounted by a pediment supported by two columns, flanked by two pointed arched windows. A series of blind arches create an outlined border around the lower level, while the upper part is characterized by a circular rose window, and surmounted by a minute pediment. The entire structure is flanked by a Bell Tower;
- the XVI century Sanctuary of Our Lady of Miracles was built in remembrance of the apparition of the Virgin Mary to a local farmer in 1510. In the XVIII century several Baroque elements were introduced and later in the XIX it was remodeled again and returned to the original classic style with a cloister, a circular rose window and a semicircular pediment. In the apse is preserved a valuable painting by Palma il Giovane depicting the Assumption;
- the Old Town Centre with its medieval and Renaissance palaces.