The Da Camino rule

Following the killing of the Bishop's brother in 1268 by Gherardo dei Castelli, the Commune was guided by the noble families of the Azzoni and the Avogaro, friends of Gherardo Da Camino, Captain of Feltre and Belluno. Gherardo Da Camino took advantage of the uncertainty that reigned in the city and secretely entered Treviso taking control. The city council named him Captain General, in practice the absolute lord of Treviso.

This led to the birth of a rule, defined by historians as absolute, but just and wise. Da Camino maintained an excellent relationship with Venice and gave hospitality to men of letters and artists (amongst others Dante Alighieri), together with numerous "masters of art", in charge of building the Churches of St. Nicolas, St. Francis and the Palace of the Commune. He also took care of and improved the hygienic conditions of the city, promoted the construction of roads and bridges, issued precise standards concerning the quality of food and provisions, improved the relationships between secular and religious people and gave great care to the Study or University, that obtained its greatest splendour under his rule.

Personal seal of Gaia da Camino

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