Govda is an ancient Slavic pagan settlement and sanctuary dating back to the 10th-13th century. It is located to the south of Krutilov village, Ternopil region, Ukraine. It is situated on the high right bank of the Zbruch River.
The small oval platform of the settlement is positioned on the southern slope with an elevation difference of approximately 20 meters. This site might have been unsuitable for prolonged habitation. The circular rampart of the settlement was filled and fortified with stones multiple times. Bonfires were lit on the shaft for ritual purposes. In the 11th century, a well was dug within the settlement, which held significant religious importance. Later, in the 12th century, the well was filled, and an offering pit took its place. Nearby, there was a bread cult oven.
On the western and northern sides, accompanying settlements were discovered. Govda was considered part of the religious center of Zbruch, located midway between the settlements of Bogit and Zvenigorod.
Historian Maxim Zhikh associates the story of al-Masudi about the Slavic pagan temples with a significant Slavic religious center comprising the sanctuary settlements of Bogit, Zvenigorod, and Govda, which existed in the Carpathians.
(The location is not exact)
