Latera

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Comune di Latera
Municipal coat of arms
Country	Italy
Region	Lazio
Province	Viterbo (VT)
Mayor
Elevation	508 m
Area	22.66 km²
Population
- Total (as of 2004)	994
- Density	45.15/km²
Time zone	CET, UTC+1
Coordinates	42°37′N 11°49′E
Gentilic	Lateresi
Dialing code	0761
Postal code	01010
Frazioni	Cantoniera di Latera
Patron	Sant'Angelo
- Day	September 8

Latera is a small town and comune in the Province of Viterbo, Italy. Situated near Bolsena Lake and Mezzano Lake, is important for vulcanic underground activity near the inhabitated centre. It has a small rock with a medieval palace by Farnese family, surrounded by medieval stone houses.

[edit] History

Latera and its castle are known by documents from around the beginning of the 12th century. It began its long-lasting link with the Farnese family in 1408, when Pope Gregory XII conceded vicardom of the city to Ranuccio Farnese, creating with the namesake city of Farnese a Duchy independent from that of the nearby Castro. The Farnese reigned over Latera until 1650.

[edit] Main sights

• The Palace of Ranuccio Farnese
• The Three Fountains
• Museum of Earth, inaugurated in 1999

[edit] See also

• Wars of Castro