Latera

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Comune di Latera
Coat of arms of Comune di Latera
Municipal coat of arms
Country Flag of Italy 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.

The Ducal Fountain (Fontana del Ponte), 17th century.
The Ducal Fountain (Fontana del Ponte), 17th century.

[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

Panorama of Latera, with the old city on the left.
Panorama of Latera, with the old city on the left.