Latera

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Comune di Latera
Coat of arms of Comune di Latera
Municipal coat of arms
Country Flag of Italy Italy
Region Lazio
Province Viterbo (VT)
Elevation 508 m (1,667 ft)
Area 22.66 km² (9 sq mi)
Population (as of 2004)
 - Total 994
 - Density 44/km² (114/sq mi)
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.