Latisana
| Latisana | ||
|---|---|---|
| Comune | ||
| Città di Latisana | ||
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Map of Latisana in 1746 | ||
| ||
  Latisana Location of Latisana in Italy | ||
| Coordinates: 45°47′N 13°07′E / 45.783°N 13.117°ECoordinates: 45°47′N 13°07′E / 45.783°N 13.117°E | ||
| Country | Italy | |
| Region | Friuli-Venezia Giulia | |
| Province | Udine (UD) | |
| Frazioni | Latisanotta, Gorgo, Pertegada, Latisana Marittima, Bevazzana | |
| Government | ||
| • Mayor | Salvatore Benigno | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 42.30 km2 (16.33 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 7 m (23 ft) | |
| Population (2008) | ||
| • Total | 13,412 | |
| • Density | 320/km2 (820/sq mi) | |
| Demonym | Latisanesi | |
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1) | |
| • Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) | |
| Postal code | 33053 | |
| Dialing code | 0431 | |
| Patron saint | St. John the Baptist | |
| Saint day | June 24 | |
| Website | Official website | |
Latisana is a town and comune in the province of Udine, in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of north-eastern Italy, on the Tagliamento river.
History
The city was probably a Roman post station (Mansio Apicilia) on the Via Annia which connected Concordia to Aquileia.
The city is first mentioned in 1072, and became an important river port in the 12 and 13th centuries, especially known for salt trade, under the counts of Gorizia. In the 12th century it became an autonomous commune, annexed by the Republic of Venice in 1420.
The trade declined in the late years of the Republic of Venice, and the city was acquired by the Austrian Empire with the Treaty of Campo Formio (1797). In 1814 it became part of the client Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia and, in 1866, of the newly formed Kingdom of Italy.
During the 20th century wars it suffered heavy damage, especially in the bombing of 19 May 1944 that totally destroyed the historical centre. Further damage was caused by the floods of the Tagliamento in 1965 and 1966.
Main sights
The Cathedral (Duomo) was rebuilt in the 17th century over the old 1504 edifice. The main attractions are the canvas portraying the Baptism of Jesus (1567) by Paolo Veronese and a wooden Crucifix (1566) by Andrea Fosco. The choir has a Transfiguration (1591) by Marco Moro and the first altar on the left has a Holy Family with Saints by Giovan Battista Grassi (1568).