Italian News Headlines 19-03-2024 - Statistics released for 2022 show Italy produced 40% of Europe's tomatoes --- Jannik Sinner rises to ATP number 3 in the world after his semi-final win in Rotterdam --- Jannik Sinner becomes the first Italian to win the Australian Open tennis tornament --- Italian social media influencer, Chiara Ferragni, is under investigation for fraud over a Christmas Cake sponsorship deal with Italian cake manufacturer, Balocco --- A man and a woman died when their Mercedes SUV broke through the barrier of a car park overlooking Lake Como and plunged 10 metres into the water --- Interbrand, the world's leading brand consultancy, has valued Italy's 'Vespa' at over one billion euros --- Judges in a bomb-proof courtroom in Calabria, have sentenced 200 'Ndrangheta members to more than 2,200 years in prison --- The number of 3-Michelin-starred restaurants in Italy has risen to 13, with a total of 395 recognised overall --- Controversy over Italian Government plan to set up migrant processing centres in Albania
Province of Latina
Valentina.desantis, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Province of Latina

Latina Province: location, history, culture, interest

The Province of Latina is the smallest of the provinces in the region of Lazio with an area of 2,251 sq.km. It borders the province of Frosinone to the east, the province of Roma to the North, the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west and the region of Campania to the south.

Find hotels in Lazio

The south and north east of the province is hilly and mountainous and includeds the Aurunci, Ausoni and Lepini mountain ranges. The highest peak at 1,533 metres is Monte Petrella which is part of the Aurunci mountain range. The whole province is dotted with small medieval settlements known as borghi. The majority of the population used to live in these borghi and survive by agriculture and cattle farming but now most people commute to Rome or Latina for work.

The rest of the terrain occupies a plain known as the Agro Pontino which extends down to the Tyrrhenian sea where it was originally nothing but unhealthy marshes. Starting in 1930 these marshes were dried out and new towns and villages were built.

The beaches in this province consist of long sandy beaches with bathing establishments and plenty of free beaches. They are considered to be some of the best beaches in Italy.

Latina

This small city is the capital of the province of Latina which is the southernmost province in the region of Lazio.

This is one of the areas of Latina that was nothing but mosquito ridden marshes until the land was drained and settlements were built in the 1930's. The city of Latina was founded on 30th June 1932 by Benito Mussolini and was inaugurated later that year on 18th December. It was originally called Littoria but was renamed Latina in 1946 after World War II.

Latina was built on an octagonal plan with the main square, Piazza del Popolo, in the centre with straight roads radiating from it. Being a relatively new city there is little of historical interest although the centre itself is pleasant and the surrounding countryside is beautiful.

The Palazzo Comunale overlooks Piazza del Popolo, and the upper floors of this building house the municipal offices, the National Facist Party and the Trade Unions. The ground floor contains a Gallery of Modern Art which was established in 1936. The attached Clock Tower is 32 metres high and has a belfry containing a bell designed by Frezzotti.

The Cathedral, with three tall arches supported by pillars, was completed in 1933 and stands in Piazza San Marco.

Torre Pontina is the tallest building in the city and is in fact the sixth tallest in the whole of Italy.

The Garden of Ninfa

Not far from the city you can find the stunning 'Garden of Ninfa'which has been described as the most romantic garden in the world. Covering an area of 105 hectares it is an Italian National Monument and is administered by the Fondazione Roffredeo Caetani. It is open to the public at particular times between April and November nearest town Norma which is around 14 km north east of Latina.

Campodimele

It is located on a steep Karstic hill, between the Monti Ausoni and Monti Aurunci ranges and its economy is mostly based on agriculture.

Enclosed by 11th century walls the main sites are:

  • The Monastery of Sant'Onofrio, constructed in the 11th century.
  • The Parish church of San Michele Arcangelo, built in the 11th century over a pre-existing pagan temple.
  • The Church of Annunziata, built in the 13th century.

Campodimele is infamous for the longevity of its residents where the average life expectency is 95 years.

Cori

Both red and white Italian DOC wines are produced here and the old town is surrounded by Polygonal walls.

The main sites are:

  • The Temple of Hercules which is one of the national monuments of Italy.
  • Santa Maria della Pietà,originally built in the Romanesque style but was rebuilt in the 17th century.
  • The Church of Santa Oliva, built in 1467 over the top of an ancient Roman temple dedicated to Janus.
  • Ponte della Catena which is a Roman 'chain' bridge.
  • Church of St. John the Baptist, built in the 16th century.
  • Church of St. Francis, erected in the early 16th century.

Fondi

There are many greenhouses here as this area produces early crops of fruit and vegetables for sale in Rome. Fondi is also situated on part of the 15 kilometre long, sandy beach which stretches from Sperlonga to Terracina making it a popular holiday destination.

Fondi's main sights include:

  • The Castle which has round tower with a height of over 30 metres and is the symbol of the city. The castle was built in the 14th century along part of the ancient Roman walls.
  • The Palazzo del Principe, adjacent to the castle, was constructed in the mid 15th century.
  • The Cathedral of St. Peter, built in the 14th century over a Roman edifice which has been identified as being a temple of Jupiter.
  • The Collegiata of Santa Maria Assunta, built in the 15th century and with a large, wide entrance staircase.

Formia

Formia is a lovely coastal resort which was extremely popular during the imperial era.

It is famous for its mausoluem which has been identified as the Tomb of Cicero. It measures 83 metres by 68 metres and has a 24 metre high tower.

Other sights include:

  • The Tower of Castellone.
  • A Roman cistern dating back to the 1st century BC and one of the largest in the world.
  • The Church of San Luca from the 15th century where recently some frescoes of Episodes of the New Testament and Madonna del Latte have been discovered.
  • The Renaissance monastery and church of Sant'Erasmo.

Gaeta

The beautiful historic coastal resort of Gaeta is set on a promontory stretching out into the Tryrrenhian Sea

Itri

The town is split into two section by the River Pontone, the older section having been partially destroyed during World War II.

The main sites are:

  • The Castle from where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valley. The castle has one square tower, a polygonal tower and a third tower which has the nickname 'Coccodrillo' which means 'Crocodile'
  • The church of San Michele Arcangelo which was built during the 11th century in an Arabic-Norman style.
  • A 12th century Bell Tower with Byzantine decorations which belonged to the destroyed church of St. Maria Maggiore.
  • The Sanctuary of the Madonna della Civita is located on a mountain, 3 kilometres away from the town.

Minturno

This is only a small town but there are some very interesting sites to visit.

The main points of interest are:

  • Roman ruins consisting of an amphitheatre, a theatre in opus reticulatum, an aqueduct and a statue from the late Empire age.
  • The Baronial Castle built in the 9th century.
  • The Church of St. Francis builit in 1360.
  • The Church of Annunziata built in the 14th century but then damaged by Turkish pirates in 1552, the French-Polish troops in 1799 and finally by a fire in 1888. It was fully restored in 1930 when all the Baroque additions were removed and ancient frescoes were discovered.
  • The Church of St. Peter, built during the 11th and 12th centuries with a staircase and four arcades from the 14th century.
  • The Thermae of Suio are a few kilometers outside the city and have been well known and used since very ancient times, having been used by both Pliny the Elder and Lucanus.

Priverno

Again, Priverno is only a small town but there is plenty to do and see here.

The main sites to visit are:

  • The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta which was consecrated by Pope Lucias II in 1183.
  • San Benedetto which was built by Benedictine monks in the 7th century and contains some 13th and 16th century frescoes.
  • San Giovanni Evengelista, a church built in the 9th century and later rebuilt in the 13th century. I has many frescoes including the 14th century story of St. Catherine and the 15th century Madonna with Child.
  • Villa Gallio.
  • The Communal Palace which was built in the 13th century.
  • The famous Abbey of Fossanova which is where the town's patron saint, St. Thomas Aquinas, died on 7th March 1274.

Sperlonga

A coastal town and popular seaside resort situated halfway between Rome and Naples. It is well known for its beautiful, long, sandy beaches as well as a series of smaller beaches backed by rocky cliffs.

The museum in the grounds of the former Villa of Tiberius is the main attraction in Sperlonga. The villa had a grotto in which there were some famous sculpures and these are now in the museum.

The other building in Sperlonga that is worth visitning is The Church of Santa Maria, built in the early 12th century and now used for various cultural events and shows. The church also has some medieval mosiacs which were discovered during some recent renovations.

Sabaudia

This town is an important tourist resort and the centre is characterised by examples of Fascist architecture.

Terracina

This is a modern town, built on the site which was occupied by the old town. The main piazza in the town is the original Roman forum and the paving slabs and inscriptions are well preserved.

There are some wonderful Medieval buildings to see in Terracina such as the Cathedral of SS. Pietro e Cesareo which was consecrated in 1074 and then subsequently renovated in the 12th and 18th centuries. The vestibule is approached via an eighteen step staircase and supported by ten ancient columns resting upon prostrate lions. There is also the Gothic Palazzo Venditti which was built during the first half of the 14th century is next to the Cathedral.

The most unusual piece of architecture in the town in the 13th century Torre Frumentaria, 'Wheat Tower' which now houses the Museo Pio Capponi.

The Best Italian Handmade Gifts
Direct From Italy

More Details

Flag of Lazio
lazio flag
  • Regional Information

    • Area: 17,208 km²
      Population: 5.6m
      Density: 327/km²
      Capital: Rome

      National Parks:
      Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park
      Circeo National Park
      The Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park
Location of Lazio
lazio location
Provinces of Lazio
lazio provinces
  • Comunes
    • Frosinone
      • Acquafondata
        Acuto
        Alatri
        Alvito
        Amaseno
        Anagni
        Aquino
        Arce
        Arnara
        Arpino
        Atina
        Ausonia
        Belmonte Castello
        Boville Ernica
        Broccostella
        Campoli Appennino
        Casalattico
        Casalvieri
        Cassino
        Castelliri
        Castelnuovo Parano
        Castro dei Volsci
        Castrocielo
        Ceccano
        Ceprano
        Cervaro
        Colfelice
        Colle San Magno
        Collepardo
        Coreno Ausonio
        Esperia
        Falvaterra
        Ferentino
        Filettino
        Fiuggi
        Fontana Liri
        Fontechiari
        Frosinone
        Fumone
        Gallinaro
        Giuliano di Roma
        Guarcino
        Isola del Liri
        Monte San Giovanni Campano
        Morolo
        Paliano
        Pastena
        Patrica
        Pescosolido
        Picinisco
        Pico
        Piedimonte San Germano
        Piglio
        Pignataro Interamna
        Pofi
        Pontecorvo
        Posta Fibreno
        Ripi
        Rocca d’Arce
        Roccasecca
        San Biagio Saracinisco
        San Donato Val di Comino
        San Giorgio a Liri
        San Giovanni Incarico
        San Vittore del Lazio
        Sant’Ambrogio sul Garigliano
        Sant’Andrea del Garigliano
        Sant’Apollinare
        Sant’Elia Fiumerapido
        Santopadre
        Serrone
        Settefrati
        Sgurgola
        Sora
        Strangolagalli
        Supino
        Terelle
        Torre Cajetani
        Torrice
        Trevi nel Lazio
        Trivigliano
        Vallecorsa
        Vallemaio
        Vallerotonda
        Veroli
        Vicalvi
        Vico nel Lazio
        Villa Latina
        Villa Santa Lucia
        Villa Santo Stefano
        Viticuso

    • Latina
      • Aprilia
        Bassiano
        Campodimele
        Castelforte
        Cisterna di Latina
        Cori
        Fondi
        Formia
        Gaeta
        Itri
        Latina
        Lenola
        Maenza
        Minturno
        Monte San Biagio
        Norma
        Pontinia
        Ponza
        Priverno
        Prossedi
        Rocca Massima
        Roccagorga
        Roccasecca dei Volsci
        Sabaudia
        San Felice Circeo
        Santi Cosma e Damiano
        Sermoneta
        Sezze
        Sonnino
        Sperlonga
        Spigno Saturnia
        Terracina
        Ventotene

    • Rieti
      • Accumoli
        Amatrice
        Antrodoco
        Ascrea
        Belmonte in Sabina
        Borbona
        Borgo Velino
        Borgorose
        Cantalice
        Cantalupo in Sabina
        Casaprota
        Casperia
        Castel di Tora
        Castel Sant’Angelo
        Castelnuovo di Farfa
        Cittaducale
        Cittareale
        Collalto Sabino
        Colle di Tora
        Collegiove
        Collevecchio
        Colli sul Velino
        Concerviano
        Configni
        Contigliano
        Cottanello
        Fara in Sabina
        Fiamignano
        Forano
        Frasso Sabino
        Greccio
        Labro
        Leonessa
        Longone Sabino
        Magliano Sabina
        Marcetelli
        Micigliano
        Mompeo
        Montasola
        Monte San Giovanni in Sabina
        Montebuono
        Monteleone Sabino
        Montenero Sabino
        Montopoli di Sabina
        Morro Reatino
        Nespolo
        Orvinio
        Paganico Sabino
        Pescorocchiano
        Petrella Salto
        Poggio Bustone
        Poggio Catino
        Poggio Mirteto
        Poggio Moiano
        Poggio Nativo
        Poggio San Lorenzo
        Posta
        Pozzaglia Sabina
        Rieti
        Rivodutri
        Rocca Sinibalda
        Roccantica
        Salisano
        Scandriglia
        Selci
        Stimigliano
        Tarano
        Toffia
        Torri in Sabina
        Torricella in Sabina
        Turania
        Vacone
        Varco Sabino

    • Roma
      • Affile
        Agosta
        Albano Laziale
        Allumiere
        Anguillara Sabazia
        Anticoli Corrado
        Anzio
        Arcinazzo Romano
        Ardea
        Ariccia
        Arsoli
        Artena
        Bellegra
        Bracciano
        Camerata Nuova
        Campagnano di Roma
        Canale Monterano
        Canterano
        Capena
        Capranica Prenestina
        Carpineto Romano
        Casape
        Castel Gandolfo
        Castel Madama
        Castel San Pietro Romano
        Castelnuovo di Porto
        Cave
        Cerreto Laziale
        Cervara di Roma
        Cerveteri
        Ciampino
        Ciciliano
        Cineto Romano
        Civitavecchia
        Civitella San Paolo
        Colleferro
        Colonna
        Fiano Romano
        Filacciano
        Fiumicino
        Fonte Nuova
        Formello
        Frascati
        Gallicano nel Lazio
        Gavignano
        Genazzano
        Genzano di Roma
        Gerano
        Gorga
        Grottaferrata
        Guidonia Montecelio
        Jenne
        Labico
        Ladispoli
        Lanuvio
        Lariano
        Licenza
        Magliano Romano
        Mandela
        Manziana
        Marano Equo
        Marcellina
        Marino
        Mazzano Romano
        Mentana
        Monte Compatri
        Monte Porzio Catone
        Monteflavio
        Montelanico
        Montelibretti
        Monterotondo
        Montorio Romano
        Moricone
        Morlupo
        Nazzano
        Nemi
        Nerola
        Nettuno
        Olevano Romano
        Palestrina
        Palombara Sabina
        Percile
        Pisoniano
        Poli
        Pomezia
        Ponzano Romano
        Riano
        Rignano Flaminio
        Riofreddo
        Rocca Canterano
        Rocca di Cave
        Rocca di Papa
        Rocca Priora
        Rocca Santo Stefano
        Roccagiovine
        Roiate
        Roma
        Roviano
        Sacrofano
        Sambuci
        San Cesareo
        San Gregorio da Sassola
        San Polo dei Cavalieri
        San Vito Romano
        Santa Marinella
        Sant’Angelo Romano
        Sant’Oreste
        Saracinesco
        Segni
        Subiaco
        Tivoli
        Tolfa
        Torrita Tiberina
        Trevignano Romano
        Vallepietra
        Vallinfreda
        Valmontone
        Velletri
        Vicovaro
        Vivaro Romano
        Zagarolo

    • Viterbo
      • Acquapendente
        Arlena di Castro
        Bagnoregio
        Barbarano Romano
        Bassano in Teverina
        Bassano Romano
        Blera
        Bolsena
        Bomarzo
        Calcata
        Canepina
        Canino
        Capodimonte
        Capranica
        Caprarola
        Carbognano
        Castel Sant’Elia
        Castiglione in Teverina
        Celleno
        Cellere
        Civita Castellana
        Civitella d’Agliano
        Corchiano
        Fabrica di Roma
        Faleria
        Farnese
        Gallese
        Gradoli
        Graffignano
        Grotte di Castro
        Ischia di Castro
        Latera
        Lubriano
        Marta
        Montalto di Castro
        Monte Romano
        Montefiascone
        Monterosi
        Nepi
        Onano
        Oriolo Romano
        Orte
        Piansano
        Proceno
        Ronciglione
        San Lorenzo Nuovo
        Soriano nel Cimino
        Sutri
        Tarquinia
        Tessennano
        Tuscania
        Valentano
        Vallerano
        Vasanello
        Vejano
        Vetralla
        Vignanello
        Villa San Giovanni in Tuscia
        Viterbo
        Vitorchiano

Hotels in Lazio
lazio hotels
LazioWEATHER
Lazio Climate (Rome)
  High Low Sun Rain
Jan 15 8 4 63
Feb 15 8 4 52
Mar 17 9 5 43
Apr 19 11 6 31
May 24 15 7 17
Jun 28 18 9 9
Jul 31 22 10 6
Aug 31 22 9 9
Sep 28 19 7 29
Oct 24 16 6 53
Nov 20 12 4 63
Dec 17 10 4 59
Table Key:
High - Average monthly high temperatures
Low - Average monthly low temperatures
Sun - Average hours of sunshine per day
Rain - Average monthly rainfall in mm
Other pages you might like
Made in Italy
Newsletter
Enter your email address below to receive our free newsletter, 'I Love Italy'. It provides a captivating glimpse into the allure of 'The Bel Paese', containing extracts from our most recent articles, a window on Italian news, fashion, music and culture, useful information for visiting and living in Italy as well as our latest, delicious Italian recipes.

Subscribers are also entitled to a 10% discount on purchases from our sister-site, Italy Gifts Direct.

We will not use your email address for any other purpose or pass it on to any other organisation and you can unsubscribe from this service at any time.