Latera
Discover Latera: A hidden treasure in Lazio
If you're looking for a quiet and off-the-beaten-path destination in Italian tourism, we recommend visiting Latera, a municipality in the province of Viterbo in Lazio.
Physical geography
Latera is located in an interesting position, bordering Tuscany to the north and surrounded by the territory of the Volsini Mountains. The city has no beaches or wetlands in its territory, but is crossed by the Olpeta River, the main tributary of the Fiora. The position of Latera is unique because it is inside the Latera caldera, which originates from a volcano. The subsoil of Latera is still characterized by volcanic activity and especially by geothermal effusions. The valley, with rather flat terrain, is located south of the town and is called "la Piana".
While visiting Latera, either for its scenic beauty, history or culture, you might also want to visit the small hamlet of Cantoniera, located on the Volsini Mountains. The hamlet, which has the same name as both municipalities, is composed of houses distant by only a few meters, which territorially refer to two centers located about ten kilometers away. Adjacent to Cantoniera, the hamlet of La Buca is the last inhabited nucleus before Tuscany.
History
Latera, of medieval origin, is a place rich in history. During the medieval period, it was an important center that had an impressive tower that rose imposingly. Numerous drawings and documents attest to its existence and a historic street of the town, "via della Torre" precisely, recalls the presence of the ancient architectural element.
The city has a series of monuments and places of interest that you cannot miss during your visit.
Monuments and places of interest
There are numerous churches and chapels scattered throughout the territory. In particular, we recommend visiting:
The Church of Santa Maria, which is located on the road that leads to the hamlet called "La Buca". This church dates back to the beginning of the 9th century and is of Romanesque style. Inside, you can admire frescoes dating back to the 13th-18th centuries.
The city also has its own Castle, known as "Castello Malvasia". It dates back to the 13th century and was rebuilt in the 15th century. The oldest part of the castle is the tower, which is very suggestive.
The Church of San Giovanni Battista, which is the main place of worship in the city. It dates back to the 13th century and is of Romanesque style. Inside, you can admire a series of frescoes dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries.
Activities and leisure
Latera is a quiet city, perfect for a relaxing vacation. However, it can offer many activities for tourists, including:
Excursions to the nearby nature reserves and to the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. You could also take a walk along Lake Bolsena, a few kilometers from Latera.
Guided tours to discover the history and traditions of Latera. For example, you could participate in the patron saint festival of San Giovanni Battista, which takes place every year on June 24th.
During the summer, the city organizes numerous events and festivities, such as the Wine Festival, a festival dedicated to local cuisine and wine production.
Conclusion
In summary, Latera is a joy for the eyes and the soul. A city that deserves to be discovered by all those who love to relax, immerse themselves in nature and discover new places. Come and discover Latera and you will be won over by the hidden corners of its territory, its millennia-old history and its traditions.
