Latina

It is notable for its unique and relatively modern history compared to most Italian cities.

Here is a breakdown of the key information about the city of Latina:

1. Location and Geography

Detail Description
Region Lazio (Latium)
Province Latina (Capital)
Proximity to Rome Approximately 55–70 kilometers (34–43 miles) southeast of Rome.
Coast Located close to the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Setting Situated in the Agro Pontino (Pontine Marshes), which were drained and reclaimed in the 20th century.
Population Approximately 127,000 (making it the second-largest city by population in Lazio, after Rome).

2. History (A Modern City)

Latina is one of the youngest cities in Italy, and its history is closely tied to the Fascist era:

  • Founding: The city was founded on June 30, 1932, by Benito Mussolini’s Fascist regime. It was created as the centerpiece of a large-scale project to drain the vast, malarial Pontine Marshes and reclaim the land for agriculture.
  • Original Name: It was initially named Littoria (a name derived from the lictor’s fasces, a symbol of the Roman Empire and the Fascist movement).
  • Renaming: After World War II, the city was renamed Latina in 1946.
  • Architecture: The city center retains significant examples of Rationalist architecture, a style favored by the Fascist regime, giving it a distinctive appearance compared to older Italian cities.

3. Economy and Industry

Latina is an important industrial and agricultural center:

  • Industry: Key sectors include pharmaceuticals, textiles, building materials, electrical appliances, and food production (such as pasta and sugar).
  • Agriculture: It serves as a major trade center for agricultural products from the fertile reclaimed lands of the former marshes.

4. Main Attractions

The city’s attractions lean toward modern history and natural beauty:

  • Piazza del Popolo: The central square, which embodies the Rationalist architecture of the city’s founding.
  • Cathedral of San Marco: The main church of the city.
  • Parco Nazionale del Circeo (Circeo National Park): A short distance from Latina, this area is a major natural attraction. It includes coastal areas, a forested reserve, lakes, and the iconic Mount Circeo.
  • San Felice Circeo Beach: A popular nearby beach on the Tyrrhenian coast.
  • Pontine Islands (Isole Ponziane): While not in the city itself, the islands of Ponza and Ventotene, known for their crystal-clear waters, are part of the province and can be reached by ferry.
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