Latera

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Latera
Comune
Comune di Latera
Latera Panorama.jpg
Coat of arms of Latera
Coat of arms
Latera is located in Italy
Latera
Latera
Location of Latera in Italy
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Country Italy
Region Lazio
Province / Metropolitan city Viterbo (VT)
Frazioni Cantoniera di Latera, La Buca
Government
 • Mayor Luigi Fiorucci
Area
 • Total 22.66 km2 (8.75 sq mi)
Elevation 508 m (1,667 ft)
Population (2008)
 • Total 978
 • Density 43/km2 (110/sq mi)
Demonym(s) Lateresi
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
 • Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code 01010
Dialing code 0761
Patron saint St. Clement
Saint day 23 November

Latera is a small town and comune in the Province of Viterbo, Italy. Situated near Bolsena Lake and Mezzano Lake, is important for volcanic underground activity near the town 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.

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.

Main sights

  • The Palace of Ranuccio Farnese
  • The Three Fountains
  • Museum of Earth, inaugurated in 1999

See also