Latina is the capital of the southernmost province of Lazio, in the heart of the Pontine Marshes area. It was founded in 1932 under the name of Littoria, in an area once covered by marshland that was drained in the 1930s.
The plan of the city is octagonal, with straight roads that radiate from the main square of the city, Piazza del Popolo, and the main buildings, including the police headquarters, Prefecture, and the Municipio (City Hall) are arranged around the center.
Piazza San Marco is overlooked by the eponymous Cathedral, completed in 1933 and entrusted to the Salesians, easily recognizable by the façade and its three tall arches supported by pillars. Not far away is the M Building, of monumental height and form, consisting of 3 blocks in the shape of an ?M.? The M of course stands for Mussolini, who wanted to establish here a Forum.
History, nature and a splendid sea are the ideal ingredients for a summertime vacation. Along the coast, we encounter Sperlonga, a charming Medieval village with streets and houses overlooking the sea where, in addition to its deep hues, we can see the grotto of Tiberius, a cavity on the water where 1st-Century artefacts were found. They are now kept in the National Archaeology Museum of San Felice Circeo.
Circeo, a renowned tourist resort on the coast, comprises a Medieval section on Mount Circeo, and a more modern zone at its base. Formia, a charming town overlooking the Gulf of Gaeta, offers beautiful beaches and Roman ruins.
Terracina, then, is dominated by the Temple of Jupiter Anxur, accessible by a scenic road, with its Piazza del Municipio in the old town. Located on the same piazza is the Medieval Duomo (Cathedral), dedicated to San Cesareo; it features a wide staircase leading to a loggia. To the side are the 14th-Century Palazzo Venditti and the Frumentaria Tower, hosting the Civic Archaeological Museum full of local Roman remains.
Finally, Gaeta is located on a leg of land dominated by Monte Orlando. The castle is can be reached by the narrow streets of the characteristic Medieval quarter: Located close to the harbor, rather, is the Duomo, dedicated to St. Erasmus and embellished with Moorish decorations; it is thus easily recognizable from the monumental, 187-ft-tall bell tower. The Church of San Giovanni al Mare (Church of St. John by the Sea) dates from the 10th century, and is remarkable for its beautiful, Arabesque-style dome; its was built on a slight inclination to drain water in the case of high tide.
Roman archaeological remains of great value can be seen in Cori, Norma, Sezze, Monte San Biagio and Ninfa with its memorable historic garden, a natural monument that exhibits specimens of flora and fauna from around the world in imitation of English gardens.
Castles, fortresses and medieval churches are located in Cori, Fondi, Maenza, Priverno with the Fossanova Abbey, Minturno and Sermoneta.
