Latina

Latina: sea, nature and medieval towns 

The Pontine capital and its province offer splendid beaches facing onto the Tyrrhenian Sea, not to mention striking medieval towns and the glorious natural scenery of the Circeo National Reserve. 

Scenery 

Facing out onto the Tyrrehnian Sea, the Province of Latina lies at the heart of the Pontine plains. Its protected natural areas make up an important portion of the country, with Monte Orlando Park at Gaeta, Monti Aurunci Park and Gianola Suburban Park. The Circeo National Reserve extends over 500 hectares and is a sundry wilderness from forests to coastal dunes, to headlands, wetlands and islands. The park hosts many animal species, most notably migratory species of birds, as well as the endangered peregrine falcon and osprey. The coastlands and Islands of Ponza and Ventotene are the principle tourist attractions, thanks to the area’s unpolluted coastal waters. Along the coastline you will even find miniature lakes in natural surrounds, notably the lakes of Fogliano and Sabaudia. 

The routes 

Latina and its province are noted above all for the beautiful coastline and abundant parks and natural oases. The Pontine capital and its territory also offer many delights for history enthusiasts, who might nevertheless appreciate the area’s early 20th century architecture dating, as evidenced by town planning at Latina and Aprilia. Sperlonga, San Felice Circeo, Formia, Terracina and Gaeta are splendid medieval towns located just behind the beachfront. Amongst the archeologicalarchaeological remains which testify to the area’s Roman presence, most can be seen in Cori, Norma with the remains of Ninfa, Sezze and Sperlonga and finally Monte San Biagio. Castles, fortresses and churches from the Middle Ages are scattered around Cori, Fondi, Maenza and Priverno, with the addition of abbeys located at Fossanova, Prossedi and Sermoneta. 

Flavours 

The region benefits from agricultural expertise honed over the centuries and this is reflected in its home-grown local produce. Noteworthy produce includes vegetables and pulses such as Formia lettuce and Ventotene lentils, not to mention olives and Marzolino and Gaeta mozzarella cheeses. Local wine produce has amassed a number of DOC quality labels, notably for Trebbiano and Merlot di Aprilia and Circeo in white, red and rosé varieties. Latina gastronomy very much resembles Roman gastronomy, as highlighted by the classic favourite of broiled lamb and potatoes. Typical desserts include dry biscuits, honey fritters, classic ring cakes, ring cakes dipped in wine and fried donuts. 

Feasts and folklore 

At Cori during June, the historical Carosello dei Rioni takes place. Its participants dress up in traditional garb from the 17th century and represent the three town wards of Porte Signina, Ninfina and Romana. Every year at Maenza, the Feast of the Cherries (Sagra delle Ciliegie) unfolds, whilst each autumn at Norma you can savour the tantalizing Feast of the Roast Chestnuts (Sagra della Caldarrosta). Chestnuts are cooked throughout the Feast with a special and customary precision. They are covered with fern and brushwood before being roasted. They are then whisked into manicuti (wicker baskets) and shared around. The night before the religious festival of The Ascension Festival at Sonnino, a stunning torch celebration is held. 

Sport and entertainment 

Besides the numerous bathing resorts which bring the summer holidays to life, the Province of Latina is also a great destination for outdoor activities, thanks to its numerous parks. At Circeo State Nature Reserve, you can enjoy trekking and outings on horseback or by bicycle. At Aprilia there is a sizeable golf course, whilst the waters of the Ponza Island provide a great springboard for scuba diving.