Latina

Testimony of 20th-century Italy

The city of Latina lies in the heart of the Pontine Plain. Once known as Littoria, it still boasts rationalist architecture, bearing witness to the history of 20th-century Italy. The most iconic example is Palazzo M, built in the shape of Mussolini’s initial. For panoramic views of the city, you can climb the 32-metre-high civic tower.

The province offers unexpected surprises: medieval villages, cliffs, caves and the beautiful Circeo National Park — what it lacks in size it makes up for in flourishing flora, fauna and architectural gems, like the ruins of the Villa di Domiziano.

Near the capital are the towns of Formia and Gaeta. The latter still boasts an intact medieval historic centre (Gaeta Vecchia) and the Angevin-Aragonese Castle. We also recommend visiting the town of Sperlonga, on the Ulysses Riviera, surrounded by crystal-clear waters, with caves and breath-taking views around every corner. Don’t miss the Gardens of Ninfa, where plants grow among the ruins of an abandoned city.

From the mainland, you can reach the Pontine Islands in a couple of hours by ferry. Ventotene, Ponza, Palmarola, Gavi, Zannone and Santo Stefano offer crystal-clear waters, beautiful beaches and wild nature.