Latina offers two distinct ways to explore: the history of a 20th-century city and the landscape of the Pontine Plain. Latina was the first of the four founding towns built in the province of Latina between 1932 and 1937. At the same time, the city is a destination on the Via Appia Regina Viarum, where modernity and history meet. The wider Via Appia itinerary runs from the Pontine Plain through the Aurunci Mountains to the sea in southern Lazio.
City History and Architecture
A striking way to explore the city’s history is through its Rationalist architecture. Palazzo M is considered an outstanding example of this architectural style, which defines Latina. The journey through Latina’s 20th-century history begins at Piazza del Popolo. Torre Civica is another notable landmark: the tower is 32 metres high and offers panoramic views over the city. If you plan to take in the view from Torre Civica, check access arrangements before your visit.
The Museo della Terra pontina serves as an institutional point of reference, preserving the historical memory of the Pontine area. It displays around 1,000 exhibits and traces the history of the local area through the 20th century: from the period before the land reclamation to agricultural transformation and settlement. This brings into focus a whole series of changes. Piana delle Orme offers a broader thematic perspective: the theme park and museum complex is dedicated to a fifty-year journey through 20th-century Italian history.
History at Piana delle Orme
The themes at Piana delle Orme range from the traditions and culture of rural society to the major reclamation works in the Pontine Marshes. Other topics include the Second World War, the beginnings of industrialisation and historic toys. Social, regional and national chapters of the 20th century are presented side by side, so a visit is not limited to a single subject.
Visitor routes pass through faithfully reconstructed settings and showcase original collections. Families can also use an outdoor area with 60 tables and 16 wooden gazebos, designed for a day in the open air. The available facilities may change; check the latest information before your visit.
Nature Reserve and Birdwatching
Nature is also part of what Latina has to offer. The approximately 8,900-hectare Circeo National Park also extends into the municipal area. There, it includes the stretch of dunes between Capo Portiere and Rio Martino. This precise geographical description makes the protected landscape in Latina tangible without equating the entire national park with the city area.
At Lago di Fogliano, you can watch and photograph birds. Possible sightings include mallards, cormorants, ospreys and wigeons. The Borgo Fogliano on the lake shore is significant not only for its natural features but also for its history and architecture. Nature watching and local history thus reveal different sides of exploring the area around Latina.
Practical Information
Latina railway station has a total of four tracks for passenger services and offers assistance for people with disabilities and reduced mobility. The arrangements for this assistance may change; check the latest details before travelling. The address for visiting Piana delle Orme is Strada Migliara 43 1/2, 29, 04100 Latina LT. Check access arrangements before your visit. Together, the museums, architecture, railway station and nature destinations offer different ways to plan your stay according to your interests.
Discover more destinations: Gaeta, Itri, Sabaudia, San Felice Circeo, Sperlonga, Terracina, Formia, Borgo Carso, Sezze, Bassiano, Ventotene, Ponza, Latina, Fondi, Aprilia, Minturno, Borgo Faiti, Vendicio, San Donato, Norma, Maenza, Pontinia, Castellonorato, Cisterna Di Latina, Rocca Massima, Spigno Saturnia, Borgo Montenero, Borgo Bainsizza, Giulianello, Cori, Lenola, Priverno, Sonnino, Maranola-Trivio, Sermoneta, Prossedi, Monte San Biagio, Borgo Montello, Campodimele, Borgo Vodice, Bella Farnia, Borgo Grappa, Le Ferriere, Borgo Hermada, Campo di Carne, La Torre, Santi Cosma e Damiano, Borgo Piave, Tre Colli, Borgo Podgora, Pulcherini, Foce Verde.
For the broader travel overview: Lazio.
