Discover Laterina

Laterina combines buildings shaped by the medieval period with routes along the Arno and views of the surrounding landscape. If you are looking for a hotel in Laterina, you can plan your trip around whether you would like to explore the historic centre and its history, or focus on tours and water activities. The historic sites offer insights into different architectural styles and periods; the routes vary in their starting points and courses, among other things.

Historic Centre and Architectural History

At the western end of the historic centre, the tower of the former Porta Fiorentina marks the site of a former town gate dating from the 14th century. The Propositura dei Santi Ippolito e Cassiano stands at the corner between Piazza del Popolo and Borgo Maestro. Laterina is considered a medieval village, with a centre that serves as an open-air museum. As you explore, you will encounter both individual historic buildings and a historic centre shaped as a whole by the medieval period.

The Torre dell’Orologio is also part of Laterina’s architectural history: during the Florentine reconstruction in the first half of the 14th century, it formed part of a municipal building dominated by a tall tower. The former Oratory of San Biagio is a single-nave Romanesque church with a pitched roof. A round arch separates the presbytery from the rest of the church. Some remains of the 14th-century fortifications survive at the Rocca, including high walls around the southwestern corner. The site is not open to the public.

The buildings each have a different emphasis: at Porta Fiorentina, the focus is on its former function as a town gate; at the Torre dell’Orologio, on its connection with the municipal building; and at the Oratory of San Biagio, on its Romanesque architectural style. These differences offer a tangible way to explore the village’s history, without reducing all the historic sites to the same period or function.

The Arno Plain, Routes and Excursions

The main square opens onto the Arno plain below; from there, panoramic views extend towards the hills of Ponticino and Pergine. For a route through the landscape, Route 08 starts at the car park by Laterina’s sports ground. It follows the Arno, crossing the dam and passing the La Penna reservoir on the way to Rondine. Check the route conditions before setting out.

Around Laterina, Diga della Penna offers panoramic views over the surrounding plains and the artificial lake formed beyond them; the area is well suited to excursions. Here, the focus is on the view across the landscape. Water-based activities offer a different perspective: the kayaking and SUP route starts at the ancient Ponte del Romito in the municipality of Laterina.

The Via dell’Olio is a circular route that includes Bucine and Laterina Pergine Valdarno. Its name refers to olive cultivation, one of the area’s most important crops. The options described therefore differ in form: Route 08 leads from a starting point to Rondine, the Via dell’Olio is a circular route, and the kayaking and SUP route starts at Ponte del Romito.

Culture and Events

“Medieval Laterina” features costumed parades, historical re-enactments, archery and street theatre. Individual events may vary from year to year; check the event dates and programme before your trip. The events programme thus complements the historic buildings, which can be seen year-round, with a cultural experience whose details change over time.

You can plan your trip around specific interests: Laterina’s historic centre combines historic buildings with a medieval character, while the surrounding area offers views, excursions and different types of routes. Those particularly interested in architectural history will find several distinct examples in the village; those looking for landscapes and outdoor activities can consider the routes and water activities described here in terms of their respective starting points and courses.

Discover more destinations: Lonnano, Falciano, Stia, Caprese Michelangelo, Oliveto, Pieve Santo Stefano, Terranuova Bracciolini, Campoluci.

For the main travel overview: Arezzo.