Laterina: Medieval Village on the Arno Plain

Laterina combines medieval history with paths along the Arno and distinctive views across the landscape. In the town centre, historic towers, fortification remains and squares come together; outside the centre, routes lead to Lake La Penna, the Diga della Penna and the ancient Ponte del Romito. The town therefore offers various points of interest for a stay combining culture, landscape and activities.

The Town Centre and Its Medieval Traces

Laterina is considered a medieval village whose centre serves as an open-air museum. A prominent landmark is the tower of the former Porta Fiorentina from the 14th century, which marks the western end of the town centre. The Propositura dei Santi Ippolito e Cassiano is located at the corner between Piazza del Popolo and Borgo Maestro. The Torre dell’Orologio also bears witness to the town’s history. As part of the Florentine reconstruction in the first half of the 14th century, it belonged to a municipal building dominated by a tall tower. Some remains of the 14th-century fortifications have survived from the Rocca, including high walls around the south-western corner. The former Oratorio San Biagio completes this historic picture: it is a single-nave Romanesque church with a gabled roof and a presbytery separated by a round arch.

Views over the Arno Plain and the Hills

Laterina’s main square opens out towards the Arno Plain below and offers panoramic views towards the hills of Ponticino and Pergine. In the area around the town, the Diga della Penna provides further panoramic views over the surrounding plains and the artificial lake created beyond them; it is suitable for excursions. For exploring along the river, Route 08 is a clearly described option. It begins at the car park of Laterina’s sports ground and follows the Arno past the dam and Lake La Penna to Rondine. The route thus connects the starting point in Laterina with the river, the dam and the reservoir.

Water and Landscape Experiences

Another route is aimed at anyone wishing to experience the surroundings from the water: the kayaking and SUP route starts at the ancient Ponte del Romito in the municipality of Laterina. The “Via dell’Olio” also combines local history with the regional landscape. This circular route covers the municipalities of Bucine and Laterina Pergine Valdarno and is named after olive cultivation, which is considered one of the area’s most important crops. “Medieval Laterina” complements the historical themes with costumed processions, historical re-enactments, archery and street theatre. These elements make the town centre accessible not only through its buildings, but also through depicted history and public performances. You can discover other destinations from the same selection with Giovi-Ponte Alla Chiassa, Sestino, Monterchi, Bibbiena, Gricignano, Chitignano, Sant'Andrea di Sorbello and Poppi.

For the higher-level travel overview: Arezzo.