Terracina on the west coast is approximately an hour’s drive south of
Rome. The town has thriving arts and crafts, and fishing industries. However, increasing numbers of tourists interested in seeing the Roman ruins and rustic farm buildings, are making their way to Terracina.
The town has approximately 40,000 inhabitants and is worth a visit even outside the summer months when throngs of Romans and Italians come to enjoy the beaches and the delights of the numerous local fish restaurants. The modern part of this town is on the water’s edge and is a hive of activity all day long. In the evenings, locals and visitors alike gather in the old part of the town nestled on the slopes leading up to Jupiter’s Temple, which towers over the town from its position on Mount Sant’ Angelo.
The town centre is inviting and atmospheric: The cathedral square is among the most beautiful in the entire Italian peninsula. Along the main road, you can’t help but notice the ancient columns and large stones that have been re-used in the construction of the surrounding houses. Marble and stone blend in perfect harmony in a seemingly random manner. There are several restaurants and bars in the town centre, as well as the more traditional hostarias, where local wine and specialties abound.
