Velletri

Velletri is a comune in the province of Rome, on the Alban Hills, in Lazio (Latium) - Italy. It is bounded by other communes of Rocca di Papa, Lariano, Cisterna di Latina, Artena, Aprilia, Nemi, Genzano di Roma, Lanuvio. Its motto is: Est mihi libertas papalis et imperialis. Velletri is renowned as one of the main centres for wine production in the Latium. The origins of Velletri (ancient Velitrae) are uncertain. A settlement existed on the site ... more

Velletri is a comune in the province of Rome, on the Alban Hills, in Lazio (Latium) - Italy. It is bounded by other communes of Rocca di Papa, Lariano, Cisterna di Latina, Artena, Aprilia, Nemi, Genzano di Roma, Lanuvio. Its motto is: Est mihi libertas papalis et imperialis. Velletri is renowned as one of the main centres for wine production in the Latium. The origins of Velletri (ancient Velitrae) are uncertain. A settlement existed on the site from pre-historic times, though scholars debate if its inhabitants were Etruscan or Latin. In the year 494 BC, while in danger due to Volscian pressure, the city was garrisoned with colonist soldiers by the Romans; Rome was mainly interested in stopping Volscian expansion in Latium. Subsequently, after the First Latin War in the 338 BC, Velitrae was deprived of its city walls as Rome achieved sovereignty over its territory. During the Roman period, patricians built several villas in it. The city had also several temples and an amphitheatre.... less