modern Palestrina
Ancient city, Latium , central Italy.
Praeneste was located on a spur of the Apennines . Founded before the 8th century BC, it saw many battles with Rome before becoming part of the Roman Empire. It was a major centre for the cult of the goddess Fortuna, whose sanctuary and temple oracle were surrounded by an immense complex of buildings. It became a favourite summer resort of wealthy Romans, including Augustus , Hadrian , and Pliny the Younger . The modern town is the birthplace of composer Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina .