TERRACINA

Latin Tarracina, town and episcopal see, Latina province, Lazio (Latium) region, south central Italy, on the Golfo (gulf) di Gaeta (an inlet of the Tyrrhenian Sea) at the foot of the Monti Ausoni, southeast of Rome. Originating as the Anxur of the Volsci tribe, it passed under Roman domination c. 400 BC and became known as Tarracina. An important city on the Appian Way, it assumed great importance as a resort, as witnessed by the remains of the forum, sumptuous temples, baths, and theatres and villas of the emperors Tiberius, Galba, and Vitellius. Dominating the town are the ruins of the temple of Jupiter Anxur and the ancient Anxur wall on the slopes overlooking the modern town and port. The cathedral of S. Cesario (consecrated 1074) stands over the ancient temple of Rome and Augustus, remains of which can be seen in the outer walls. In the modern town are municipal parks, a town hall (1958), and a museum. Now a popular seaside resort, Terracina's principal economic activities are fishing, food preserving, and the manufacture of floor coverings and electrical appliances. The muscatel grapes of the district are exported. Pop. (1981 prelim.) mun., 36,795.