Latrobe

Latrobe is a city located on the Yalumbia river in the central plains of southeastern Etnier. It is the most populous city of Etnier and the centre of Kelssek’s fifth-largest metropolitan area. A centre for arts and culture, it is home to the National Gallery of Etnier, the Kelssek Centre for the Moving Image, and the Etnier People’s Opera. It is also a hub for the media, telecommunications, software, auto manufacturing, and agricultural industries.

The geographic location at a series of bends in the river Yalumbia has made this site an important point for trade and transportation since antiquity. Market settlements have existed in the area since the early middle ages, and Lettrovbe Castle was constructed by 652 BFE which is the earliest mention of the name in historical records. The current spelling of the city's name became standard about 120 years before the Kelssek revolution in Etnier. During the industrial era and post-confederation, the city grew into a major manufacturing centre, and the economy continued to grow due to its thriving wood and paper industries.

Culture and attractions
Republic Square is the city's central landmark, and the Flintside district on its northern side is a heritage district known for its winding alleyways and very hipster cafes and bistros. Republic Square incorporates a large skatepark built in 172 FE that has made frequent appearances in skate culture such as movies, video games, and the music video for a multi-platinum punk rock song by Factional Distillation.

The city boasts of a range of tourist attractions that appeal to visitors. Latrobe has several museums that offer an insight into its history, such as the Northbolter Latrobe Museum and the Old Church. Guardian Tower, constructed in 87 BFE to allow surveillance and defence of the river docks, is a well-known city landmark. The Southbank district has become a key business and financial centre which is known for its collection of International style skyscrapers including Southstar Place.

Latrobe offers plenty of open spaces and parks to enjoy. Bantam Yards Green is an excellent spot for picnics and recreation, while the Hornmaten Trails are perfect for jogging, strolling or cycling. There is also a sculpture garden in the riverside Engerlsrun Park that displays over 100 sculptures by regional and national artists. Outside the city, there are several stunning natural sites to visit like the Braannliden nature reserve and Lake Tasjoern, perfect for fishing and canoeing. Latrobe is also a gateway for skiing, rock climbing, and other alpine activities in the southern Boundary Mountains. Located 80 km west of the city, the Aengeland trail is an ideal spot for hiking and mountain biking.

Higher education
Three major universities are located in Latrobe. The University of Latrobe is among Kelssek's oldest universities and and its historic campus is located on the north end of the city centre. William Watterson University and the Etnier Institute of Technology (also known as EtniTech) are both members of the prestigious Group of Research Universities.

Sports
The city is represented in Kelssek’s four major professional sports leagues. Based at Macquarie Docklands, Latrobe Athletic is Kelssek's oldest and most successful rugby club and was the first Kelssek sports club to reach a major international final, and its soccer section has also been a major fixture of the Kelssek Football League with seven league titles and has reached the final of the Champions League. The city is also home to multi-time KHL premiership and Desjardins Cup winners Internationale HC in ice hockey (often known as "Inter"), and the Latrobe Dolphins in the Water Polo Premier League.

Transportation
Latrobe's mass transit system uses a network of trams, subway, and commuter rail. The Borealis railway station is Latrobe’s main intercity terminal with Velocit high-speed services. Etnier Rail and Kelssek National provide regional services to Clayquot, Coldwater, and across the provincial border to Redswyth. Latrobe Burke Airport is the city's main airport, which is a minor hub for both Air Kelssek and Kelssek Pacific Airlines. The airport was used by 33.6 million passengers as of 193 FE.

International relations
Latrobe has a sister city partnership with Ariana, Cookesland.