Viterbo is a Medieval town located in Italy’s Lazio region. It is located by car about one hour from Rome. Train from Rome takes about 1.5 hours.
The town’s medieval architecture and wall are very well preserved, which attract tourists. Tourists are also drawn to Viterbo to soak up the health qualities of its thermal waters in its first class spas.
Students worldwide make Viterbo home while studying at Viterbo University. The university makes Viterbo a vibrant town with young people.
The Roman wine Est! Est!! Est!!! is located in Viterbo and Saltimoboca all Romana is the local dish.
Viterbo Sightseeing Video
Viterbo Points of Interest
There are several picturesque streets within the old city walls. Corso d’Italia (later turning into Via Roma) is the main drag leading into the central Piazza del Plebiscito.
Going past the square along twisting Via San Lorenzo, past the Piazza della Morte, will bring you to the papal palace with its monumental square.
To get to the medieval town, from Piazza della Morte follow Via La Fontaine to the first street on the right-hand side. Take it past Piazza San Carluccio to Via San Pellegrino running through the core of the pretty old quarter sloping down toward a shallow valley made into an urban mini-park (interestingly named Parco del Paradosso).
Palazzo dei Papi or Papal Palace
The Pope’s palace was located in Viterbo for a short time during the 1eth century.
Cathedral of S. Lorenzo
Located on a site where an ancient temple of Hercules was located. Inside you’ll find an important piece of art Christ Blessing painted in 1472 by Gerolamo d Cremona.
Piazza del Plebiscito
There are three civic buildings located around the central square: Palazzo Comunale (begun 1460), Palazzo del Podestà (1264) and Palazzo della Prefettura (rebuilt 1771). Inside the Palazzo Communal you’ll find important 17th century works of art by Tarquinio Ligustri, Bartolomeo Cavarozzi and Ludovico Nucci.
Santa Maria della Salute
Small Gothic church with a highly decorated portal.
Chiesa del Gesù
Romanesque-style 11th-century church. The sons of Simon de Montfort and Henry of Almain, son of Richard of Cornwall were stabbed to death.
Palazzo Farnese
This 14th-15th-century palace was the childhood home of Alessandro Farnese, the future Pope Paul III, and his beautiful sister, Giulia Farnese. Today Via Giulia is one of the most beautiful streets in Rome running from Piazza Farnese toward the Vatican.
Santa Maria Nuova (11th-century), San Sisto (second half of 9th-century), and San Giovanni in Zoccoli (11th-century)
Three Romanesque churches. Thomas Aquinas made an appearance at the Santa Maria Nuova
Palazzo degli Alessandri
Medieval patrician house in central Viterbo.
Fontana di Piazza Rocca and Fontana Grande
Two fountains built in the 12th century.
San Francesco
Gothic church built over a pre-existing Lombard fortress. It has a single nave with a Latin cross plan. It houses the sepulchre of Pope Adrian V, who died in Viterbo in 1276, considered the first monument by Arnolfo di Cambio.
Sanctuary of Santa Rosa
Church is a sober 19th-century reconstruction, where every year a new Macchina di Santa Rosa, or dedicatory tower is displayed.
Museo Civico
City Museum houses many archeologic items from the pre-historic to Ancient Roman times. The picture gallery includes works by Sebastiano del Piombo, Antoniazzo Romano, Salvator Rosa, and Antiveduto Grammatica.
Orto Botanico dell’Università della Tuscia
Botanical garden operated by the university.
Viterbo Spas
Viterbo’s spas dot the country side outside of town. Italy is a volcanic land. The entire landscape is dotted with ancient volcanic craters. Lago di Vico is a caldera lake situated in the basin of the Vico volcano. The lake feeds this thermal area. The natural water spas are fueled by sulfuric water that bubbles from the ground. These springs provide naturally hot water. he water feeds several pools and is said to cure many ailments including skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
Le Terme del Bullicame
A 10-minute drive from Viterbo, there are four baths of varying temperature. There are also Roman ruins who enjoyed these same springs 2000 years ago. Free.
Le Pozze di San Sisto
This is the nicest of the public spas set among the natural landscape. It is located a few miles from Viterbo.
Terme dei Papi
A mile or so from Viterbo, this famed spa is the most commercial of the bunch.
Viterbo Accommodations
Alla Corte delle Terme Resort
One of the top rated hotels in the Viterbo area. Don’t expect American resort quality but for the Italian country side it is comfortable. You can book the wellness package to include towel robe, towel, crocs and minibus to the thermal baths at the Terme dei Papi. You may use bicycles to ride the ancient lands where the Etruscans settled 3000 years ago. There is an Etruscan necropolis 3km away. The ride is level and relaxed.
B&B Santa Rosa
Located 10 minute walk from the train station, the university, and the cathedral. Nice little bed and breakfast located in historic Viterbo. Breakfast of coffee and croissants and wifi is included. There are 5 rooms. Building is from 12th century. Perfect spot to stay in the town.
The Hotel Niccolo V at Terme dei Papi
With 23 rooms this is one of the larger resorts at the popular Papi thermal pool.