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Viterbo

Viterbo

Located in the Lazio region of central Italy, Viterbo is a city that seamlessly combines a rich historical legacy with natural beauty and cultural charm. Known as the "City of Popes," Viterbo is famous for its medieval architecture, hot springs, and unique traditions. Whether you're drawn to history, art, or relaxation, Viterbo offers an unforgettable Italian experience.

Map of Viterbo

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A Journey Through Viterbo's History

The origins of Viterbo can be traced back to the Etruscan civilization, which thrived in the area long before the rise of Rome. However, it was during the Middle Ages that Viterbo gained prominence as a Papal city. Between the 13th and 14th centuries, it served as the residence of several Popes, earning it the nickname "City of Popes." This illustrious period left a significant mark on the city, evident in its grand palaces, churches, and well-preserved medieval quarter.

Top Attractions in Viterbo

Palazzo dei Papi (Palace of the Popes)

A symbol of Viterbo's historic importance, this Gothic palace served as the Papal residence during the 13th century. The Sala del Conclave, where the first papal conclave was held, is a highlight.

San Pellegrino District

This charming medieval quarter is one of the best-preserved in Italy. Stroll through its narrow cobblestone streets, admire ancient towers, and explore quaint shops and cafes.

Viterbo Cathedral (Cattedrale di San Lorenzo)

Located near the Palazzo dei Papi, this Romanesque-style cathedral features stunning frescoes and a serene ambiance, making it a must-visit for history and art lovers.

Terme dei Papi (Papal Baths)

Viterbo is renowned for its natural hot springs, which have been used for centuries. The Terme dei Papi offers a luxurious spa experience, ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Villa Lante

Just a short drive from Viterbo, this Renaissance villa in Bagnaia is famous for its exquisite Italian gardens, fountains, and terraces. It’s a masterpiece of landscape design.

Cultural Highlights and Events

Viterbo is deeply rooted in tradition, with numerous cultural events held throughout the year. The most famous is the Macchina di Santa Rosa, a UNESCO-recognized festival held every September. A towering, illuminated structure is carried through the streets by over 100 men in honor of the city's patron saint, Santa Rosa.

Cuisine of Viterbo

Viterbo's cuisine reflects the flavors of the Tuscia region. Signature dishes include acquacotta, a rustic soup made with vegetables and bread, and lombrichelli, a type of hand-rolled pasta. For dessert, try tozzetti, almond cookies often paired with sweet wine. Local wines, particularly those from the nearby Montefiascone area, are a perfect accompaniment to any meal.

Outdoor Activities

Nature lovers will appreciate the lush landscapes surrounding Viterbo. The Bolsena Lake, the largest volcanic lake in Europe, is a short drive away and offers opportunities for boating, swimming, and lakeside dining. The Cimini Mountains provide excellent hiking trails and panoramic views of the region.

Getting to Viterbo

Viterbo is about 100 kilometers northwest of Rome and is accessible by train, bus, or car. Once in the city, most attractions are within walking distance, though public transport is available for nearby sites.

Why Visit Viterbo?

Viterbo is a city where history comes alive. Its stunning architecture, relaxing thermal baths, and vibrant cultural scene make it a must-visit destination. Whether you're exploring medieval streets, enjoying the tranquility of natural hot springs, or indulging in local delicacies, Viterbo promises a truly memorable Italian adventure.

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Flag of Lazio
lazio flag
  • Regional Information

    • Area: 17,208 km²
      Population: 5.6m
      Density: 327/km²
      Capital: Rome

      National Parks:
      Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park
      Circeo National Park
      The Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park
Location of Lazio
lazio location
Provinces of Lazio
lazio provinces
  • Comunes
    • Frosinone
      • Acquafondata
        Acuto
        Alatri
        Alvito
        Amaseno
        Anagni
        Aquino
        Arce
        Arnara
        Arpino
        Atina
        Ausonia
        Belmonte Castello
        Boville Ernica
        Broccostella
        Campoli Appennino
        Casalattico
        Casalvieri
        Cassino
        Castelliri
        Castelnuovo Parano
        Castro dei Volsci
        Castrocielo
        Ceccano
        Ceprano
        Cervaro
        Colfelice
        Colle San Magno
        Collepardo
        Coreno Ausonio
        Esperia
        Falvaterra
        Ferentino
        Filettino
        Fiuggi
        Fontana Liri
        Fontechiari
        Frosinone
        Fumone
        Gallinaro
        Giuliano di Roma
        Guarcino
        Isola del Liri
        Monte San Giovanni Campano
        Morolo
        Paliano
        Pastena
        Patrica
        Pescosolido
        Picinisco
        Pico
        Piedimonte San Germano
        Piglio
        Pignataro Interamna
        Pofi
        Pontecorvo
        Posta Fibreno
        Ripi
        Rocca d’Arce
        Roccasecca
        San Biagio Saracinisco
        San Donato Val di Comino
        San Giorgio a Liri
        San Giovanni Incarico
        San Vittore del Lazio
        Sant’Ambrogio sul Garigliano
        Sant’Andrea del Garigliano
        Sant’Apollinare
        Sant’Elia Fiumerapido
        Santopadre
        Serrone
        Settefrati
        Sgurgola
        Sora
        Strangolagalli
        Supino
        Terelle
        Torre Cajetani
        Torrice
        Trevi nel Lazio
        Trivigliano
        Vallecorsa
        Vallemaio
        Vallerotonda
        Veroli
        Vicalvi
        Vico nel Lazio
        Villa Latina
        Villa Santa Lucia
        Villa Santo Stefano
        Viticuso

    • Latina
      • Aprilia
        Bassiano
        Campodimele
        Castelforte
        Cisterna di Latina
        Cori
        Fondi
        Formia
        Gaeta
        Itri
        Latina
        Lenola
        Maenza
        Minturno
        Monte San Biagio
        Norma
        Pontinia
        Ponza
        Priverno
        Prossedi
        Rocca Massima
        Roccagorga
        Roccasecca dei Volsci
        Sabaudia
        San Felice Circeo
        Santi Cosma e Damiano
        Sermoneta
        Sezze
        Sonnino
        Sperlonga
        Spigno Saturnia
        Terracina
        Ventotene

    • Rieti
      • Accumoli
        Amatrice
        Antrodoco
        Ascrea
        Belmonte in Sabina
        Borbona
        Borgo Velino
        Borgorose
        Cantalice
        Cantalupo in Sabina
        Casaprota
        Casperia
        Castel di Tora
        Castel Sant’Angelo
        Castelnuovo di Farfa
        Cittaducale
        Cittareale
        Collalto Sabino
        Colle di Tora
        Collegiove
        Collevecchio
        Colli sul Velino
        Concerviano
        Configni
        Contigliano
        Cottanello
        Fara in Sabina
        Fiamignano
        Forano
        Frasso Sabino
        Greccio
        Labro
        Leonessa
        Longone Sabino
        Magliano Sabina
        Marcetelli
        Micigliano
        Mompeo
        Montasola
        Monte San Giovanni in Sabina
        Montebuono
        Monteleone Sabino
        Montenero Sabino
        Montopoli di Sabina
        Morro Reatino
        Nespolo
        Orvinio
        Paganico Sabino
        Pescorocchiano
        Petrella Salto
        Poggio Bustone
        Poggio Catino
        Poggio Mirteto
        Poggio Moiano
        Poggio Nativo
        Poggio San Lorenzo
        Posta
        Pozzaglia Sabina
        Rieti
        Rivodutri
        Rocca Sinibalda
        Roccantica
        Salisano
        Scandriglia
        Selci
        Stimigliano
        Tarano
        Toffia
        Torri in Sabina
        Torricella in Sabina
        Turania
        Vacone
        Varco Sabino

    • Roma
      • Affile
        Agosta
        Albano Laziale
        Allumiere
        Anguillara Sabazia
        Anticoli Corrado
        Anzio
        Arcinazzo Romano
        Ardea
        Ariccia
        Arsoli
        Artena
        Bellegra
        Bracciano
        Camerata Nuova
        Campagnano di Roma
        Canale Monterano
        Canterano
        Capena
        Capranica Prenestina
        Carpineto Romano
        Casape
        Castel Gandolfo
        Castel Madama
        Castel San Pietro Romano
        Castelnuovo di Porto
        Cave
        Cerreto Laziale
        Cervara di Roma
        Cerveteri
        Ciampino
        Ciciliano
        Cineto Romano
        Civitavecchia
        Civitella San Paolo
        Colleferro
        Colonna
        Fiano Romano
        Filacciano
        Fiumicino
        Fonte Nuova
        Formello
        Frascati
        Gallicano nel Lazio
        Gavignano
        Genazzano
        Genzano di Roma
        Gerano
        Gorga
        Grottaferrata
        Guidonia Montecelio
        Jenne
        Labico
        Ladispoli
        Lanuvio
        Lariano
        Licenza
        Magliano Romano
        Mandela
        Manziana
        Marano Equo
        Marcellina
        Marino
        Mazzano Romano
        Mentana
        Monte Compatri
        Monte Porzio Catone
        Monteflavio
        Montelanico
        Montelibretti
        Monterotondo
        Montorio Romano
        Moricone
        Morlupo
        Nazzano
        Nemi
        Nerola
        Nettuno
        Olevano Romano
        Palestrina
        Palombara Sabina
        Percile
        Pisoniano
        Poli
        Pomezia
        Ponzano Romano
        Riano
        Rignano Flaminio
        Riofreddo
        Rocca Canterano
        Rocca di Cave
        Rocca di Papa
        Rocca Priora
        Rocca Santo Stefano
        Roccagiovine
        Roiate
        Roma
        Roviano
        Sacrofano
        Sambuci
        San Cesareo
        San Gregorio da Sassola
        San Polo dei Cavalieri
        San Vito Romano
        Santa Marinella
        Sant’Angelo Romano
        Sant’Oreste
        Saracinesco
        Segni
        Subiaco
        Tivoli
        Tolfa
        Torrita Tiberina
        Trevignano Romano
        Vallepietra
        Vallinfreda
        Valmontone
        Velletri
        Vicovaro
        Vivaro Romano
        Zagarolo

    • Viterbo
      • Acquapendente
        Arlena di Castro
        Bagnoregio
        Barbarano Romano
        Bassano in Teverina
        Bassano Romano
        Blera
        Bolsena
        Bomarzo
        Calcata
        Canepina
        Canino
        Capodimonte
        Capranica
        Caprarola
        Carbognano
        Castel Sant’Elia
        Castiglione in Teverina
        Celleno
        Cellere
        Civita Castellana
        Civitella d’Agliano
        Corchiano
        Fabrica di Roma
        Faleria
        Farnese
        Gallese
        Gradoli
        Graffignano
        Grotte di Castro
        Ischia di Castro
        Latera
        Lubriano
        Marta
        Montalto di Castro
        Monte Romano
        Montefiascone
        Monterosi
        Nepi
        Onano
        Oriolo Romano
        Orte
        Piansano
        Proceno
        Ronciglione
        San Lorenzo Nuovo
        Soriano nel Cimino
        Sutri
        Tarquinia
        Tessennano
        Tuscania
        Valentano
        Vallerano
        Vasanello
        Vejano
        Vetralla
        Vignanello
        Villa San Giovanni in Tuscia
        Viterbo
        Vitorchiano

Hotels in Lazio
lazio hotels
LazioWEATHER
Lazio Climate (Rome)
  High Low Sun Rain
Jan 15 8 4 63
Feb 15 8 4 52
Mar 17 9 5 43
Apr 19 11 6 31
May 24 15 7 17
Jun 28 18 9 9
Jul 31 22 10 6
Aug 31 22 9 9
Sep 28 19 7 29
Oct 24 16 6 53
Nov 20 12 4 63
Dec 17 10 4 59
Table Key:
High - Average monthly high temperatures
Low - Average monthly low temperatures
Sun - Average hours of sunshine per day
Rain - Average monthly rainfall in mm
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