Viterbo

<< Lazio

Viterbo is the largest city in Northern Lazio. Probably settled originally by the Etruscans, the modern town was founded in the Middle Ages. Viterbo conquered the nearby towns and became a powerful comune and the residence of various popes throughout the Late Middle Ages. The importance of Viterbo later waned, and now it is known for housing several historic landmarks.

✪ Palace of the Popes in Viterbo

The Palace of the Popes in Viterbo (Palazzo dei Papi di Viterbo) is a large medieval palace in Viterbo, which served as the residence of various popes during the 13th century. The imposing building features a beautifully decorated loggia and houses the Sala del Conclave, the hall where the longest conclave in history took place between 1268 and 1271.

Viterbo Cathedral

Also known as: Cathedral of San Lorenzo (Cattedrale di San Lorenzo)

The Viterbo Cathedral (Duomo di Viterbo) is the main church in Viterbo, located next to the Palace of the Popes. Originally erected in Romanesque style in the Late Middle Ages, it was later reworked during the Renaissance. The church features a decorated Gothic bell tower, while the facade is simple. Inside, the cathedral features numerous Baroque artworks and decorations, and also hosts the tomb of Pope John XXI. Adjacent to the church is the Museo del Colle del Duomo, a museum housing a rich collection of religious artworks.

Church of Santa Maria Nuova

The Church of Santa Maria Nuova is a Romanesque church in Viterbo founded in the 11th century. The church houses numerous artworks, including a medieval triptych and some Renaissance paintings, but also some works from the 20th century.

Palazzo dei Priori

Palazzo dei Priori is the historic town hall of Viterbo, erected in the Late Middle Ages facing the central Piazza del Plebiscito. Some of the halls of palace are richly adorned with Renaissance frescoes and other artworks.

National Etruscan Museum Rocca Albornoz

The National Etruscan Museum Rocca Albornoz (Museo Nazionale Etrusco Rocca Albornoz) is an archaeological museum housed in a former medieval fort in Viterbo. The museum houses a collection of Etruscan artworks and archaeological finds, along with the reconstructions of Etruscan houses and buildings.

Basilica of San Francesco alla Rocca

The Basilica of San Francesco alla Rocca is a 13th-century church in Viterbo, erected in Romanesque style and featuring various Baroque additions. The church houses some artworks and funerary monuments, including those of Pope Clement IV and Pope Adrian V.

Church of Santa Maria della Verità

The Church of Santa Maria della Verità is a Romanesque church in Viterbo, erected in the Late Middle Ages. The church features some artworks, most notably a series of 15th-century frescoes in a decorated chapel. Adjacent to the church is the Civic Museum (Museo Civico), which hosts various archaeological finds and an art gallery with medieval and Renaissance paintings.

Villa Lante

Villa Lante is a 16th-century villa located in the hamlet of Bagnaia, east of Viterbo. The villa is known for its large and elaborate Mannerist garden, which features numerous richly decorated fountains and sculptures.

Archaeological Area of Ferentium

Ferentium was an ancient Roman town located north of Viterbo. Once a flourishing city, it suffered a decline during the Middle Ages, until it was conquered and destroyed by Viterbo in the 12th century. The ruins of the ancient town include a large theater and various other buildings.