Viterbo

THE CITY OF THE POPES, TOWERS, AND FOUNTAINS

Viterbo, known as the city of the popes, towers, and fountains, is a place rich in history and beauty. This ancient city, located in the heart of the Viterbo province, experienced its period of greatest splendor in the 13th century when the papal court moved here to escape the dangers of nearby Rome. Every corner of Viterbo is a treasure of medieval and Renaissance evidence, and the city is also famous for its beautiful women!

What to See in the Historic Center

Viterbo’s historic center is a true gem. Your visit can start at Piazza del Plebiscito, the Renaissance heart of the city, where you’ll find the 15th-century Palazzo dei Priori with its majestic, internally frescoed rooms and the suspended courtyard adorned with three magnificent monumental fountains. From here, you can continue to Piazza del Gesù, where you’ll find a beautiful Romanesque church and a monumental fountain framed by the mighty medieval tower of Borgognone. Finally, you mustn’t miss a visit to Piazza San Lorenzo, where you’ll find the monumental complex of Colle del Duomo with the Palazzo dei Papi and the Cathedral of San Lorenzo.

WHAT TO DO IN VITERBO

Viterbo offers many activities for visitors. You can take a stroll through the medieval district of San Pellegrino, considered the most intact medieval district in Europe, with its narrow alleys offering picturesque corners and an atmosphere of times gone by. Additionally, you can visit the National Etruscan Museum Rocca Albornoz to discover the fascinating Etruscan civilization or relax at the Terme dei Papi, famous for their exceptionally large thermal pool.

THE HISTORY OF VITERBO

Viterbo has a fascinating history dating back to the Etruscan era. However, the city reached its peak in the 13th century when it became the papal seat. During this period, five popes were elected in Viterbo, and the city became an important center of power and culture.

VITERBO IS ALSO KNOWN FOR ITS THERMAL BATHS

Viterbo is famous for its thermal baths, particularly the Terme dei Papi. These thermal baths offer an exceptionally large thermal pool called Monumentale, fed by the Bullicame spring, famous for its excellent properties. The Terme dei Papi are open year-round, providing a place for relaxation and well-being just minutes from the city.

Events

THE NIGHT OF SANTA ROSA

The Night of Santa Rosa is one of the most important and heartfelt events in the city of Viterbo. This tradition dates back to 1258 when the incorruptible body of Santa Rosa da Viterbo was transferred by the Pope in a solemn procession to the Church of the Clarisses. Since then, every year, the people of Viterbo celebrate their patron saint with festivities that unite the public and authorities in a single feeling of faith.

On September 2nd, a solemn procession takes place, the historical procession of Viterbo in honor of Santa Rosa, with approximately 300 participants in beautiful period costumes representing the most important civil and ecclesiastical offices in the life of the Municipality. The procession accompanies the Sacred Heart of the Saint through the city streets.

In the evening of September 3rd, the transport of the “Machine of Santa Rosa” is carried out, a tower of about 30 meters weighing 50 quintals, which is carried on the shoulders of about a hundred men, called “facchini di Santa Rosa,” along a path of one kilometer and two hundred meters through some streets of the historic center of Viterbo.

The Night of Santa Rosa is an event of great suggestion and popular participation, paying homage to the city’s patron saint in an atmosphere of deep devotion and celebration.