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Viterbo

The largest town in northern Lazio, Viterbo is a much-overlooked gem with a charming medieval centro storico and a laid-back, provincial vibe.

Founded by the Etruscans and later taken over by the Romans, it developed into an important medieval centre, and in the 13th century was briefly the seat of the papacy. It was heavily bombed in WWII, but much of its historic core survived and this attractive tangle of grey-stone buildings is today in remarkably good shape. This, together with its good bus connections, makes it an attractive base for exploring Lazio's far-flung northern reaches.

Explore Viterbo

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Palazzo Farnese
In Caprarola, 20km southeast of Viterbo, this lordly 16th-century palazzo is a true Renaissance wonder. It features a distinct pentagonal design and,…
C
Cattedrale di San Lorenzo
With its black-and-white bell tower, Viterbo's 12th-century cathedral looms over Piazza San Lorenzo, the religious nerve centre of the medieval city…
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Palazzo dei Papi
Flanking Piazza San Lorenzo, this handsome Gothic palazzo was built for the popes who lived in Viterbo from 1257 to 1281. Its most obvious feature is the…
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Palazzo dei Priori
Viterbo's 15th-century city hall overlooks Piazza del Plebiscito, the elegant Renaissance square that has long been the city's political and social hub…
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Villa Lante
Head to Bagnaia and the 16th-century Villa Lante for some of Italy's finest mannerist gardens. Designed by Vignola, they feature monumental fountains, an…
C
Chiesa di Santa Maria Nuova
This 11th-century Romanesque church, the oldest in Viterbo, was restored to its original form after sustaining bomb damage in WWII. A series of 13th- to…
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Museo Nazionale Etrusco
The Albornaz fortress, built in the 14th century to guard the city and later modified by Renaissance architect Bramante, houses Viterbo's modest Etruscan…
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Parco dei Mostri
Some 17km north of Viterbo at Bomarzo, the Parco dei Mostri is an eccentric folly that will entertain kids and adults alike. The brainchild of Vicino…
M
Museo Colle del Duomo
Next door to the cathedral, this museum displays a small collection of archaeological artefacts and religious art. Highlights include the Madonna della…

P
Palazzo Farnese
In Caprarola, 20km southeast of Viterbo, this lordly 16th-century palazzo is a true Renaissance wonder. It features a distinct pentagonal design and,…
C
Cattedrale di San Lorenzo
With its black-and-white bell tower, Viterbo's 12th-century cathedral looms over Piazza San Lorenzo, the religious nerve centre of the medieval city…
P
Palazzo dei Papi
Flanking Piazza San Lorenzo, this handsome Gothic palazzo was built for the popes who lived in Viterbo from 1257 to 1281. Its most obvious feature is the…
P
Palazzo dei Priori
Viterbo's 15th-century city hall overlooks Piazza del Plebiscito, the elegant Renaissance square that has long been the city's political and social hub…
V
Villa Lante
Head to Bagnaia and the 16th-century Villa Lante for some of Italy's finest mannerist gardens. Designed by Vignola, they feature monumental fountains, an…
C
Chiesa di Santa Maria Nuova
This 11th-century Romanesque church, the oldest in Viterbo, was restored to its original form after sustaining bomb damage in WWII. A series of 13th- to…
M
Museo Nazionale Etrusco
The Albornaz fortress, built in the 14th century to guard the city and later modified by Renaissance architect Bramante, houses Viterbo's modest Etruscan…
P
Parco dei Mostri
Some 17km north of Viterbo at Bomarzo, the Parco dei Mostri is an eccentric folly that will entertain kids and adults alike. The brainchild of Vicino…
M
Museo Colle del Duomo
Next door to the cathedral, this museum displays a small collection of archaeological artefacts and religious art. Highlights include the Madonna della…

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Viterbo.

See
Palazzo Farnese
In Caprarola, 20km southeast of Viterbo, this lordly 16th-century palazzo is a true Renaissance wonder. It features a distinct pentagonal design and,…
See
Cattedrale di San Lorenzo
With its black-and-white bell tower, Viterbo's 12th-century cathedral looms over Piazza San Lorenzo, the religious nerve centre of the medieval city…
See
Palazzo dei Papi
Flanking Piazza San Lorenzo, this handsome Gothic palazzo was built for the popes who lived in Viterbo from 1257 to 1281. Its most obvious feature is the…
See
Palazzo dei Priori
Viterbo's 15th-century city hall overlooks Piazza del Plebiscito, the elegant Renaissance square that has long been the city's political and social hub…
See
Villa Lante
Head to Bagnaia and the 16th-century Villa Lante for some of Italy's finest mannerist gardens. Designed by Vignola, they feature monumental fountains, an…
See
Chiesa di Santa Maria Nuova
This 11th-century Romanesque church, the oldest in Viterbo, was restored to its original form after sustaining bomb damage in WWII. A series of 13th- to…
See
Museo Nazionale Etrusco
The Albornaz fortress, built in the 14th century to guard the city and later modified by Renaissance architect Bramante, houses Viterbo's modest Etruscan…
See
Parco dei Mostri
Some 17km north of Viterbo at Bomarzo, the Parco dei Mostri is an eccentric folly that will entertain kids and adults alike. The brainchild of Vicino…
See
Museo Colle del Duomo
Next door to the cathedral, this museum displays a small collection of archaeological artefacts and religious art. Highlights include the Madonna della…

Guidebooks

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