Viterbo

Travel Guide

Orte featuring farmland
Montefiascone which includes a city
Orte showing signage
Bagnoregio showing flowers
Viterbo

Make a short trip north from Rome’s ancient ruins to a quiet city filled with medieval architecture and papal history.

In the 13th century, Viterbo was important as the papal residence for two decades. Visit today to view original and restored buildings in Viterbo’s Historic Centre, a picturesque area surrounded by walls dating back to the 11th century.

The Palazzo dei Papi, where several popes lived and died, is an outstanding example of architecture that draws visitors to explore narrow cobbled streets surrounded by medieval stone buildings. Notice a grand staircase leading to a loggia with surprisingly delicate pillars, contrasting with fortified walls topped by crenelated battlements.

The Viterbo Cathedral or Cattedrale di San Lorenzo occupies the southern side of the plaza fronting the palace. Study the bronze relief doors before you enter. Look for a 14th-century Madonna fresco, a 15th-century baptismal font, and an unadorned high wooden ceiling.

As you stroll along Viterbo’s streets, you’ll see typical medieval buildings of thick stone and hand-made bricks in varying shades of beige. Notice exterior stone staircases and arched windows and doors that create distinction among buildings. Find coffee shops and cafés tucked inside these ancient buildings.

Come to Viterbo in early September for the Festa di Santa Rosa, when 100 men carry the 90-foot-tall (27-metre) Macchina di Santa Rosa through town. The giant lighted obelisk honours Viterbo’s patron saint.

Drive about 20 minutes from Viterbo to other interesting towns. Montefiascone is north near Lago di Balsena. Enjoy famed wines and restaurants and admire the Basilica of Santa Margherita, with a huge dome. Continue northeast to Civita di Bagnoregio, a tiny town on a rocky, eroding promontory that you’ll reach via an elevated footbridge. Enjoy exceptional views and chat with the handful of people still living here.

Bomarzo, northeast of Viterbo, has Sacro Bosco, an unusual 16th-century garden. Step through an ancient gate to view large moss-covered monster sculptures in the shapes of a turtle, ogres and a wide-mouthed Orcus, an underworld god.

Drive 1 hour from Rome’s northern outskirts to reach Viterbo or ride the train in about 1.5 hours.

Best Western Hotel Viterbo

Best Western Hotel Viterbo

4 out of 5
Via San Camillo de Lellis 6, Viterbo, VT
The price is €78 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
€78
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Viterbo. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (425 reviews)
"All good"

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2025

Best Western Hotel Viterbo
Hotel Salus Terme - Adults Only

Hotel Salus Terme - Adults Only

4 out of 5
Strada Tuscanese, 26/28, Viterbo, VT
The price is €266 per night from 10 Sept to 11 Sept
€266
10 Sept - 11 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Viterbo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Spa of the Popes and Valle Faul are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (236 reviews)
"Great terms"

Reviewed on 12 May 2025

Hotel Salus Terme - Adults Only
Hotel Villa Sofia

Hotel Villa Sofia

4 out of 5
Str. Santissimo Salvatore, Viterbo, VT
The price is €119 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€119
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Viterbo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Chiesa di San Francesco and Museo ...
Hotel Villa Sofia
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Palazzo Catalani Resort

Palazzo Catalani Resort

4 out of 5
Via Montecavallo 26, Soriano nel Cimino, VT
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Soriano nel Cimino. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Palazzo Chigi-Albani and Castello ...
Palazzo Catalani Resort
Villaggio Le Querce

Villaggio Le Querce

4 out of 5
Via S. Marco 58, Sorano, GR
Stay at this 4-star spa residence in Sorano. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Fortezza Orsini and Citta del Tufo are located ...
Villaggio Le Querce
Completely remodeled in 2022. Villa, panoramic lake view, private swimming pool

Completely remodeled in 2022. Villa, panoramic lake view, private swimming pool

Trevignano Romano
Book a stay at this family-friendly villa in Trevignano Romano. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Lake Bracciano and ...
Completely remodeled in 2022. Villa, panoramic lake view, private swimming pool
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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