Viterbo packs an outsized punch for a city of 67,000. It served as the papal seat for 24 years in the 13th century, leaving behind one of Italy’s finest medieval quarters and a papal palace that hosted the longest conclave in Church history. Add natural thermal springs used since Etruscan times, a UNESCO-listed festival, and a position in the heart of Tuscia’s Etruscan countryside, and you have a destination that rewards two to three days of exploration. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss. For by, see our Viterbo weather by month.
Historic Sites and Architecture in Viterbo
Palazzo dei Papi (Papal Palace)
The Papal Palace dominates Piazza San Lorenzo and stands as Viterbo’s most significant building. Built between 1255 and 1267, it served as the papal residence when the popes fled Rome’s political chaos. The most famous event here was the 33-month papal conclave of 1268 to 1271, the longest in Catholic history, which ended only when the citizens of Viterbo tore the roof off the building to force the cardinals to reach a decision. Today you can visit the Sala del Conclave (Conclave Hall) and the loggia with its distinctive seven-arch portico. The museum inside covers Etruscan finds and medieval art. Open Tuesday to Sunday 8:30 to 19:30 (summer hours), entry euro8, combined ticket with the National Etruscan Museum euro11. For visit, see our best time to visit Viterbo.
Quartiere San Pellegrino
San Pellegrino is one of the best-preserved medieval quarters in Europe. Walk through narrow alleys lined with peperino stone buildings connected by overhead archways and external staircases called profferli. The Casa degli Alessandri on Via San Pellegrino has the most photogenic profferlo in the district. Look for the Ponte del Duomo, a bridge-house spanning the alley, and the many small piazzas that open up unexpectedly. The quarter is free to wander at any time and is especially atmospheric at dusk when the stone takes on a warm golden color. Allow one to two hours to get properly lost. For and, see our Viterbo events and festivals.
Cattedrale di San Lorenzo
The Cathedral of San Lorenzo dates from the 12th century and stands next to the Papal Palace on the hilltop that was once Viterbo’s Etruscan acropolis. The Romanesque facade features a distinctive black-and-white striped pattern. Inside, the 15th-century floor tiles show the city’s coat of arms with a lion and palm tree. Don’t miss the Gothic bell tower, which you can spot from across the city. Entry is free. The cathedral is typically open mornings and late afternoons, closing during the midday riposo. For neighborhoods, see our Viterbo neighborhoods guide.
Palazzo dei Priori and Piazza del Plebiscito
The Palazzo dei Priori anchors Piazza del Plebiscito, Viterbo’s main square. Built in the 15th century, its elegant portico shelters cafes where you can sit with a caffe for euro1.20 and watch local life. The square itself is flanked by the 16th-century Palazzo della Prefettura with its clock tower. The fountain in the center features lions, Viterbo’s symbol. This is the natural starting point for any exploration of the city and the center of evening passeggiata. For in, see our where to stay in Viterbo.
Thermal Baths and Wellness in Viterbo
Terme dei Papi (Thermal Baths of the Popes)
The Terme dei Papi is Viterbo’s premier thermal complex, built around a natural spring that emerges at 58degC (136degF). The centerpiece is the Monumental Pool, a 2,000-square-metre outdoor thermal pool fed directly by the Bullicame spring. The water is rich in sulfur, calcium, and magnesium, and has been used therapeutically since Etruscan times. The complex also offers indoor thermal grottoes, mud therapy, and beauty treatments. Open daily year-round, hours vary by season (typically 9:00 to 19:00 in winter, until midnight in summer). Full-day pool access starts at about euro20, with treatments extra. Reserve ahead on weekends and during August. The entrance is on Strada Bagni, 2km west of the city center. For and, see our Viterbo travel tips and FAQ.
Bullicame Free Thermal Spring
Bullicame is the natural spring that feeds Terme dei Papi, accessible for free at a public area just behind the resort. The water bubbles up at 58degC into a small natural pool surrounded by greenery. Dante mentioned Bullicame in Canto XIV of the Inferno. The free area is basic, with no changing rooms or facilities, and the water is very hot. It’s a unique experience that costs nothing. Best visited in cooler months when the hot water feels most welcome. Located on Strada Bagni, a 25-minute walk from the center or a 5-minute drive.
Piscine Carletti
Piscine Carletti is a more rustic alternative to Terme dei Papi, a short drive south of the city. It offers several thermal pools at different temperatures set in a garden environment. The atmosphere is more casual and local, with a snack bar and sun loungers. Entry costs around euro8 to euro12 depending on the season. Open May to September. A good budget-friendly option for families and groups. Located on Strada Tuscanese, about 4km south of the center.
Museums and Culture in Viterbo
Museo Nazionale Etrusco (Rocca Albornoz)
Housed in the 14th-century Rocca Albornoz fortress, the National Etruscan Museum holds one of central Italy’s most important collections of Etruscan artifacts. Highlights include the reconstructed Bighe (two-horse chariot) tomb, terracotta sarcophagi, and bronze votive statues from the surrounding necropolises. The fortress itself offers panoramic views over Viterbo from its ramparts. Open Tuesday to Sunday 8:30 to 19:30. Entry euro6, or euro11 combined with the Papal Palace. Plan 60 to 90 minutes.
Villa Lante (Bagnaia)
Villa Lante in Bagnaia, a frazione of Viterbo just 5km east of the center, is one of Italy’s finest Mannerist gardens. Built in the 16th century, the garden is a masterpiece of water features: fountains, cascades, and channels cascade down the hillside through two symmetrical casini (small palaces). The Fountain of the Moors by Giambologna is the centerpiece. The garden is open Tuesday to Sunday, hours vary seasonally (typically 8:30 to one hour before sunset). Entry euro5. Reach it by local bus from Viterbo’s main station or a 15-minute drive.
Chiesa di Santa Maria Nuova
This 11th-century Romanesque church sits just outside the city walls and is one of Viterbo’s oldest. The simple stone facade belies an interior with remarkable 13th-century frescoes and a wooden crucifix from the 12th century. The cloister attached to the church is a quiet retreat from the city. Free entry, typically open mornings. Located on Via della Pace, a 10-minute walk from Piazza del Plebiscito.
