Viterbo: Medieval Heritage, Museums and Thermal Waters

Viterbo between the Middle Ages and papal history

Viterbo showcases its medieval and papal past through prominent buildings. In Viterbo’s medieval centre, the San Pellegrino district preserves 13th-century towers and palaces. It is one of the largest medieval districts in Europe. In the 13th century, Viterbo was the seat of the papacy; the Palazzo Papale housed popes there and features an elegant Gothic loggia. San Pellegrino represents a medieval urban district, while the Palazzo Papale preserves papal history in a single building. The Gothic loggia is an independent architectural detail of the palace. Amid towers, palaces and Gothic forms, the cityscape continues to reflect its medieval architectural history.

Etruscan culture in the surrounding area

The Museo nazionale etrusco di Rocca Albornoz is located near Viterbo. The Museo nazionale etrusco di Rocca Albornoz opened in 1986 in a fortress built in 1354. It displays life-size reconstructions of buildings from Acquarossa. The fortress provides the architectural setting for the museum, while the reconstructions place actual Etruscan buildings at the centre. A museum visit thus leads from medieval fortress architecture to life-size representations of buildings from Acquarossa. The fortress complements the reconstructions with its historic fabric, while Acquarossa establishes the connection to Etruscan buildings.

Museum and feast day

The Colle del Duomo Museum displays numerous archaeological finds and works of art from the capital of Tuscia. The Macchina di Santa Rosa is a fixed date in the city’s annual calendar: on 3 September, around 100 men carry it through Viterbo’s old town. The procession therefore takes place on a specific date and in the city’s historic centre. Those interested in Viterbo’s festival culture and history encounter not only the museums but also the event on 3 September. With 3 September, the feast day brings a fixed calendar date to the old town.

Thermal waters and local cuisine

The monumental Piscina at the Terme dei Papi covers 2,000 square metres and is fed by hyperthermal water. Pignattaccia is a typical dish from Viterbo that was once prepared with inexpensive cuts of meat. The dish is therefore one of the local names associated with the city’s traditional cuisine. Thermal waters and Pignattaccia expand the historical themes to include wellness and the city’s regional cuisine.

Via Francigena del Nord and Porta Romana

The Via Francigena del Nord leaves Viterbo through the medieval Porta Romana gate. In Viterbo, Porta Romana refers to the point where the route leaves the city. The route of the Via Francigena del Nord thus remains directly connected to a medieval building.

More destinations

For further travel planning, you can also consider Canepina, Arlena Di Castro, Vignanello, Marina Velca, Castiglione in Teverina, Capranica, Capodimonte and Latera.

To the higher-level travel overview: Viterbo.