Viterbo, tourist information and attractions "city of the Popes".

Top 10 tourist attractions Viterbo

The main tourist attractions of Viterbo are largely found in the historic center of the city, although the Borgo San Martino in Cimino outside the city is also very interesting. Many of the main palaces in the city were built at the time the popes used to take refuge in the city.

Museums Viterbo

The most important museums in Viterbo are the Museo Civico and the Archaeological Museum, which deals mainly with the Etruscan history of the city.

Squares Viterbo

Just like in most medium-sized Italian cities, public life in Viterbo takes place in and around the squares of its historical center. These squares are often graced by beautiful fountains and of course the most famous ones are flanked by elegant historical buildings.

Churches Viterbo

The most important church in Viterbo is the cathedral, dedicated to San Lorenzo. Of course, a city with a nickname like Città dei Papi cannot fail to have a number of beautiful churches and basilicas, both inside and outside the downtown district.

Historic buildings Viterbo

The Città dei Papi, or “City of Popes,” as Viterbo‘s nickname used to be because so many popes took refuge there, naturally needed homes for these influential gentlemen. To this are added the buildings erected by the municipality itself, which together form the Palazzi Comunali.

City gates Viterbo

As was the case with all cities in the region, the medieval center of Viterbo was protected thick city wall. Of course, to get in and out of the city, entrances were needed and Viterbo‘s 14 kilometres of wall contained no fewer than 14 different city gates, almost all of which are still standing. Below is a list of the most important city gates of Viterbo.

Fountains Viterbo

There was a time Viterbo was known as the “city of 100 fountains.” Although not all of these have survived, there are still quite a few fountains adorning the town’s squares. The older fountains in Viterbo often have flower-shaped water spouts, which can be traced back to the Etruscan origins of the area.

Viterbo City Guide

Viterbo is the capital of the province of the same name in the Lazio region. The city is located around 100 kms north of Rome, in an area that is also known under the name Tuscia. Viterbo‘s nickname is “City of the Popes” (Città dei Papi). Several of its main tourist attractions are related to the former presence there of these religious leaders.