Viterbo Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Orte which includes farmland
Montefiascone which includes a city
Orte featuring signage
Bagnoregio which includes 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 AU$139 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
AU$139
per night
26 Oct - 27 Oct
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! (428 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Best Western Hotel Viterbo
Hotel Villa Sofia

Hotel Villa Sofia

4 out of 5
Str. Santissimo Salvatore, Viterbo, VT
The price is AU$213 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
AU$213
per night
20 Oct - 21 Oct
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Viterbo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Museo Nazionale Etrusco and Church ...
9/10 Wonderful! (17 reviews)
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Our stay at Villa Sofia Viterbo was absolutely exceptional! Staff were incredible and room service exceptional. Clean towels bright white everyday! From the moment we arrived, everything exceeded our expectations — the house is beautiful, spotless, and filled with charm. Every detail shows ..."

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Hotel Villa Sofia
Alla Corte delle Terme

Alla Corte delle Terme

4 out of 5
Via Procoio 6, Viterbo, VT
The price is AU$238 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
AU$238
per night
20 Oct - 21 Oct
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Viterbo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Spa of the Popes and Cattedrale di San Lorenzo ...
9/10 Wonderful! (210 reviews)
"We loved the hotel, the only problem was the air conditioning. It barely worked. We found it difficult to sleep because it was so hot."

Reviewed on 23 Aug 2025

Alla Corte delle Terme
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.
Medieval House built in 1200 in the centre! FREE private parking

Medieval House built in 1200 in the centre! FREE private parking

Viterbo
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Viterbo. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and balconies. Popular attractions Fontana Grande and Piazza ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (27 reviews)
"Fantastic property and excellent host. The apartment was ideally located, beautifully appointed and extremely well run . The city is delightful - lots to see, few tourists, some terrific places to eat. All in all a wonderful experience."

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

Medieval House built in 1200 in the centre! FREE private parking
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (184 reviews)
Best stay ever
"Everything about this property is amazing! Rooms, comfort, breakfast, friendliness, helpfulness… The hotel arranged a taxi for us from the train station and to buy bus tickets. They were able to get us tickets to all the Chestnut Festival activities."

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Palazzo Catalani Resort
Gitavillage California

Gitavillage California

Località Le Casalette, Marina di Montalto, Montalto di Castro, VT
Book a stay at this beach campground in Montalto di Castro. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Parco Avventura Riva ...
7.2/10 Good! (15 reviews)
"It's a great campground for families - there is the beach right there and the pool as well (need swim cap!). Good minimarket and restaurant. Nice staff and fantastic animation for kids in the evening. The bungalows are clean and modern with a nice deck to sit & eat on Really great place!"

Reviewed on 13 Sept 2022

Gitavillage California
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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