Visit Viterbo Italy: Explore the Palazzo dei Papi di Viterbo

Visit Viterbo, nestled in the hills of northern Lazio, this medieval wonder is all about crumbling palaces, steaming thermal waters, and that rich, lived-in feeling only old cities have. It’s not polished like Florence or postcard-perfect like Venice, but that’s exactly the charm. Viterbo invites you to explore at your own pace: stroll under stone archways, dip into ancient baths, chase Etruscan legends, and toast your discoveries with a glass from the nearby Lazio wine tours. It’s raw, it’s real, and it just might be your favorite stop in Italy.

Visit Viterbo and the top things to do

Explore the iconic Palazzo dei Papi di Viterbo

Step into the storybook stone of Palazzo dei Papi, the dramatic centerpiece of Viterbo’s medieval soul. Rising over Piazza San Lorenzo like a film set waiting for its scene, this 13th-century palace once hosted popes escaping the chaos of Rome. The loggia? Pure Gothic grandeur. The history? Wild. It’s here that the first-ever papal conclave took place, complete with locked doors and political intrigue straight out of a thriller. You’ll walk the same halls where decisions that shaped centuries were made.

Visit the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo

Right next to the Palazzo dei Papi, in the heart of Piazza San Lorenzo, you’ll find the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, Viterbo’s quiet soul in stone. Originally built in the 12th century and later revamped with Baroque touches, this cathedral blends Romanesque charm with Renaissance elegance. Step inside for a moment of calm, where cool marble floors and golden altars whisper stories of medieval faith and power.

Wander through the San Pellegrino district

This old quarter is all stone buildings, narrow alleys, and quiet courtyards where daily life hums at its own pace. It’s one of the largest medieval neighborhoods still intact in Europe, but it doesn’t feel like a museum, people live here, work here, eat here. You’ll find small restaurants serving local pork dishes, wine bars pouring glasses from nearby Lazio wineries, and independent artisans keeping old trades alive.

Marvel at the Fountain in Piazza della Morte

Piazza della Morte is one of those spots in Viterbo that hits differently. Tucked away from the busy streets, it’s all worn stone, quiet corners, and just enough mystery to keep things interesting. Despite the ominous name, it’s a chill place to grab a coffee or an early evening drink. Locals hang out, conversations echo off the medieval walls, and the old fountain gurgles in the background.

Visit the Palazzo dei Priori and Piazza del Plebiscito

Right in the heart of Viterbo, the Palazzo dei Priori stands with the kind of quiet authority only centuries can give. Built in the 1200s, it’s more than just a backdrop, step inside and you’ll find massive halls, faded frescoes, and the kind of historic weight that sticks with you. Out front, Piazza del Plebiscito is where the real life happens, locals catching up, kids darting through pigeons, the buzz of a town that knows its rhythms.

Best things to do around Viterbo

Wander through the gardens of Villa Lante in Bagnaia

Just a 10-minute drive from Viterbo, Villa Lante in Bagnaia is where nature and Renaissance art strike a perfect balance. The gardens are the real star, think cascading fountains, mossy sculptures, and stone paths framed by tall cypress trees. It’s the kind of place that slows you down in the best way. Originally designed for powerful cardinals, the villa’s symmetry and quiet elegance make it ideal for a peaceful afternoon away from the city buzz.

Explore the surreal park of the monsters in Bomarzo

23 minutes drive from Viterbo, Bomarzo’s Parco dei Mostri is unlike anything else in Italy. Giant stone monsters, mythic creatures, and surreal sculptures wait for you in this offbeat 16th-century garden, part fantasy, part mystery. Created by Prince Orsini as a tribute to love and loss, it’s a place where you don’t just walk, you wonder. It’s perfect for a quirky afternoon trip, especially if you’re traveling with kids or just want something weird and wonderful.

Experience historical depth in Soriano nel Cimino

Tucked into the chestnut-covered hills just 25 minutes from Viterbo welcome in Soriano nel Cimino. Between its quiet archways and weathered palazzi, you’ll stumble on local cafés that still serve biscuits from grandma’s recipe and views that stretch deep into the Tuscia countryside. The Orsini Fortress stands tall above it all, once a cardinal’s playground, now a museum packed with stories.

Visit the village of Civita di Bagnoregio

Just 40 minutes northeast of Viterbo, Civita di Bagnoregio isn’t just a town, it’s a moment suspended in time. Rising like a mirage from the Tiber Valley, this fragile hilltop beauty is known as La città che muore (“The Dying City”), but there’s nothing lifeless about it. Reachable only by footbridge, Civita greets you with stone archways, flower-draped windows, and alleyways that haven’t changed in centuries. The views? Unreal. The pace? Wonderfully slow.

Ready to fall under its spell? Then don’t miss our full guide to visit Civita di Bagnoregio.

Sip the best of the region

Azienda Agricola Palazzone is a family-run winery where tradition and taste come together. Set on ancient volcanic hills, this peaceful estate is known for its Orvieto Classico wines and other local favorites. You can stop by for a short tasting of white and red wines, or go for the full experience with a vineyard walk, cellar visit, and guided tasting of four wines. Friendly hosts serve up delicious local snacks like cheese and cured meats alongside the wine. If you’re in the Orvieto area and love good wine, this is a must-visit spot.

Good to know before visiting Viterbo