Viterbo, the historic center

Lazio offers glimpses of cities and landscapes of great charm and interest. Not surprisingly, Lazio is home to some of Italy's most beautiful cities, and throughout this article you will discover that there is much more to see than just the city of Rome. Viterbo, for example, is a province surrounded by nature with the largest medieval historic centre in Europe, although few people know it.

Viterbo welcomes tourists with its medieval atmosphere and the lifestyle of a small town the size of a city. The ancient city, founded by the Etruscans, is therefore an Italian heritage to be discovered, especially in its beating heart of life, history, art and culture: the historical centre.

What to see in the historic center of Viterbo

In the historical centre of Viterbo we can find numerous Romanesque, Doric and Renaissance churches, embellished with cloisters, towers and other buildings that are testimony to the importance of this city between the 12th and 14th centuries. The 13th-century districts of San Pellegrino and Pianoscarano are particularly suggestive, because of the typical tranquillity of the village lanes and picturesque squares.

Viterbo was the favourite residence of many Popes who found refuge here after the Roman revolts. The evidence of their passage can still be seen today and the name of Viterbo means in fact "the city of the Popes".  For that matter, in the historical centre you can see the Palazzo dei Papi and the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, indelible signs of the city's golden age. The Cathedral has a Romanesque façade and a very elegant bell tower next to the central structure.

Nearby is the famous Palazzo dei Papi, which, together with the Palazzo dei Priori, constitutes a dense complex of medieval buildings of great historical importance. Palazzo Farnese, Palazzo degli Alessandri, Palazzo Pamphili and Palazzo Mazzatosta are just a few examples of the passage of important families and lords.

The historical centre of Viterbo is not only this, but also a very active and vibrant cultural centre, where there are many initiatives and events to enrich the city. At the time of your visit to the historic centre, you may want to stop and taste a delicious dish of lombrichelli, fresh handmade pasta with a spicy sauce made of wild boar. An alternative might also be the Fieno Canepinese , another fresh pasta with chicken sauce. A very good chestnut flour is produced in these areas, perfect for various preparations and soups.