Discover Viterbo: City History, Nature and Archaeology

Viterbo combines medieval city history with nature and archaeology. When looking for a hotel, it is worth first deciding what you want to focus on during your stay: would you like to learn about the city’s history, are you interested in archaeological sites, or are protected areas and hiking trails your priority? The destinations below differ in their history, landscape and the visitor experiences described.

Nature and hiking trails

The Monte Casoli di Bomarzo Nature Reserve was established in 1999 under Regional Law L.R. 30, covers 285 hectares and lies entirely within the municipality of Bomarzo. It is home to numerous animal species, including the rare lanner falcon and black kite. In Parco Marturanum, the landscape is shaped by ravines cut by streams into flat tuff plateaus, as well as clay hills with woodlands and pastureland. Several officially marked CAI trails run through the park. These include long-distance trails and connecting paths that allow for circular walks; check trail conditions before setting out.

CAI Trail 103 crosses the Province of Viterbo from the Monti Cimini to the sea, between Soriano al Cimino and Tarquinia. Another natural area is the Forre di Corchiano Natural Monument: it protects a gorge on the Rio Fratta, along with its banks and tuff walls, within the municipality of Corchiano. A section of the Via Amerina has also been preserved there. Near Soriano nel Cimino, the ancient beech forest in the Cimini Mountains is part of the UNESCO World Heritage property “Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe,” a serial property comprising centuries-old beech forests.

The Lago di Vico Nature Reserve encompasses mountain landscapes, wetlands, a volcanic lake, beaches, and oak and tall beech forests. Its wildlife ranges from numerous fish species and small and large mammals to diurnal and nocturnal birds of prey and waterbirds such as the great crested grebe. Sailing, fishing, canoeing, diving, trekking, mountain biking and horse riding are possible at Lake Bolsena. For these activities, check the relevant providers and conditions.

City history and culture

Viterbo was the seat of the papacy in the 13th century; the popes resided in the Palazzo Papale. In the medieval district of San Pellegrino, historic paving, buildings, vaulted houses, arches and loggias shape the streetscape. The Profferli are also characteristic: external staircases between the courtyard and the ground floor. San Pellegrino is one of the largest medieval urban districts in Europe. The Museo Nazionale Etrusco Rocca Albornoz is dedicated to Etruscan archaeology and is housed in the Rocca of the same name.

Another cultural highlight is the Macchina di Santa Rosa. One hundred Facchini carry it through the streets of Viterbo; it belongs to the UNESCO-recognized network of shoulder-borne processional structures. Traditionally, the procession takes place every year on the evening of September 3. If you are planning your trip around it, check the latest event details. Near Viterbo lies Ferento, an Etruscan-Roman city with a well-preserved theatre that hosts open-air performances; check the current schedule.

In Caprarola, Palazzo Farnese, a complex created by Jacopo Barozzi da Vignola, combines features of a fortress, palace and villa. Its architectural highlights include a circular courtyard within a pentagonal ground plan, a remarkable spiral staircase, an important Mannerist fresco cycle and the Sala del Mappamondo. The room contains a depiction of the celestial sphere and geographical maps.

Archaeological sites

The Tarquinia Necropolis, also known as Monterozzi, comprises 6,000 tombs carved into the rock. Of these, 200 are painted; the oldest date from the 7th century BC. In the Pile valley plain near Norchia, numerous tombs lie on tuff terraces. These include the Tomba Ciarlanti, the Tomba a Camino and the Tomba Prostila, dating from the 4th century BC. The Norchia Necropolis is freely accessible and admission is free; check local conditions before your visit.

The monumental necropolis of Castel d'Asso lies opposite the city of Viterbo. Its tombs are carved into red tuff and arranged on two or three levels, one above the other. For some archaeological areas, due to difficult access, a visit in autumn or winter with suitable clothing and, if possible, accompanied by a local guide is recommended.

Choose a focus for your hotel search

City history, archaeological sites and natural areas offer different starting points for planning your trip. Consider which of these themes you want your stay to focus on, then compare the specific details provided by hotels before booking.

Discover more destinations: Bagnoregio, Bolsena, Capodimonte, Gradoli, Montefiascone, San Lorenzo Nuovo, Bassano In Teverina, Acquapendente, Bagnaia, Capranica, Caprarola, Castiglione In Teverina, Celleno, Civita Castellana, Collevecchio, Corchiano, Graffignano, Ischia Di Castro, Lubriano, Montalto Di Castro, Orte, Proceno, Ronciglione, Sutri, Tarquinia, Tre Croci, Tuscania, Vitorchiano, Marta, Carbognano, Farnese, Pian Di San Martino, Viterbo, Fabrica, Valentano Vt, Grotte Di Castro, Vetralla, Soriano Nel Cimino, Civitella Dʼagliano, Civita, Bassano Romano, Pescia Romana, Trevinano, Chia, Gallese, Canino, Chiusa, Piansano, Monterosi, Latera, Vignanello, Oriolo Romano, Bomarzo, Blera, Punta Del Lago, Arlena Di Castro, Tobia, Marina Velca, Fonte Vivola, Acquapendente Torre Alfina, Fastello, Villa San Giovanni In Tuscia, Nepi, Civitella Cesi, Marina Di Pescia Romana, Capraccia, San Martino Al Cimino, Montalto Marina, Montecalvello, Cellere, San Michele In Teverina, Roccalvecce, Canepina, Calcata Vecchia, Sipicciano, Vallerano, Colle Farnese, Castel Sant'Elia, Cava.

Go to the regional travel overview: Latium.