Essential Viterbo Travel Guide: What to See & Do

Viterbo is a captivating hill town in Lazio, where medieval streets, papal history, and ancient landscapes come together. Often overlooked in favor of Rome, the city offers one of Italy’s best-preserved historic centers, along with a quieter and more intimate atmosphere.

Explore Viterbo’s Historic Center

At the heart of the city, Piazza del Plebiscito brings together the Palazzo dei Priori and Palazzo del Podestà, both historic seats of local government. Inside, visitors can discover frescoed rooms, a former chapel, and a courtyard decorated with an elegant fountain and ancient Etruscan stonework.

These details reflect Viterbo’s long history, which reaches back to the Etruscan civilization that once flourished across the surrounding region. The Papal Palace, medieval towers, churches, and narrow stone lanes further define the city’s distinctive character.

Discover Viterbo’s Historic Fountains

Water is central to Viterbo’s identity. During the Middle Ages, an aqueduct supplied the Papal Palace and fed an extensive network of public fountains and washhouses. The city was once home to ninety-nine fountains, earning it the nickname “City of Beautiful Fountains.”

In Piazza delle Erbe, the Fountain of the Lions is one of the city’s notable landmarks. The historic Pianoscarano district contains another striking fountain, rebuilt in the fourteenth century after a dramatic dispute over the use of its water.

Things to Do in Viterbo

For travelers searching for things to do in Viterbo or the best places to visit in Viterbo, the greatest reward is exploring the city’s remarkably intact old quarter. Viterbo combines cultural depth, architectural beauty, and an unmistakably Italian medieval atmosphere.