Introducing Viterbo
Despite sustaining heavy bomb damage in WWII, Viterbo is Lazio’s best-preserved medieval town and makes a good base for exploring the region’s hilly north. For travellers with less time, it’s an easy and rewarding day trip from Rome.
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Founded by the Etruscans and eventually taken over by Rome, Viterbo developed into an important medieval centre, and in the 13th century became the residence of the popes. Papal elections were held in the Gothic Palazzo dei Papi where, in 1271, the entire college of cardinals was briefly imprisoned. The story goes that after three years of deliberation the cardinals still hadn’t elected a new pope. Mad with frustration, the Viterbesi locked the dithering priests in a turreted hall and starved them into electing Pope Gregory X.
Apart from its historical appeal, Viterbo is famous for its therapeutic hot springs. The best known is the sulphurous Bulicame pool, mentioned by Dante in the Divine Comedy.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Any Suggestions for Small Towns in Italy?
by MTL 07 September 2011
> Bear in mind that for some of the trips mentioned above (Tuscania, Sutri, Pitigliano, Montalcino etc) it is best advised to hire a car…
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RE: Any Suggestions for Small Towns in Italy?
by MTL 04 September 2011
Check out the following places on the internet or using a good guidebook. In Northern Lazio, check out Tuscania, the hot springs near…
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RE: Three days in the center of Italy
by mike9 02 September 2011
To add to MTL's list, Bolsena is also worth a visit. Its only 30 minutes from Orvieto, and could easily be included on your route from…
