Things to do in Viterbo, the city of the Popes: an hidden gem not far from Rome

North of Rome lies Tuscia, the ancient domain of the Etruscans, a land rich in history and timeless charm. Here, at the foot of the Sibillini Mountains, stands a hidden gem that was once a particularly wealthy and important city. It's actually quite easy to find interesting things to do in Viterbo, just stroll through the center and let yourself be enchanted.

Also known as the City of the Popes, this town can boast one of the best-preserved medieval historic centres in Italy. The palace that hosted eleven Roman pontiffs is not its only treasure: its heritage also extends underground and to the surrounding areas, rich in spas and archaeological sites. Let’s find out the things to do in Viterbo and how to discover all its beauties.

Viterbo is rightly famous for its exceptional ancient centre, full of jewels of medieval architecture, but in reality both the city and its surroundings have much more to offer.

In Viterbo, for example, there is one of the most important shoulder-borne processional structures of Italy, used during religious feasts and UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2013. The local cuisine is extremely rich and genuine, based on local products often of peasant origin, but also based of fish.

In fact, if you are looking for things to do in Viterbo, also consider that there are spas and lakes here, such as the lake of Bolsena which is among the most beautiful in Lazio and is located a few kilometers to the north.

It’s precisely this balance between an exceptionally well-preserved historical heritage and a striking natural landscape, shaped by rolling hills, woodlands, and volcanic lakes, that has led the city to be included among the Luminous Destinations 2026—places across Italy selected for their ability to offer more conscious, authentic travel experiences, away from the most crowded tourist routes.

Squares, alleys, small houses and rich noble palaces, the historic center of Viterbo is a treasure chest enclosed by a crenellated wall that seems to have come out of a fairy tale book. Today you can admire the medieval city; however, the area was already inhabited in the 6th–5th centuries BC, when the Etruscans lived here.

According to the legends, even the Greek hero Hercules would have passed through here, creating the Lake of Vico, not far away.

Much later, in the 13th century, the medieval quarters of San Pellegrino and Piano Scarano were built, among the most evocative in Viterbo. Here, you can come across the profferli, the characteristic external stairways attached to building façades. These are typical architectural features of Viterbo: simple in ordinary homes, more elaborate and enriched with carvings or decorations in residences once owned by wealthy families.

There are indeed many noble palaces in the city that once belonged to the Roman aristocracy of the 15th and 16th centuries. Alongside these, Viterbo also preserves several medieval churches of great interest, like San Francesco alla Rocca and Santa Maria Nuova. Also not to be missed are Santa Rosa and the Basilica dating back to 1237.

Another wonderful experience is a visit to Viterbo’s underground, another hidden gem. Beneath the historic centre lies a network of tunnels that extends beyond the city walls, some of which date back to pre-Etruscan times. Today, you can explore parts of it accompanied by local guides.

Visiting the complex of Piazza San Lorenzo, with the homonymous church and the imposing residence of the Popes, is possibly one of the first things to do in Viterbo, because it's the heart of the town.

It was Pope Alexander IV, in 1257, to first move his seat from Rome to Viterbo due to continuous political conflicts. Since then and in the following decades, the massive and imposing Palace of the Popes has been enriched with rooms, wonderful arcades and works of art that have made it even more precious.

The façade overlooking the valley is austere and imposing, the one on the square, on the other hand, is more elegant and lightened by arches, battlements and stairs. Inside there is, among other things, the Sala del Conclave, which leads to the beautiful Loggia delle Benedizioni. Its seven elegant pointed arches are probably the best known "postcard" of Viterbo.

Equally important is the adjacent Cathedral of San Lorenzo, with its unmistakable Tuscan Gothic style bell tower. The Cathedral was the scene of important historical events, here in fact the kings were excommunicated or the Popes consecrated.

To complete this important monumental complex there are also the Colle del Duomo Museum and the building that was once the hospital for the sick (now disused) and which stands on the foundations of an Etruscan building.

Tuscia is a region incredibly rich in hidden gems. Beyond the beautiful Viterbo, the surrounding areas will also surprise you, with castles, abandoned towns, and archaeological sites.

A few minutes away is the small village of Bagnaia, for example, with the wonderful gardens of Villa Lante and the tiny medieval historic center.

Truly surprising is the Parco di Mostri of Bomarzo, that translates to Monsters Park, also known as Sacro Bosco, Sacred Woods. It was created by Vicino Orsini, a nobleman of the XVI century, to mourn his deceased wife. The park's imaginative sculptures represent fantastic creatures in monumental dimensions.

Archeology lovers cannot miss the necropolis of Tuscania and San Giuliano, and above all Tarquinia, one of the most important in Italy and  UNESCO heritage.

Just 9 km from Viterbo there is also the amphitheater of Ferento, one of the most important Etruscan sites. The ancient Romasn hinerited it, and gave it the actual name.  Not far away there is also another archaeological site well worth a visit, Vulci.

To relax, you can finally choose from the many spas: the province of Viterbo has been renowned since ancient times for its healing thermal waters.

Why do Viterbo and its surrounding territory perfectly embody the spirit of an authentic Luminous Destination?

Among medieval streets, timeless squares, and magnificent palaces, the city immerses you in history while also allowing you to recharge and enjoy moments of pure relaxation in its thermal waters. In the surrounding area, lush hills, volcanic lakes, and fascinating archaeological sites invite you to slow, mindful itineraries.

Exploring the territory in this way, you can experience something truly memorable that combines culture, unspoiled nature, and genuine hospitality. Your visit thus becomes a unique and rejuvenating journey, perfectly in line with the spirit of Italy’s finest Luminous Destinations.