Viterbo Historic Centre
Viterbo Historic Centre
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Viterbo Historic Centre and nearby attractions
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
318 within 3 miles
Attractions
104 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,330 reviews
Excellent
715
Very good
440
Average
117
Poor
35
Terrible
23
BARRY1929
Bourron-Marlotte, France73 contributions
Sep 2022 • Friends
I am an invalid. My car has a sign showing clearly that I am an invalid entitled to special parking. The entrance to the historic centre shows clearly that invalids are allowed to drive in.
Last September, I drove into the historic centre of Viterbo, and have just received a fine for “unauthorised entry”
The problem seems to be that unauthorised entry is detected by a machine and that the machine is unable to recognise my invalid badge.
I had a similar experience in Orvieto and learnt that the appeals system takes a lot of time, trouble and money and simply does not work.
I am very sad that ancient Italian cities are persecuting invalids in this way
Last September, I drove into the historic centre of Viterbo, and have just received a fine for “unauthorised entry”
The problem seems to be that unauthorised entry is detected by a machine and that the machine is unable to recognise my invalid badge.
I had a similar experience in Orvieto and learnt that the appeals system takes a lot of time, trouble and money and simply does not work.
I am very sad that ancient Italian cities are persecuting invalids in this way
Written July 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
memberHolland
Holland642 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
We wanted to stay 3 days in the historic center of Viterbo but it is an awfull experience compared to other historic cities in Italy. After two days we left.
There is no traffic free zone and there are no pavements in the medieval streets but an enormous amount of car traffic. When you walk you have to stop constantly because a car is blocking the streets.
The local people seem to drive through the medieval streets as a short cut for the normal streets that are clogged with traffic that has a high speed when possible. We are used to driving in Rome and Madrid, but Viterbo is less easy....
A lot of buildings are unoccupied and not pretty to see. It is better to visit Tarquinia or Vitorchiano without the heavy traffic. The only reason to visit Viterbo, is the Terme.
There is no traffic free zone and there are no pavements in the medieval streets but an enormous amount of car traffic. When you walk you have to stop constantly because a car is blocking the streets.
The local people seem to drive through the medieval streets as a short cut for the normal streets that are clogged with traffic that has a high speed when possible. We are used to driving in Rome and Madrid, but Viterbo is less easy....
A lot of buildings are unoccupied and not pretty to see. It is better to visit Tarquinia or Vitorchiano without the heavy traffic. The only reason to visit Viterbo, is the Terme.
Written November 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KTGP
Adelaide, Australia5,866 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
The historic centre of Viterbo is simply stunning. We arrived at Viterbo Porta Romana by train and our walk to our 12th century tower accommodation in the walled city, began with the entrance of the ornate Porta Romana, what a great introduction. The centre is filled with many beautiful buildings and then there is the history and stories/legends, two stories in a nutshell are - The beautiful Bella Galiana shot with an arrow by her shunned admirer. The French cardinals servants who washed a dog in Fontana Pianoscarano, a woman protested it was for drinking, a riot broke out, she was killed, the popes punishment was swift, ten rebels hung, fifty imprisoned and the homes of the leaders destroyed. Walking through these cobbled streets, it is not hard to imagine these events taking place. The historic centre is filled with lovely fountains, mediaeval buildings, coats of arms on structures, towers, arches, piazzas and the best part…..it is not filled with tourists. Your camera will get a good workout.
The historic centre is contained within roughly four kilometres of walls built 11-13th century, with 13 gates. Below are the personal top three places in the historic area.
The mediaeval quarter of San Pellegrino is amazing, like being transported back in time with wonderful architecture, buildings with “profferli” an external staircase, these connect the ground floor with the first floor. Piazza San Pellegrino has the beautiful Palazzo degli Alessandri. Structures are well maintained and despite the greyness of buildings, they are dressed up with colourful flowers in pots and placed on steps.
Palazzo dei Priori built 13th-18th centuries, has the most beautiful courtyard with fountain and benches. Sunset is wonderful here.
Piazza San Lorenzo has some stunning buildings - The Gothic Palazzo Papale and the adjoining Loggia of which very little remains, is beautiful. Palazzo Valentino della Pagnotta built 13th century, while not large has the most striking façade. The 13th century bell tower with stripes is eye catching and of course there are fountains.
While these were the stand outs, the whole historical area is superb, when considering what this city has been through. These buildings have survived rebellions, family power struggles, WWII bombings and the ravages of time. It is a credit to the people of Viterbo, for maintaining and rebuilding so many of these structures, which enables us as tourists, to enjoy one of the best preserved mediaeval towns in Italy. We were here two nights and it wasn’t enough, would love to come back.
The historic centre is contained within roughly four kilometres of walls built 11-13th century, with 13 gates. Below are the personal top three places in the historic area.
The mediaeval quarter of San Pellegrino is amazing, like being transported back in time with wonderful architecture, buildings with “profferli” an external staircase, these connect the ground floor with the first floor. Piazza San Pellegrino has the beautiful Palazzo degli Alessandri. Structures are well maintained and despite the greyness of buildings, they are dressed up with colourful flowers in pots and placed on steps.
Palazzo dei Priori built 13th-18th centuries, has the most beautiful courtyard with fountain and benches. Sunset is wonderful here.
Piazza San Lorenzo has some stunning buildings - The Gothic Palazzo Papale and the adjoining Loggia of which very little remains, is beautiful. Palazzo Valentino della Pagnotta built 13th century, while not large has the most striking façade. The 13th century bell tower with stripes is eye catching and of course there are fountains.
While these were the stand outs, the whole historical area is superb, when considering what this city has been through. These buildings have survived rebellions, family power struggles, WWII bombings and the ravages of time. It is a credit to the people of Viterbo, for maintaining and rebuilding so many of these structures, which enables us as tourists, to enjoy one of the best preserved mediaeval towns in Italy. We were here two nights and it wasn’t enough, would love to come back.
Written September 30, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tatiana F
Arlington, VA104 contributions
Nov 2014 • Couples
Viterbo is not just a day trip attraction couple of hours away from Rome. It has the charming medieval quarter San Pellegrino where people actually live nowadays. All those stairs, gothic fountains, Palazzo Communale (now the town hall) on the central square (free entrance) with ceiling and wall paintings. Check out local pottery store when you are in the medieval quarter. We heard a story about the original local pottery style which was very interesting. Palazzo dei Papi (Palace of the Popes) and the Cathedral on the square are incredible. It can be a perfect getaway from Rome trip for a day. Trains run every hour or two (on Sundays) and you can enjoy the landscape on the way.
Written December 1, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eli B
Sydney, Australia3,551 contributions
Nov 2014 • Couples
3000 years ago the Etruscans lived here and their presence is felt, scattered in necropolises and collected in museums. Popes came and went, as well as princes and cardinals, all of whom built grand houses with sumptuous gardens and some pretty awesome fortresses.
I heard that every village in the region was founded by the Etruscans and then enobled by the succeeding popes. The most outstanding example is palazzo Farnese at Caprarola and villa Lante at Bagnaia, with its magnificent Italian garden.
There is no doubt why Viterbo is known as the "city of the popes"... just check out the Papal palace, the pride of the city with a medieval district of San pellegrino one of the most interesting and best preserved in the region.
Take a tour and revel in the wealth of architectural treasures found here. Lots of exterior staircases, lots of coats of arms decorating their facades, as well as, intimate piazzas, crenelated towers and graceful arches adorn the streets-cape.
We have stayed in two hotels on previous visits: the Grand Hotel Salus della Terme and the Hotel Nibbio in the historic centre offering therapies for health and beauty. They failed to improve on my leonine looks, i must say. For local cuisine, la Zaffera is super, located in a former convent of San Bernardino in the San Pelegrino district. The Tre Re Restaurant behind the Piazza della Erbe dates to 1622 and is the oldest in Viterbo. Sample gelato at Chiodi while shopping for souvenirs at Cencion. I love Art Deco cast iron and hemp with the best examples of both are found at Matteucci. For the noble vine, Enoteca la Torre is a beautifully vaulted wine celler.
I heard that every village in the region was founded by the Etruscans and then enobled by the succeeding popes. The most outstanding example is palazzo Farnese at Caprarola and villa Lante at Bagnaia, with its magnificent Italian garden.
There is no doubt why Viterbo is known as the "city of the popes"... just check out the Papal palace, the pride of the city with a medieval district of San pellegrino one of the most interesting and best preserved in the region.
Take a tour and revel in the wealth of architectural treasures found here. Lots of exterior staircases, lots of coats of arms decorating their facades, as well as, intimate piazzas, crenelated towers and graceful arches adorn the streets-cape.
We have stayed in two hotels on previous visits: the Grand Hotel Salus della Terme and the Hotel Nibbio in the historic centre offering therapies for health and beauty. They failed to improve on my leonine looks, i must say. For local cuisine, la Zaffera is super, located in a former convent of San Bernardino in the San Pelegrino district. The Tre Re Restaurant behind the Piazza della Erbe dates to 1622 and is the oldest in Viterbo. Sample gelato at Chiodi while shopping for souvenirs at Cencion. I love Art Deco cast iron and hemp with the best examples of both are found at Matteucci. For the noble vine, Enoteca la Torre is a beautifully vaulted wine celler.
Written February 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paulymac01
Boroughbridge, UK49 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
We have visited many beautiful towns in Italy and Viterbo has by far and away been the most disappointing. Clearly this town has some great historical highlights. Unfortunately it appears to have been neglected for some time. There is clearly some regeneration work underway but at present it is tired, dirty and covered in building materials, scaffolding and the like. Whilst looking at one of the fountains in the middle of town covered in pigeons droppings and plastic bottles we were approached by an elderly Italian lady telling us how it used to be beautiful. It seemed to sum up the whole town. We had intended to stay for lunch in the town but after a morning of sightseeing we left and went to Montefiascone instead. I would give this place another chance but it would be in a couple of years when they have had a chance to finish some of the works.
Written September 1, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frankie C
London, UK690 contributions
May 2013 • Solo
Although there was terrible fighting around Viterbo in 1944 and allied bombing destroyed large parts of the old city and cathedral, the medieval quarter has been sympathetically rebuilt and is a wonderful living part of the city with old ladies watering their plants and hanging out the washing, unlike so many historic quarters which soon become museums for the tourists only. It is delight to walk through the streets and look at the lovely old houses with outdoor staircases, towers, beautiful loggias. Go soon before the developers move in!
Written June 9, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gráinne O
Achill Island, Ireland98 contributions
May 2017
Viterbo centro storico is a great town to wander around and take in the atmosphere. It is a great place to base yourself to visit nearby attractions such as the Palazzo Farnese in Caprarola (A must see!!) Bagno Regio, Tuscania etc. There are two train stations and two bus stations so it is easy to get around without a car. Will go back again for a visit as I didn't do all I wanted in the three days I spent there. Piazza del Gesu is a lovely quiet place to sit and have a coffee and eat and drink in the evening. Stay inside the walls for the authentic Medieval streets and houses. Lovely town.
Written May 21, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MBis0n
Seoul, South Korea1 contribution
Dec 2013 • Couples
real authenthic italian old style! we tryed in the christmas time really charateristic with lights and street shows
Written January 9, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RP-Netherlands
Leidschendam, The Netherlands1,102 contributions
Sep 2019
Don't be fooled into thinking you have to visit Viterbo Historic Center and also
Quartiere San Pellegrino, because they are the same thing. It is the medieval center of Viterbo, which is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Italy. It is great to stroll around and visit a few of the monuments and/or museums. There are some beautiful churches and some nice museums, some even free of charge, like the museum of ceramics and the Museo del sodalizio dei facchini di santa Rosa. a visit to Viterbo historic cente is nice in any season!
Quartiere San Pellegrino, because they are the same thing. It is the medieval center of Viterbo, which is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Italy. It is great to stroll around and visit a few of the monuments and/or museums. There are some beautiful churches and some nice museums, some even free of charge, like the museum of ceramics and the Museo del sodalizio dei facchini di santa Rosa. a visit to Viterbo historic cente is nice in any season!
Written October 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ciao, annarita. Cosa desideri sapere su questa attrazione?
Buongiorno a tutti!
se prenoto una stanza in centro, dove posso mettere l'auto? Ed è sicuro lasciarla incustodita?
Written February 8, 2018
Qualche hotel ha parcheggi privati altri sono in convenzione... per la sicurezza vai tranquilla vt è una città che ancora non ha questo tipo di problemi
Written May 15, 2018
Qualcuno ha il nome di qualche hotel nel centro medievale e che sia vicino alla stazione, devo arrivare da Napoli senza auto e cn 2 bambini, grazie
Written October 23, 2016
Se arrivi alla stazione di porta romana entrando da porta San Pietro trovi una quantità di B&B all'inizio de centro storico. Vedi via San Pellegrino sulla ricerca. Viterbo e una piccola città e le distanze sono risibili. Inoltre è più vicino il centro storico che il mini palace. Ed in più stai in centro e ti puoi muovere a piedi.
Written January 7, 2018
Showing results 1-2 of 2
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing