Viterbo, administrative centre of the district, is situated in Lazio.
It is called the popes town because Pope Alexander IV decided to move the Curia from Rome to Viterbo in 1257. In 1281 the Curia returned to Rome and in Viterbo there’s the beautiful Palace of the Popes with the loggia and the room of the Conclave where Pope Gregory X was elected.
Next to the Palace of the Popes there is the Duomo di San Lorenzo. Built in Romanesque style in the twelfth century previously housed a temple dedicated to Hercules. In the sixteenth century the façade was completely rebuilt in Renaissance style. Inside, the three naves are framed by two rows of columns and there is the tomb of Pope John XXI.
On a hill there’s the Church of Santa Rosa, with the first building of the thirteenth century, and enlarged in the following centuries, including the dome of 1913. The church is located next to a house that is considered the birthplace of Santa Rosa. The tomb of the saint is located inside the church, made of a bronze urn dating back to 1699. On the 3rd of September, every year in Viterbo, there’s the festival dedicated to the Saint with the spectacular Macchina di Santa Rosa.
In Viterbo there are also the Museum of the Macchina di Santa Rosa, the Museum of the Ceramic of Tuscia and the National Etruscan Musem.
From Viterbo is easy to reach the Necropolis in Castel d’Asso, the archeological site of Ferento, with etruscan and roman remains, e the roman theatre that is still used fort shows.
In Viterbo, Charminly offers you the possibility to stay in a beautiful Charming Agritourism and in other destinations the possibility to stay in Charming Hotels, Charming B&B and Country House Appartments.
