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Viterbo is a perfect day trip from Rome as it is situated about 80 kilometers northwest of the buzzing capital. You will find Viterbo a much calmer place, where not many tourists will be spotted. This city does, however, have some impressive sights to see and in the surrounding area, you can find some really good olive oil, take a bath in a thermal hot spring and visit quaint hilltop cities that seem to have stopped in time. Read on to see the best things to do in Viterbo. 

5 best things to do in Viterbo

1. Take a thermal bath 

Viterbo has been known for its thermal waters for a long time. People have been taking advantage of the sulfurous water since the middle ages, which is supposed to have curative characteristics. There are many thermal spas dotted around the surroundings of Viterbo and in the bigger region of Tuscia, but the most famous ones are situated just outside of Viterbo. 

Bagnaccio thermal spa is my personal favorite as the admission is free but you will then have to pay extra for services. This is where the locals go to relax and it has a great atmosfear. Terme dei Papi is a paid 4-star spa complex with a swimming pool, services, and a hot-humid therapeutic cave. This is where the Popes used to bathe back in the days. Another big spa complex is the Terme Salus.

2. Visit Palace of the Popes (Palazzo dei Papi)

One thing few know about Viterbo is that it once was “the city of the Popes” since many Popes chose to escape Rome which became more dangerous in the middle of 1200. The palace was therefore built in 1255 in Viterbo and the city was referred to as “little Rome” for a long time. The Popes resided here from 1257 to 1281 and it was in this palace the conclave was born. Located on the Piazza di San Lorenzo makes it a sight to behold. The Palace has stunning architecture and a really interesting history, be sure to check it out on your next visit to Viterbo. 

3. Explore Viterbo Cathedral (Duomo di Viterbo)

Next to the Palace of the Popes is another sight worth visiting – the Duomo of Viterbo. This Cathedral is truly impressive, especially since it is said to have been built in the Etruscan times in the honor of Hercules. It was however reconstructed in the mid-16th century which has erased some of its former glory (still in really good shape though!). The Pope that finally was chosen in Viterbo was crowned here and it is also a resting place for two 13th-century Popes so the history is rich.

4. Try local food

The best part of exploring a new city for me is trying the local cuisine. The food from Viterbo has some mixed influences from the neighboring regions like Tuscany and Umbria and since this city is situated inland the dishes are mostly meat-based. 

The most usually made pasta shapes in the area are fregnacce and lombrichelli which are often combined with a pasta sauce based on wild boar, sausage, beef, lamb, chicken, pork or vegetables. Read about the famous pasta sauces of Lazio here. You can of course also find other shapes of pasta like spaghetti, bucatini, fettuccine, rigatoni, and more in Viterbo as they all originate from the region of Lazio.

Fieno Canepinese is another pasta shape from the area and the pasta is topped with a sauce made with chicken. The area is also known for its chestnuts and when it’s in season you can find pasta made with chestnut flour and related soups. Pignataccia is another famous dish from the area. The stew is cooked in the oven in an earthenware pan with meat and entrails of beef and pork. The lake of Bolsena and Vico provides the area of Viterbo with some lake fish such as pike, tench, and eel, and they are all combined in the tasty soup called Sbroscia that you have to try. 

For the one with a sweet tooth, I recommend trying the Castagnole which are delicious aniseed-flavored doughnuts. You mostly find them during carnival time but maybe you can find some anyway?

Want to find out more about the local food you can find in Lazio? Read my Lazio food guide.

5. Visit Palazzo dei Priori

Another famous building in Viterbo is the Palazzo dei Priori which was built in the 15th century and was then used as a city hall building. You are allowed to enter the first floor and be sure to do that as it is decorated with paintings that will give you an insight into the past of Viterbo. This palace also has an impressive courtyard with a fountain from the 1600s.

How To Get To Viterbo?

By public transportation

Viterbo is easy to get to both with your own car or with public transport. There are trains passing several times a day and it takes around 2 hours from Rome to Viterbo. There are also buses that connect the cities within approximately 1,5 hours. TPL service leaves from Tiburtina station in Rome and Cotral departs from Saxa Rubra station in Rome. 

By car

I, however, recommend going to Viterbo in a car as it will give you more freedom to explore. It will take around 1,5 hours to get there by car, but if you have time to explore the surroundings, I recommend stopping at Trevignano Romano or Calcata Vecchia on the way. Also the area around Bolsena lake is stunning. Read my 2-week road trip itinerary for the region of Lazio to get some inspiration about what to do around Viterbo.

Where to stay in Viterbo?

Budget:

Inter Artes Prestige House and Luxury Suite – This accommodation is a cozy little space with old-school vibes. There is a shared lounge, kitchen and spa pool. The place is located very close to the city center.

IL RICHIASTRO MEDIEVALE – This beautiful accommodation is the perfect stay for a few days in Viterbo. It’s beautifully decorated and situated a bit further outside of the center.

Midrange:

B & B La Fontaine Residenza D’Epoca – A beautiful apartment with a big terrace overlooking the skyline of Viterbo. There is a generous breakfast and Stephania the host is so kind and welcoming.

B&B A Piazza del Gesù – STUNNING! That is what this apartment is. Such a cozy place with a garden in an old buildingmore on the outskirts of town. The area is really calm and the hosts are super friendly.

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Viterbo is the junction of the Lazio region and there are many things to see in the surrounding area. Check out my 2-week itinerary for the region of Lazio to find more interesting places to visit nearby. I have also made a guide of the best things to do in the region of Lazio if you want an overview. Click here to read. 

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