Viterbo Province
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Latest page update: 6 March 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The Viterbo Province occupies a total geographical area of 3,615 square kilometres, including the provincial capital: the city of Viterbo.
Within the province there are 60 provincial towns, known as communes (comune singular or comuni plural in Italian). The total population of Viterbo Province is around 317,000 inhabitants. |
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Among the visitor highlights in the province are the fascinating hill town of Cività di Bagnoregio and Etruscan towns of the Tuscia region such as Tuscania, Bagnaia and Tarquinia.
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Viterbo Province • Lazio • Central Italy
The province of Viterbo is located in the northern part of Lazio, nestled between the rolling hills of the Apennine Mountains and the fertile plains that stretch towards the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is a region rich in natural beauty, with its lush countryside, charming medieval villages, and thermal springs that have long been celebrated for their healing properties. Viterbo, the provincial capital, is a town steeped in history, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and its role as the home of several popes during the Middle Ages.
The town of Viterbo itself is a treasure trove of historical landmarks. The Papal Palace, with its impressive architecture and beautiful frescoes, stands as a testament to the town’s significance during the papal era. The Cathedral of San Lorenzo, the medieval quarter with its narrow streets, and the Piazza San Lorenzo are key attractions that offer a glimpse into the past. Viterbo is also famous for its thermal baths, particularly the Terme dei Papi, where visitors can relax in the rejuvenating hot springs that have attracted visitors for centuries.
The province is dotted with charming towns such as Tuscania, which boasts ancient Etruscan ruins and beautiful churches, and Civita di Bagnoregio, a striking hilltop village known as the "dying town" due to its eroding foundation but still captivating visitors with its unique beauty. The surrounding countryside is ideal for outdoor activities, with nature reserves, hiking trails, and picturesque vineyards that produce some of the region’s finest wines. Viterbo is also renowned for its medieval festivals, including the famous Sagra delle Contrade, a celebration of local traditions. With its combination of natural landscapes, historical sites, and thermal spas, the province of Viterbo offers a tranquil yet enriching experience for those visiting Lazio.
The town of Viterbo itself is a treasure trove of historical landmarks. The Papal Palace, with its impressive architecture and beautiful frescoes, stands as a testament to the town’s significance during the papal era. The Cathedral of San Lorenzo, the medieval quarter with its narrow streets, and the Piazza San Lorenzo are key attractions that offer a glimpse into the past. Viterbo is also famous for its thermal baths, particularly the Terme dei Papi, where visitors can relax in the rejuvenating hot springs that have attracted visitors for centuries.
The province is dotted with charming towns such as Tuscania, which boasts ancient Etruscan ruins and beautiful churches, and Civita di Bagnoregio, a striking hilltop village known as the "dying town" due to its eroding foundation but still captivating visitors with its unique beauty. The surrounding countryside is ideal for outdoor activities, with nature reserves, hiking trails, and picturesque vineyards that produce some of the region’s finest wines. Viterbo is also renowned for its medieval festivals, including the famous Sagra delle Contrade, a celebration of local traditions. With its combination of natural landscapes, historical sites, and thermal spas, the province of Viterbo offers a tranquil yet enriching experience for those visiting Lazio.
Highlights
- Viterbo: The provincial capital, Viterbo, is a charming medieval city with well-preserved historic architecture. The Papal Palace, known as the Palazzo dei Papi, is a major attraction, along with the San Lorenzo Cathedral and the Renaissance-era Farnese Palace.
- Tarquinia: This town is famous for its Etruscan heritage, and visitors can explore ancient burial sites and tombs dating back to the Etruscan civilization at the Tarquinia Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Civita di Bagnoregio: Often referred to as the "dying city," Civita di Bagnoregio is a stunning medieval hilltop village. Accessible only by a footbridge, the town is a unique and picturesque destination.
- Lake Bolsena: The province is home to Lake Bolsena, one of Italy's largest volcanic lakes. Visitors can enjoy water activities, explore lakeside towns, and visit the Bisentina and Martana Islands in the lake.
- Tuscania: This ancient town boasts well-preserved medieval walls, churches, and Etruscan ruins. The Church of San Pietro is a notable example of Romanesque architecture.
- Cività Castellana: Known for its ceramic production, Cività Castellana features charming streets and a beautiful historic center.
- Thermal Springs: Viterbo Province is known for its thermal springs, offering visitors opportunities to relax and rejuvenate in the healing waters.
- Tuscia: The area surrounding Viterbo is known as Tuscia, a land of rolling hills, vineyards, and picturesque landscapes. It is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.
- Festivals and Events: The province hosts various festivals throughout the year, celebrating local traditions, food, and culture.
- Cuisine: Viterbo Province offers a rich culinary heritage with dishes featuring local produce and traditional recipes. Try the region's famous potato-based gnocchi known as "gnocchi di Patate."
Provincia di Viterbo
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Lazio Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Lazio
1. Rome
2. Ponza
3. Villa d'Este (Tivoli)
4. Castelli Romani
5. Sperlonga
6. Ostia Antica
7. Cività di Bagnoregio
8. Lake Bracciano
9. Montecassino Abbey
10. Gaeta
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Lazio
1. Rome
2. Ponza
3. Villa d'Este (Tivoli)
4. Castelli Romani
5. Sperlonga
6. Ostia Antica
7. Cività di Bagnoregio
8. Lake Bracciano
9. Montecassino Abbey
10. Gaeta
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Lazio
