{"id":22670,"date":"2025-01-21T17:41:20","date_gmt":"2025-01-21T17:41:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/?p=22670"},"modified":"2026-05-31T22:51:56","modified_gmt":"2026-05-31T21:51:56","slug":"viterbo-papal-palace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/viterbo-papal-palace","title":{"rendered":"The Viterbo Papal Palace: Things to Do in Viterbo, Italy"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p>Just 90 minutes away from Rome lies a hidden gem steeped in religious history: Viterbo. Known as the &#8220;City of Popes,&#8221; this charming town in northern Lazio served as a<strong> papal refuge during turbulent times and played a pivotal role in shaping church traditions<\/strong>, including the papal conclave. With the magnificent Viterbo Papal Palace, medieval architecture, and soothing hot springs, Viterbo offers pilgrims and tourists both spiritual and cultural experiences. Discover why this off-the-radar destination deserves a spot on your itinerary.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/viterbo-papal-palace\/#Viterbo_the_City_of_Popes\" >Viterbo, the City of Popes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/viterbo-papal-palace\/#The_Origins_of_Viterbo_Papal_Palace\" >The Origins of Viterbo Papal Palace<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/viterbo-papal-palace\/#Site_of_the_First_Papal_Conclave\" >Site of the First Papal Conclave<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/viterbo-papal-palace\/#Things_to_do_in_Viterbo\" >Things to do in Viterbo<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/viterbo-papal-palace\/#Visit_the_Viterbo_Papal_Palace\" >Visit the Viterbo Papal Palace\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/viterbo-papal-palace\/#Viterbo_Cathedral_and_City_Walls\" >Viterbo Cathedral and City Walls<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/viterbo-papal-palace\/#Terme_dei_Papi_A_Bath_Fit_for_a_Pope\" >Terme dei Papi: A Bath Fit for a Pope<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/viterbo-papal-palace\/#The_famed_pool_of_Bulicame\" >The famed pool of Bulicame<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/viterbo-papal-palace\/#Where_to_Eat_in_Viterbo_Italy\" >Where to Eat in Viterbo, Italy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/viterbo-papal-palace\/#FAQs_%E2%80%93_Viterbo_Papal_Palace\" >FAQs &#8211; Viterbo Papal Palace\u00a0<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/viterbo-papal-palace\/#How_do_I_get_to_Viterbo_from_Rome\" >How do I get to Viterbo from Rome?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/viterbo-papal-palace\/#Is_Viterbo_family-friendly\" >Is Viterbo family-friendly?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/viterbo-papal-palace\/#How_much_time_should_I_spend_in_Viterbo\" >How much time should I spend in Viterbo?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/viterbo-papal-palace\/#Can_I_tour_the_Papal_Palace\" >Can I tour the Papal Palace?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/viterbo-papal-palace\/#Are_the_hot_springs_near_Viterbo_open_to_the_public\" >Are the hot springs near Viterbo open to the public?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Viterbo_the_City_of_Popes\"><\/span>Viterbo, the City of Popes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>One of the first things you might notice upon arriving in Viterbo, Italy are the thick medieval walls surrounding the Old Town. There are several intact gates from which to enter the city. <strong>The walls were erected in the 11th and 12th centuries, particularly when a series of popes in the 12th-century began retreating here. In fact, they used the Viterbo Papal Palace as a de facto Vatican<\/strong> when they couldn\u2019t maintain their power in Rome.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Strolling the maze of winding streets, you might be one of the few non-locals around. The medieval street plan is anything but: they\u2019re winding, curved, diagonal, and sometimes lead to nowhere or a dead end. The lack of order in the street plan reflects the fact that, at times, during the Middle Ages, there wasn\u2019t a central authority to dictate or organize city planning, so locals were given the liberty to create a street in any direction or size that they pleased.<\/p>\r\n<div id=\"attachment_21300\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21300\" class=\"wp-image-21300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/vatican-library-staircase.jpg\" alt=\"aerial view of spiral staircase\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/vatican-library-staircase.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/vatican-library-staircase-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-21300\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The twisting streets in Viterbo may start to remind you of other winding architectural features&#8230; Photo credit: Reuben Teo<\/p><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Origins_of_Viterbo_Papal_Palace\"><\/span>The Origins of Viterbo Papal Palace<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>The town of Viterbo saw a slew of Papal activity between Pope Eugene III in the 1140s and Martin IV who died in 1285. Indeed, these popes spent months on end here. They excommunicated supposed heretics and individuals who threatened their power. So, since Viterbo became such a Papal mainstay, they eventually built a home that would befit such an emissary.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The\u00a0Papal Palace, or <em>Palazzo dei Papi<\/em>, was created when the Papal Curia officially moved from Rome to Viterbo in 1257.\u00a0<\/strong>They took the Bishop\u2019s Palace and enlarged it. All in all, eight different popes took up official residency in the Viterbo Papal Palace.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n<p>Viterbo became the official residence of the pope from 1257 until 1281, making it one of the most powerful towns in Europe during that time.\u00a0For this reason, when you stroll the streets of Viterbo, one is wowed by the immense Gothic architecture that is strewn around the city, from churches to palaces to towers or ordinary houses.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-18567\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Palazzo-dei-Papi-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"The viterbo Papal Palace \" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" \/>\r\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The stunning Palazzo dei Papi goes back to 1257. Photo credit: NikonZ7II<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Site_of_the_First_Papal_Conclave\"><\/span>Site of the First Papal Conclave<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p>It often took months and months to elect a new pope. While the election of a new pope was happening in Viterbo in 1268, it took the cardinals two years and three months to come to a decision.<\/p>\r\n<p>But before the marathon election concluded, some Viterbo citizens had lost patience and took the keys to the gates of the city walls and locked the cardinals inside until they elected someone. A new word was invented after that: <strong>conclave<\/strong>, <strong>which comes from the lad <em>cum clave<\/em>, or \u201cwith key.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p>They then took further action by removing the roof of the papal palace to expose the voting cardinals to the elements. It didn\u2019t take them long after that to elect Gregory X as the new pope.\u00a0One of Gregory\u2019s first actions was to set new rules for the election of a pope: as they still are today, cardinals are confined to a room until they agree on a papal successor.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-18568\" style=\"aspect-ratio: 1.4008207934336525; width: 779px; height: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/papal-palace-viterbo-1024x731.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/>\r\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The papal palace of Viterbo sits at the heart of this charming Italian town. Photo credit: Saiko<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Things_to_do_in_Viterbo\"><\/span>Things to do in Viterbo<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Visit_the_Viterbo_Papal_Palace\"><\/span>Visit the Viterbo Papal Palace\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p>Today, visitors can tour the Viterbo <a href=\"https:\/\/www.archeoares.it\/musei\/viterbo\/polo-monumentale-colle-del-duomo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Papal Palace<\/a> and explore one of the city\u2019s most important historic landmarks at their own pace. The visit includes access to the elegant <strong data-start=\"212\" data-end=\"233\">Sala del Conclave<\/strong>, where the famous papal election once took place, as well as other restored ceremonial rooms and parts of the medieval complex.<\/p>\r\n<p>From its arched loggias to its peaceful courtyards, the palace offers a well-preserved glimpse into medieval architecture and is easily visited as part of a walk through Viterbo\u2019s historic centre.<\/p>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-18571 aligncenter\" style=\"aspect-ratio: 1.3333333333333333; width: 779px; height: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/cathedral-viterbo-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/>Legend has it that Viterbo cathedral was built on the site of the temple of Hercules. Photo credit: Superdealer 100<\/p>\r\n<h3 data-section-id=\"1uhy272\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"38\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Viterbo_Cathedral_and_City_Walls\"><\/span>Viterbo Cathedral and City Walls<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"40\" data-end=\"670\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">The Cathedral of San Lorenzo is one of Viterbo\u2019s most important religious landmarks and is open to visitors throughout the year. Inside, you can explore its striking Romanesque interior, admire beautifully preserved frescoes, and step onto the cathedral square, which offers sweeping views across the historic centre.<\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"40\" data-end=\"670\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Just a short walk away, large sections of the medieval city walls still surround the old town, with several accessible viewpoints and gates that give a clear sense of Viterbo\u2019s defensive past. Together, the cathedral and city walls offer an easy and rewarding way to experience the city\u2019s historic heart on foot.<\/p>\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Terme_dei_Papi_A_Bath_Fit_for_a_Pope\"><\/span><em>Terme dei Papi:<\/em> A Bath Fit for a Pope<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"1875\" data-end=\"2135\">The surrounding landscape of Viterbo is rich in<strong> natural hot sulfur springs<\/strong>, long valued since Roman times. Medieval popes are known to have made use of these therapeutic waters, helping establish the area\u2019s enduring reputation as a place of healing and rest.<\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"1875\" data-end=\"2135\">Apparently, the first was Nicolas V who was so impressed with how he felt after bathing in the sulfur springs outside of Viterbo, he had a palace built right on top of them in 1450.<\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"2140\" data-end=\"2347\">Today, visitors can experience the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/termedeipapi.it\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Terme dei Papi<\/a><\/strong> (Baths of the Popes), a modern spa complex located just outside Viterbo, where natural thermal waters still flow into large outdoor pools and spa facilities<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-18569\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Bagno_del_Papa-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/>\r\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">If you&#8217;re visiting the area, make sure to take advantage of the natural springs. Photo credit: Christian World<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_famed_pool_of_Bulicame\"><\/span>The famed pool of Bulicame<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p>If you don\u2019t want to bathe in such a formal setting, there are other baths around Viterbo that are worth a dip. The most famous one is Bulicame, located in a field some 1.5 miles, or a 20-minute walk, west of the walls of Viterbo.\u00a0Even Dante mentioned <strong>Bulicame<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n<blockquote>\r\n<p>In Canto XIV of \u201cInferno,\u201d the first book of his \u201cDivine Comedy,\u201d Dante (the character in the book) strolls past a pool of boiling water in hell and it reminds him of Bulicame, \u201cwhose waters are shared with prostitutes.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Today you won\u2019t find any prostitutes here. You also won\u2019t find an entrance fee, or towel service, nor a concession stand. You just walk up with your own towel, and ease your way into the water which flows from the earth at 58 degrees Celsius (that\u2019s 136 degrees Fahrenheit).<\/p>\r\n<div id=\"attachment_2718\" style=\"width: 2058px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2718\" class=\"wp-image-2718 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/DSC_0091-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Day trip from Rome\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1360\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/DSC_0091-scaled.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/DSC_0091-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/DSC_0091-1536x1020.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2718\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Take a day trip from Rome to see the town of Viterbo<\/p><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_Eat_in_Viterbo_Italy\"><\/span>Where to Eat in Viterbo, Italy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>When all that sightseeing and spa-going induces an appetite, <strong>Viterbo is not short on great places to eat.<\/strong> The food of northern Lazio can be hearty, thanks to the fact that wild boar are a common sight in the hills and forests in the region and hazelnut groves are in abundance.<\/p>\r\n<p>And because this is Lazio, with Rome being the capital, expect to find a lot of local staples on menus, too, such as the famous <a href=\"https:\/\/devourtours.com\/blog\/roman-pasta\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Roman pastas<\/a> <em>carbonara, gricia, cacio e pepe, <\/em>and <em>amatriciana<\/em>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-18443\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Amatriciana-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/>\r\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">When visiting, you can&#8217;t go wrong with one of the best dishes in Lazio &#8211;<em> bucatini al&#8217; amatriciana.<\/em><\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Taverna Etrusca:\u00a0 <\/strong>Specializing in the cuisine of Tuscia, the subregion in northern Lazio, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.tavernaetrusca.it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Taverna Etrusca<\/a> is an ambient and local eatery for excellent but no-fuss staples of pasta, pizza, and hearty dishes. Expect local pasta shapes topped by sauces laced with hazelnuts or wild boar rag\u00f9, and other typical local delights.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-18570\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/wild-boar-ragu-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/>\r\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Wild boar ragu is also a beloved favorite dish you must try in Viterbo. Photo credit: Pug Girl<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Antica Taverna:\u00a0<\/strong>If you\u2019re in the mood for some serious Italian meats, particularly beef, head to Antica Taverna in the center of Viterbo. Here you can feast on various thick cuts of meat all grilled over a fire and arriving at your table sizzling and juicy.<\/p>\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\r\n\r\n<\/h3>\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Osteria del Vecchio Orologio:\u00a0 <\/strong>This place has\u00a0been whipping up high-quality fare inspired by the landscape of northern Lazio since 1966. <strong>Opt for dishes with susianella, a local cured salami from Viterbo.<\/strong> There is also a lot of lake fish, pulled from nearby Lake Bolsena, and homemade pastas paired with wild boar that roam the countryside of the area. The restaurant is located within the old walls of Viterbo, Italy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div id=\"attachment_5113\" style=\"width: 650px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5113\" class=\"wp-image-5113 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/08\/Montefiascone_Lago_di_Bolsena.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-5113\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Spectacular view of Lake Bolsena. Photo by Cproesser<\/p><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs_%E2%80%93_Viterbo_Papal_Palace\"><\/span>FAQs &#8211; Viterbo Papal Palace\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_I_get_to_Viterbo_from_Rome\"><\/span>How do I get to Viterbo from Rome?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p>Viterbo, a 90-minute drive or train ride north of Rome, is the capital of the off-the-radar Tuscia region in northern Lazio. Trains depart regularly from Rome&#8217;s Termini or Ostiense stations, taking about 90 minutes. Driving is also an option, with scenic routes leading to the town.<\/p>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Viterbo_family-friendly\"><\/span>Is Viterbo family-friendly?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p>Absolutely! Families will enjoy the medieval streets, the historical sites, and even a dip in the natural hot springs. There\u2019s plenty to explore for all ages.<\/p>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_time_should_I_spend_in_Viterbo\"><\/span>How much time should I spend in Viterbo?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p>A day trip is sufficient to explore the highlights, including the Papal Palace, medieval streets, and a meal at one of Viterbo\u2019s excellent restaurants. However, staying overnight allows time for a relaxing visit to the hot springs.<\/p>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_I_tour_the_Papal_Palace\"><\/span>Can I tour the Papal Palace?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p>Yes, the Palazzo dei Papi (Papal Palace) is open to visitors. We recommend taking a guided tour if you want insights into the Viterbo Papal Palace&#8217;s history, architecture, and significance.<\/p>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_the_hot_springs_near_Viterbo_open_to_the_public\"><\/span>Are the hot springs near Viterbo open to the public?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p>Yes! The famous Terme dei Papi (Baths of the Pope) and other natural hot springs like Bulicame are open to visitors. They offer both spa-like facilities and free, natural pools.<\/p>\r\n<div id=\"attachment_2720\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2720\" class=\"wp-image-2720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/Lago-Albano-flickr.jpeg\" alt=\"Albano lake and the pope's castle outside of Rome\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2720\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Albano lake and the pope&#8217;s castle outside of Rome<\/p><\/div>\r\n<p><strong>If your visit to Viterbo has sparked a desire to explore more of the region, there\u2019s plenty more waiting just a short journey away. <\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p>From the spiritual grandeur of the Vatican to the rolling landscapes and historic towns of Lazio, this part of Italy is filled with unforgettable experiences beyond the city walls. For expertly guided experiences in Rome, explore our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/vatican-tours\/\">Vatican City tours<\/a>, or discover inspiration for wider exploration with our guide to<a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/lazio-region-italy-rome-day-trips\"> things to do in Lazio<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Whether you\u2019re interested in history, culture, or simply seeing more of Italy at an easy pace, these journeys are the perfect way to continue your adventure.<\/strong><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Just 90 minutes away from Rome lies a hidden gem steeped in religious history: Viterbo. Known as the &#8220;City of Popes,&#8221; this charming town in northern Lazio served as a papal refuge during turbulent times and played a pivotal role in shaping church traditions, including the papal conclave. With the magnificent Viterbo Papal Palace, medieval [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":73,"featured_media":22673,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[18,19],"ppma_author":[181],"class_list":["post-22670","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-things-to-do","tag-rome","tag-vatican"],"authors":[{"term_id":181,"user_id":0,"is_guest":1,"slug":"david-farley","display_name":"David Farley","avatar_url":{"url":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Farley_AuthorPhoto.jpg","url2x":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Farley_AuthorPhoto.jpg"},"user_url":"","last_name":"Farley","first_name":"David","job_title":"","description":"David Farley is a West Village-based food and travel writer whose work appears regularly in the New York Times, National Geographic, BBC, and Food &amp; Wine, among other publications. He\u2019s the author of three books, including \u201cAn Irreverent Curiosity: In Search of the Church\u2019s Strangest Relic in Italy\u2019s Oddest Town,\u201d which was made into a documentary by the National Geographic Channel. You can find Farley\u2019s online homes at https:\/\/dfarley.com\/index.html and https:\/\/www.tripout.online\/"}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22670"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/73"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22670"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22670\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25545,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22670\/revisions\/25545"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22673"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22670"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22670"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22670"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=22670"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}