Discover Viterbo: Italy’s Medieval Gem with Rich History & Hot Springs

In the 13th century, the College of Cardinals decided there was too much unrest in Rome for the pope to conduct his holy duties. For 24 years, the powers that be decided to move the papal residence to a fortified city known as Viterbo. Eight centuries later, Viterbo is one of Italy‘s best-preserved medieval cities. Viterbo is home to historic churches, a gilded sanctuary that honors the preserved body of the city’s patron saint, and several open-air hot springs that have been popular since the days of ancient Rome.

Visitors can tour sections of the stately Palace of the Popes, which served as the seat of Pope Alexander IV in the 13th century. A grand staircase leads to a series of ornate arches, where Alexander IV looked down upon the city of Viterbo as he made important decisions.

Travelers can also explore the Conclave Hall, where Catholic cardinals spent 33 months painstakingly deliberating over who should be the next pope. Viterbo residents became so irritated that choosing a pope was taking so long that they locked the cardinals inside the church, stopped sending food and water, and even began to remove parts of the roof so that the cardinals were exposed to the elements.

One of Viterbo’s most fascinating sites is the Sanctuary of Santa Rosa, which houses the 800-year-old body of Saint Rose—or, Santa Rosa. Santa Rosa died at the tender age of 18 after living a life of pious devotion that included tending to the destitute. Catholic officials claim that Santa Rosa’s body remained undecayed for several years after her death. As a result, Santa Rosa is considered the patron saint of Viterbo. Visitors can view her body in a golden tomb at the Sanctuary of Santa Rosa.

Viterbo—which is sometimes referred to as ‘Thermal City’—is home to several hot springs, including the open-air Bullicame pools. Italians from all walks of life have enjoyed the stacked, steamy Bullicame pools for centuries. Visitors can saunter over to the Bullicame pools—which the Italian poet Dante Alighieri spoke of in his writings—and spend a morning or afternoon soaking in the waters for free.

Visitors searching for further travel adventures can explore the hilltop village of Pitigliano in nearby Tuscany. Much like Viterbo, Pitigliano is surrounded by hot springs. The medieval arches, stately fortified walls, and toasty hot springs of Viterbo will make you feel as though you have stepped several centuries back in time.