A town dense in tradition, Viterbo in the 13 th century was the seat of the papal court that broke away from the schemes of Rome . Here, the court found a welcoming harbour, full of beneficial spas, many of which are still scattered throughout the surrounding countryside. The visit to the old town centre, still surrounded by mediaeval walls, begins with the fiery mannerist decorations of the Sala Regia in the Palazzo dei Priori, which has been the seat of the municipality since five centuries ago.
Via San Lorenzo leads to the oldest part of town: after Piazza del Gesù, the political centre of the town until the mid-13 th century, and Piazza della Morte with its distinctive spindle fountains, the tour reaches the hill of the cathedral. The original nucleus of the residential area, here we find the historical and architectural symbol of Viterbo: the Palazzo Papale. It was within this stronghold of a residence, featuring a daring Gothic arcade at its entrance that the custom of the conclave was born; it is also the place where the longest and most difficult papal election in history took place. The tour ends in the quarter of S. Pellegrino, which still preserves its original mediaeval appearance, with the house’s balconies (adorned by many flowers), the towers, the profferli (outside steps), the art and antique workshops.
Just outside Viterbo is Bagnaia, a quiet little village at the foot of the Monti Cimini, rich in water courses, large woods and plenty of game. At the end of the 15 th century a part of the area was fenced off for the hunting leisure of Viterbo’s bishops. The complex was gradually turned into a charming place for walks and brightened by the bubbling fountains scattered throughout the wood. But it was thanks to cardinal Gambara that the Villa took on its current architectural appearance, which earned the place the reputation as one of the most famous Roman villas ever. Even today, it is considered the feather in the cap of Italian Renaissance garden art.
The harmonious layout of the terraces follows the hill’s natural sloping, where two elegant twin houses stand in the background to the gorgeous plants and flowers and to the fountains’ tantalising water features
