The City of the Popes awaits you
Via Francigena in Viterbo
Hospitality, spirituality and rest in the City of the Popes
A guide designed for pilgrims and walkers: what to see, where to sleep and how to best organize your stop in Viterbo.
Key stopover
Why stop in Viterbo along the Via Francigena
Viterbo is the City of the Popes, with the Papal Palace and the Cathedral as landmark sites. Officially crossed by the Via Francigena, it connects the routes towards Vetralla and Rome, offering pilgrims history, spirituality and centuries-old hospitality.
San Pellegrino Quarter, Viterbo
A spiritual gateway to Rome
Already in the Middle Ages, Viterbo was a mandatory stop for pilgrims heading to Rome. The San Pellegrino quarter, with its towers, arches and stone houses, is considered one of the best-preserved medieval centres in Italy.
- Medieval San Pellegrino quarter, among the best preserved in Italy
- Churches, places of prayer and quiet corners for contemplation
- Easy connections to the next stages: about 120 km to St. Peter's Square
- Routes through villages, Etruscan cave paths and Tuscia landscapes
"Viterbo is the spiritual and historical gateway to Rome for those arriving on foot: from here begins the final stretch of the journey, through millennia of history and landscapes that prepare the heart for the destination."
Essential itinerary
What to see in Viterbo in a few hours
Whether you arrive tired after a long stage or stop for a full day, Viterbo offers a compact historic centre, ideal for exploring on foot.
San Pellegrino Quarter
Medieval heart of the city, with stone houses, towers, small squares and views that tell the story of pilgrim hospitality since the Middle Ages.
Papal Palace
Residence of the popes in the 13th century, overlooking Piazza San Lorenzo. Symbol of the City of the Popes with its famous Gothic loggia.
Cathedral of San Lorenzo
Cathedral with Romanesque bell tower, Cosmatesque floor, crypt and artworks linked to the city's religious history.
Via dei Pellegrini
An inner path within the walls that crosses the city past fountains, squares and medieval views.
Porta Romana
Ancient gate leading towards Rome, symbol of the journey that continues towards the final destination.
A suggested itinerary
The last 120 km
The stages from the City of the Popes to Rome
From Viterbo begin the last approximately 120 km leading to Rome along 5 official stages. The routes pass through villages like San Martino al Cimino and ancient Etruscan cave paths.
Viterbo → Vetralla
Vetralla → Sutri
Sutri → Campagnano di Roma
Campagnano → La Storta
La Storta → Roma
"From Viterbo you begin the final stretch towards Rome, through woods, Etruscan necropolises, sanctuaries and panoramas that accompany your last effort towards the goal. The final section enters the Monte Mario Park, the Mount of Joy, from where you will see the dome of St. Peter's for the first time."
Pilgrim hospitality
Where to sleep in Viterbo if you're walking
Viterbo offers hotels of various categories, B&Bs in the historic centre housed in historic buildings, and holiday homes and religious facilities particularly suited to groups, families and pilgrims.
Nazareth Residence
Your home on the Via Francigena in Viterbo
Located in the picturesque medieval quarter of San Pellegrino, in the heart of the historic centre, Nazareth Residence combines the welcoming atmosphere of a B&B with the freedom to use the entire facility independently. Surrounded by a large private park with centuries-old trees, it is the ideal place to rest after walking.
Why choose Nazareth Residence as a pilgrim
- Sleep in the heart of the medieval quarter.
- Spaces of silence and prayer thanks to the internal chapel.
- Private park to rest your legs and mind.
- Simple, welcoming rooms designed for the journey.
Other accommodation options in Viterbo
Besides Nazareth Residence, the city offers a wide choice: 3–4 star hotels with spas and parks, B&Bs in the historic centre in renovated buildings, and holiday homes with sober and serene environments.
| Type | Area | Ideal for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3–4 star hotels | Outside centre / Centre | Couples, those seeking relaxation | Often with spa and thermal parks |
| B&B historic centre | Historic centre | Couples, solo travellers | In historic buildings, excellent value for money |
| Holiday homes / Religious facilities | Historic centre | Pilgrims, groups, families | Spiritual and quiet environment |
Practical information
Useful services for Via Francigena walkers
In Viterbo you'll find essential services for walkers: tourist information, public transport, shops, pharmacies, assistance points.
Credentials and route
Route information and pilgrim credentials at the municipal tourist office and information points dedicated to the Via Francigena.
Pharmacies and healthcare
Pharmacies and healthcare services in the city, reachable on foot from the historic centre.
Shops and dining
Equipment shops, grocery stores and restaurants in the historic centre and along the route towards Porta Romana.
Transport
Viterbo station reachable in a few minutes from the walled city. Bus and train to shorten stages or return.
Official references
Useful contacts in Viterbo
Municipal Tourist Office
Official reference for information on what to see in the city, events, exhibitions, guided tours, Via Francigena materials and local itineraries.
Mon–Sat: 9:00–13:00 / 15:00–18:00
Sun: 9:00–14:00
Opening hours may vary, please check for updates.
Public Relations Office (URP)
The URP is the point of contact between the Municipality of Viterbo and citizens for information on municipal services and administrative support. Through the URP you can obtain information on municipal services and how to contact the relevant offices.
Plan your arrival
Organize your stop in Viterbo now
Viterbo is a key stop on the Via Francigena, where spirituality, history and well-being meet. A good night's rest is essential to face the last kilometres towards Rome.
Book in advance a facility like Nazareth Residence or other pilgrim accommodations, and contact the Tourist Office for maps, route updates and event information.