Viterbo is a major regional town about an hour south east of Capalbio situated between the two volcanic lakes of Vico and Bolsena, and on the ancient Roman Via Cassia, which runs from Rome north to modern day La Spezia. It has ancient Etruscan origins, was taken by the Romans in about 310 AD, and was the site or three centuries of disputes between the Holy Roman Empire and various popes, who used Viterbo as their residence and sometimes papal capital until the papacy was moved to Avignon, when Viterbo was taken over by tyrants.

The medieval old center, inside the city walls of the Centro Storico, is marvellous. Espeicially notworthy is the San Pellegrino quarter, the catacombs, and the papal palace. There’s a large nearby carpark at Parcheggio del Sacrario, a great view over to the palace and the Cathedral of San Lorenzo at the Palazzo dei Priori on the central square, lots of fine shops on the main shopping street of Corso Italia, and great bars and restaurants in the old center. If you’re exploring the nearby lakes, make sure to visit Viterbo – it’s our home town!