Palazzo dei Papi di Viterbo
About This Museum
You might not know that for nearly two decades, this sturdy palazzo was the epicenter of Christendom, hosting the papal court after they fled Rome. Step inside and you're immediately struck by the soaring Gothic halls, where light filters through ancient windows onto worn stone floors. It feels less like a sterile museum and more like walking through the corridors of power from 700 years ago. From its famous loggia, you can almost hear the echoes of the cardinals who famously locked themselves in to elect a new pope, giving us the word 'conclave'.
Collection Highlights
Don't miss the vivid fresco fragments that hint at the palace's former glory and the intricate Cosmati stonework underfoot—a mesmerizing mosaic of geometric patterns. The real prize, though, is the collection of medieval sculptures salvaged from Viterbo's original cathedral.
Visitor Information
It's right there on Piazza San Lorenzo, impossible to miss. Pop in to see the courtyard; it’s a quiet spot with a fantastic view over Viterbo's terracotta rooftops.
Architecture & Building
A quintessential example of Italian Gothic, built with local grey peperino stone, featuring grand arched windows and that magnificent, columned loggia overlooking the square.
Contact & Location
Address: Piazza San Lorenzo, Viterbo, Lazio, 01100, Italia
Phone: +39 393 091 6060
Website: Visit Website
