Palazzo dei Papi di Viterbo: A Medieval Papal Residence

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Explore the historic Palazzo dei Papi in Viterbo, a medieval papal residence with stunning architecture and a rich history of papal conclaves.

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Palazzo dei Papi di Viterbo

The Palazzo dei Papi (Palace of the Popes) in Viterbo is a significant historical monument, serving as a papal residence in the 13th century. It's renowned for its Loggia delle Benedizioni and the Sala del Conclave, the site of the first and longest papal conclave in history.

A brief summary to Palazzo dei Papi di Viterbo

Piazza S. Lorenzo, 1-8, Viterbo, Province of Viterbo, 01100, IT
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Monday 10 am-1 pm
Wednesday 10 am-1 pm
Thursday 10 am-1 pm
Friday 10 am-6 pm
Saturday 10 am-6 pm
Sunday 10 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Palazzo dei Papi di Viterbo.

Visit the Colle del Duomo Museum to purchase tickets and start your tour of the Palazzo dei Papi, Viterbo Cathedral, and the cathedral's sacristy.
Check the opening hours before visiting, as they vary depending on the season. The palace is generally open daily from April to October, but closed on Tuesdays from November to March.
Consider purchasing the Viterbo Pass for access to the Palazzo dei Papi and other important monuments in the city.

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Getting There

Walking

From Piazza del Plebiscito in the heart of Viterbo, walk northwest along Via San Lorenzo towards Piazza della Morte. Continue onto Piazza S. Lorenzo, where the Palazzo dei Papi is located. The walk is approximately 500 meters and should take about 5-10 minutes. There are no tolls or parking fees associated with this approach.
Public Transport

From Viterbo Porta Romana train station, take bus line C4 or C5 towards the city center. Get off at the Piazza del Sacrario stop. From there, walk along the old town, following the signs to Piazza San Lorenzo. Alternatively, from the parking of Valle Faul, a free elevator brings you to Piazza San Lorenzo. A single bus ticket costs €1.00 if purchased in advance or €1.50 if purchased from the driver.

Discover more about Palazzo dei Papi di Viterbo

The Palazzo dei Papi, or Papal Palace, stands as a powerful symbol of Viterbo and its rich history. Constructed between 1255 and 1266, the palace served as a refuge for popes seeking to escape the political turmoil and violence in Rome. Pope Alexander IV initiated the move of the Papal Curia to Viterbo in 1257, and the palace became the official papal headquarters until 1281.The palace is most famous for the Loggia delle Benedizioni, an elegant arched balcony from which newly elected popes would bestow blessings upon the faithful. The Aula del Conclave is another highlight, as it hosted the first and longest papal conclave in history, lasting 33 months. During this prolonged election, the exasperated citizens of Viterbo famously locked the cardinals in the hall, reduced their food supply, and even removed the roof in an attempt to expedite the selection of a new pope.Today, visitors can explore various parts of the Palazzo dei Papi, including the Loggia delle Benedizioni, the Aula del Conclave, and the Sala Gualterio, which houses the original parchment of the first conclave. The palace is part of the Colle del Duomo museum complex, which also includes the Viterbo Cathedral and its monumental sacristy.