Easy hikes and walks in Riserva Naturale Regionale Valle Dell'Arcionello

The Rocca Albornoz was built in the 14th century by order of Cardinal Egidio Albornoz, with the aim of reestablishing papal authority over the territories of the Papal States. Conceived as a military fortress, it features a massive tuff structure, with towers and defensive structures dominating the surrounding area. Its strategic location allowed for control of access to the city, particularly along the Porta Fiorentina route. More than a residence, the Rocca was a clear symbol of political and military power. Today, the building is a museum, housing the National Etruscan Museum of Viterbo, which has restored its spaces to a cultural function.

The funerary monument of Pope Adrian V, in the Basilica of San Francesco in Viterbo, houses the remains of the pontiff, who died in 1276 after a very short pontificate. The work, traditionally attributed to Arnolfo di Cambio, reflects the Gothic style and Cosmatesque tradition of the era, with an elegant structure and finely decorated columns. The statue of the pope lies in pontifical robes on a richly carved base, lending the tomb a solemn and meditative tone. The monument testifies to the importance of Viterbo as a papal seat and artistic center in the 13th century.

Piazza di Santa Maria in Poggio is a small, quiet, and intimate medieval square, nestled slightly elevated in the heart of historic Viterbo. Far from the busiest streets, it retains an intimate and authentic character, deeply rooted in neighborhood life. The church that gives it its name, built in peperino stone, features a simple, austere façade, devoid of superfluous ornamentation, perfectly integrated into the surrounding urban fabric. It is a parish church, designed for a stable community, and it was here that Saint Rose of Viterbo was baptized in 1233, a sign of the profound connection between this place and the city's spiritual history. At the center of the square is a medieval fountain, also made of peperino stone, dating to the first half of the 13th century, created for the daily supply of water. Popular tradition links it to the young Saint Rose, who is said to have drawn water from here, adding a sense of memory and devotion to the place.

Porta Faul opens into an ancient tower, the upper part of which has been demolished. An epigraph recalls that the opening of Porta Faul took place in 1568, after the closing of Porta di Valle, with the authorization of Cardinal Alessandro Farnese. (c) https://viterbo.artecitta.it/porta-faul/

The current Church of Saints Faustino and Giovita is the result of a complete renovation in the 18th century, which transformed an older structure dating back to 1236. Originally a modest rural building surrounded by vegetable gardens, it gained importance with the development of the neighborhood and, in the 15th century, expanded thanks to the chapels built by noble families such as the Bussi, Ciccolini, Scardaone and Tosone. In the 16th century it became a place of worship for the Knights of Jerusalem, who had taken refuge in Viterbo after Rhodes was abandoned by the Turks. Grand Master Filippo Villiers de l’Isle-Adam chose this church, near the Rocca di Viterbo, for the Order’s religious functions. In 1524, the relics saved from Rhodes were exhibited here, including the image of the Madonna of Constantinople, still venerated today. After the Knights moved to Malta in 1527, the church retained the precious Byzantine image, crowned by the Vatican Chapter in the 17th century and again by the Sovereign Military Order of Malta in 1964. The temple was rebuilt in 1759 based on a design by architect Giuseppe Antolini, with the contribution of Filippo Prada. Restored in 1901, it underwent further work in 1909 with a new granite floor, later replaced between 1960 and 1962 with a marble floor. The roof was redone in the same period. Today, the church preserves a rich history and testimonies of the Order of the Knights of Malta. (c) https://comune.viterbo.it/vivere-il-comune/luoghi/chiesa-dei-santi-faustino-e-giovita/

City of waters

Ancient aqueduct built at the beginning of the 20th century, now there are some stone remains partially covered by vegetation.

Built in 1237 and renovated during the 16th century and again in the 17th century, the basilica of San Francesco della Rocca is one of the most important in Viterbo. Inside are the tombs of two popes, Clement IV and Adrian V.