Palazzo dei Papi
The 13th-century palace where popes stayed in Viterbo, famous for its Gothic loggia and the hall where the world's first conclave was held. It is the city's landmark.
The Palazzo dei Papi was built between 1257 and 1266. Popes lived in Viterbo between 1257 and 1281, which is why the city is known as the “City of Popes.” The papal election that began in 1268 dragged on for nearly three years without a result. Angry citizens locked the cardinals inside the hall, removed the roof, and gave them only bread and water. This is how the word “conclave” came into being. The Gothic loggia on the front of the palace has seven pairs of slender columns and arches and is the most photographed view. Visitors can see the council hall, the loggia, and the nearby Cathedral of San Lorenzo and the diocesan museum. A combined ticket costs about €10.
Opening hours
10:00–19:00 (shorter in winter)
Nearby sights
- Viterbo Cathedral (San Lorenzo)
- Piazza del Plebiscito
- San Pellegrino Quarter
- Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Rocca Albornoz
- Basilica di Santa Maria della Quercia
- Terme dei Papi
- Piscine Carletti
- Villa Lante