Easy hikes and walks in Viterbo

Viterbo lived its period of major splendor and power in the 13th century when it was chosen as the seat of the papacy instead of Rome, where powerful warring families made life too dangerous. Eight different popes lived in Viterbo making it is similar to Vatican City and Avignon in France. The longest papal conclave in history happened here from 1 December 1268 to 1 September 1271. Following Pope Clement IV's death, infighting between cardinals and political pressure led to a 34-month deadlock. The cardinals were locked up cum clave (hence the word conclave) inside the palace’s large Conclave Hall. In desperation the town’s population, who were feeding them and their entourages, eventually reduced the cardinals’ food and wine supplies, trying to speed up the election. Time wore on and they finally decided to remove the roof of the palace: in order to help the Holy Spirit come down and illuminate them, it was quipped. That worked.

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.

Very beautiful and worth seeing.

The site is closed for maintenance. Paths are disturbed, unmaintained, and often unmarked. Walking the route often leads you to the back of closed buildings.

Out of time

Located in the heart of the village of Marta, on the southern shore of Lake Bolsena, the Clock Tower is one of the main historical and tourist attractions of the area. This medieval tower, which stands majestically in the historic center, is not only a symbol of the city, but also a witness to centuries of history, art and local traditions. The Clock Tower stands imposingly at 21 meters high. Its structure is characterized by a truncated pyramid base with a square plan and an octagonal body that culminates with a small octagonal tower about 2.5 meters high, where the clock bells are located. This clock, installed in 1575 during the Farnese domination, is one of the distinctive elements of the tower. Originally, the tower was part of the Rocca, a medieval fortification that has seen numerous restorations and alterations due to the turbulent historical events of the village. The tower has survived various modifications and reconstructions, and today represents one of the most fascinating testimonies of Marta's past. (c) https://www.visittuscia.eu/torre-orologio-marta/

incredibly beautiful, we liked it very much

Beautiful town on the lake of the same name and along the Via Francigena