The most important church in Viterbo is the cathedral, dedicated to San Lorenzo. Of course, a city with a nickname like Città dei Papi cannot fail to have a number of beautiful churches and basilicas, both inside and outside the downtown district.
Most important churches Viterbo
Cathedral Viterbo
The Duomo di San Lorenzo is located in the square of the same name. Especially from the second half of the 13th century, when a succession of popes had their residence in the Palazzo dei Papi, this cathedral was extremely influential.
San Sisto Church
The San Sisto Church is the oldest church of the city. It is partially incorporated into the city wall. It is from this church that the Macchina di Santa Rosa begins its triumphal procession through the streets of Viterbo every year on September 3. Before the procession begins, the bearers (facchini) of the Macchina are specially blessed.
San Francesco alla Rocca Basilica
The San Francesco alla Rocca Basilica was built in the 13th century on the site where a castle once stood. After bombings and subsequent restorations, it was returned to its original state.
San Giovanni in Zoccoli Church
The San Giovanni in Zoccoli Church was built in the 11th century and, unlike most churches in Viterbo, has hardly undergone any changes over the centuries.
Santa Maria Nuova Church
The Santa Maria Nuova Church was built in the 11th century, on the site of an early Christian church. Its greatest attractions are the triptych above the altar and the cloister (Chiostro Longobardo) to the left of the church itself.
Madonna della Quercia Sanctuary
The Santuario della Madonna della Quercia is a monastery and associated church about 2 kilometers outside the city walls of Viterbo. There are several legends attached to the origins of the church.
Chiesa del Gesù
The Chiesa del Gesù is located in the square of the same name, on the Colle del Duomo. The church owes its fame to Henry of Cornwall, who was cruelly stabbed to death there on the retreat after a crusade.
Sant’Angelo in Spatha Church
The Sant’Angelo in Spatha Church is one of the oldest churches in the city. For many years, the tomb of the Bella Galliana was located on the outer wall of this church, which is located between Via Roma and the central Piazza del Plebiscito square.
Sant’Andrea Church
The Sant’Andrea Church was built in the 12th century, but largely destroyed during bombing raids in World War II. Of the original church, only the crypt remains in its original state.
Santa Maria del Suffragio Church
The Santa Maria del Suffragio Church is located in the Corso Italia. The church was built in the 13th century, on the ruins of a pre-existing house of worship. On display is a ceiling fresco by the artist Luigi Vanvitelli, who was originally Dutch.
Santa Maria della Salute Church
The Santa Maria della Salute Church was founded in the 14th century by order of a philanthropist and is located in the center of the city. The austerity of the interior of this church is offset by the beautifully carved marble portal.