Just like in most medium-sized Italian cities, public life in Viterbo takes place in and around the squares of its historical center. These squares are often graced by beautiful fountains and of course the most famous ones are flanked by elegant historical buildings.
Most beautiful squares Viterbo
Piazza del Plebiscito
The most famous square in Viterbo is the Piazza del Plebiscito. The important civil buildings of the city, such as the Palazzo dei Priori and the Palazzo del Podestà, which together form the town hall of Viterbo, are located here. For its construction, however, a cemetery had to make way.
Piazza San Lorenzo
If Piazza del Plebiscito is the civil center of the city, Piazza San Lorenzo is that of the clergy. Along this square stand both the city’s cathedral and its most famous building, the Palazzo dei Papi.
Piazza Fontana Grande
The Piazza Fontana Grande is, of course, named after the large Gothic fountain that stands in this square and is considered one of the most beautiful fountains of the entire country.
Piazza della Rocca
The Piazza della Rocca is located just inside the city walls, near the Rocca Albernoz, the former castle of Viterbo. Here one could witness military exercises and executions in ancient times. The square is graced by one of the most beautiful fountains in the city.
Piazza delle Erbe
The Piazza delle Erbe thanks most of its fame to the Fountain of the Lions taking up its central position. Another attraction in this square is the Casa della Pace.
Piazza San Pellegrino
The Piazza San Pellegrino is the central square in the Pellegrino district. There are a number of interesting towers and palaces in this square, of which the Palazzo degli Alessandri is so beautiful that the Pope prevented its demolition.
Piazza Scacciaricci
The Piazza Scacciaricci is located in the district of the same name and has a rather unique history. Its construction, as a sign along the square indicates, was not paid for with the money of wealthy citizens, but by ordinary people.
Piazza Verdi
By the inhabitants of the city itself, Piazza Verdi is also called Piazza del Teatro or Piazza dell’Unione, because of the presence of the Teatro dell’Unione. The 15th century Palazzo Santoro (now City Library) is also located in this square.
Piazza della Morte
The Piazza della Morte (“Square of Death”) is located in the center of the city, a short walk from the Piazza San Lorenzo and the city’s Cathedral. Attractions are the ancient fountain and the Santa Giacinta Church.
Piazza della Crocetta
The Piazza delle Crocetta is actually called Piazzetta di Santa Maria in Poggio. Santa Rosa, the patron saint of Viterbo, used to be buried here.
Piazza del Sacrario
The Piazza del Sacrario was constructed in the 30’s. Underneath this square flows the stream the Urcionio. In a second tube pthe locals used to take shelter during bombing raids in World War II.
