Viterbo

Viterbo is an ancient town and comune in the Lazio region of central Italy, the capital of Viterbo province, 42°25 12°06E, at 326 m (1070 ft) above sea-level. It is approximately 100 kilometers (60 mi) north of Rome.

Related Topics:
Comune - Lazio - Italy - Viterbo province - Rome

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Noteworthy in Viterbo is "il Palazzo dei Papi", the Popes' Palace that served as a country residence and a repair in time of trouble in Rome: Viterbo thus became the site of important church councils, and in particular of the first conclave. Its beautiful historical center was conceived in the Middle Ages and preserves the essential style of the medieval architecture of central Italy, however the city began as an Etruscan community in the 8th century BCE. Many of the older buildings (particularly churches) are built on top of etruscan ruins. These can be recognized by the use of large (.5 metres square) stones, instead of the smaller Roman bricks. Much of the Roman architecture also remains - the columns in the Pallazzo, for example, come from what was once a roman temple.

Related Topics:
Pope - Church council - Conclave - Middle Ages

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The town hosts the Italian gold reserves, an important Academy of Fine Arts, the University of Tuscia and a wide thermal area.

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In 2001 the School Year Abroad program founded a program for high school students in Viterbo, and the program is now in its fourth year. The program places students in host families in the surronding areas and has a school in the center of the city.

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