What to do in Province of Viterbo

Lake Bolsena is Italy’s fifth-largest lake and one of Europe’s biggest crater lakes. It was formed some 370 millennia ago after an eruption in the Volsini volcano complex created a huge basin. Lake Bolsena has an area of 28,170 acres (113.5 square kilometers). It’s a popular place for recreational pursuits and is surrounded by volcanic sand beaches and a handful of picturesque towns and villages.

Viterbo Cathedral (Cattedrale di San Lorenzo) is an architecturally impressive church that looms over the hilltop Piazza San Lorenzo. Established in the 1100s, legend states that the cathedral stands on the site of an ancient Etruscan temple of Hercules. It was reconstructed in the 16th century and restored after bomb damage during World War II. Today, Viterbo Cathedral forms part of a medieval complex, which includes a papal palace, loggia and museum.

Get ready to be amazed by the statues and sculptures that decorate the Parco dei Mostri (Park of the Monsters). The park dates back to 1552, when Prince Vicino Orsini established it as a memorial to his late wife. It sat overgrown for many years before being brought back to life in the mid-1900s. Today, Parco dei Mostri is a playground of mannerist sculptures set around a labyrinth of well-groomed Italian gardens.

Restaurants and bars with terraces providing scenic vistas of the Tyrrhenian Sea make Tarquinia Beach the perfect spot for an aperitif at sunset. Spacious and pristine, the sandy strand also has plenty of fun activities for all the family. After a day in the sun, visit Tarquinia Beach at night for a romantic meal or a family dinner at one of the restaurants that serve seafood caught in the region.

Admire striking architectural features, spot sacred art and learn about Viterbo’s relationship with the Papal State at Palazzo dei Papi (Palace of the Popes). This majestic landmark dates back to the mid-1200s and was commissioned by Pope Alexander IV. He wanted to build a papal residence away from the antagonistic environment present in Rome at the time. Upon completion, the Palazzo dei Papi became the papal headquarters until 1281.