2. It has ancient origins and has the largest medieval historical center in
Europe - with some well-preserved medieval districts - surrounded by
walls and surrounded by modern districts, except to the west, where
archaeological and thermal areas extend. Viterbo is historically known as
the City of the Popes: in the thirteenth century it was in fact the papal seat
and for about 24 years the Papal Palace hosted or were elected various
Popes.
The origins of viterbo.
3. One of the symbols of Viterbo, the coat of arms of the city of
Viterbo consists of a blue sannitic shield showing a palm tree
to which is overlapped a lion passing to the left (right
heraldry) crowned with gold . The lion holds with the right
front paw a red banner with a silver cross in every quarter of
which there are four keys of the same enamel; The rod of the
banner, of green colour, is surmounted by a biceps eagle of
gold.
The symbol of Viterbo
4. Papal place
The papal Palace of Viterbo is, together
with the Duomo, the most important
historical monument of the city. It was
erected in its present form, enlarging the
palace of the Episcopal Curia of the city
when Pope Alexander IV (1254 – 1261, Pope
from 1254)Many popes resided in Viterbo,
for example Alexander IV, Ourbano IV,
who divided his residence between
Orvieto and Viterbo
5. The Palace
The building is a massive construction that,
on the opposite side of the square,
overcomes the Faul Valley and ends to the
right with the imposing "Sala del conclave
", which overlooks the square with six
windows the access to the hall takes place
from the square through a wide Staircase,
finished in 1267, which leads to a portal
with a round vault, surmounted by the coat
of arms of San Bernardino and a shelf
regent the statue of a small lion
6. SANTA ROSA FROM VITERBO.
Rosa was born in Viterbo in 1233; she wished to enter the Poor Clares, who rejected her
because of her precarious health. After a miraculous healing he entered the third
Franciscan lived the mercy in the work of reconciliation between people and families. He
preached fiercely against the Cathars, aided by Frederick II against the Pope, and took a
strong position in defense of the pontiff in the struggle between Guelphs and Ghibellines.
She was sent into exile with her family by order of the mayor of Viterbo and took refuge
first in Soriano nel Cimino, then in Vitorchiano. On one occasion he miraculously
remained unharmed in the flames. He predicted the death of Emperor Frederick II and
when this happened, he returned to Viterbo.
