Lazio · Viterbo · 180 Eco Hotels

Eco Hotels in Viterbo

City of Popes. Medieval quarter. Natural thermal springs that have drawn visitors since Etruscan times. Viterbo is northern Lazio's hidden masterpiece — 80 km from Rome but a world apart.

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180 eco hotels in Viterbo
1 tonne CO₂ removed per booking
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✓ from €65/night
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About Viterbo

Medieval city of popes and thermal springs

Viterbo sits in northern Lazio at the foot of the Cimini Mountains, surrounded by Etruscan ruins, volcanic lakes, and natural hot springs. It's one of central Italy's best-preserved medieval cities — the San Pellegrino quarter, with its arched bridges (profferli), external staircases, and Romanesque churches, looks much as it did in the 13th century.

The city's golden age came between 1257 and 1281, when the papal court moved here from Rome — five popes were elected in the Papal Palace on Piazza San Lorenzo, and the city's aristocratic families built the towers and palazzi that still define its skyline. Viterbo has a darker claim to fame too: the first papal conclave was held here in 1268, when citizens locked the cardinals in the palace and removed the roof to force a decision. It worked — after 33 months, Gregory X was elected.

Today, Viterbo balances medieval gravitas with a lively university-town energy (the University of Tuscia brings 10,000 students). The Terme dei Papi thermal spa is the main draw — a vast outdoor pool fed by a natural spring at 58°C, open year-round. Dante mentioned the Bullicame spring in the Divine Comedy. The city's other claim to fame: Italy's gold reserves are stored in a vault beneath the city.

Viterbo at a glance

Region: Lazio

Province: Viterbo (VT)

Population: ~68,000

Elevation: 326 metres

Distance from Rome: 80 km (50 miles) north

Known for: Medieval quarter, Papal Palace, thermal springs, Etruscan heritage, Santa Rosa festival

Hotel count: 180+ eco-certified properties on IMPT

Price range: from €65/night

Travel tip: Book through IMPT for the same prices as Booking.com — every booking removes 1 tonne of CO₂. New members get €5 free credit. The Terme dei Papi spa pool is open until midnight on summer weekends.

Medieval ArchitectureThermal SpringsEtruscan HeritageWine RegionPapal HistoryUniversity City

Things to do

Best attractions in Viterbo

🏛️
Palazzo dei Papi (Papal Palace)
The 13th-century papal residence dominates Piazza San Lorenzo. The Loggia of the Popes, with its seven Gothic arches, is Viterbo's defining landmark. The adjacent Cathedral of San Lorenzo and the Romanesque cloister are part of the same complex. €9 entry.
🏘️
San Pellegrino Quarter
Italy's best-preserved medieval neighbourhood. Narrow lanes, arched bridges (profferli), external staircases, and Romanesque churches create a time-capsule atmosphere. The annual Santa Rosa procession passes through here on 3 September with a 5-tonne illuminated tower.
♨️
Terme dei Papi (Thermal Spa)
A monumental outdoor thermal pool fed by a natural spring at 58°C. The water, rich in sulphur and calcium, has drawn visitors since Etruscan times. Natural cave pools offer a steam-bath experience. Open year-round. From €15 for a day pass.
🏛️
Museo Nazionale Etrusco
Housed in the 16th-century Rocca Albornoz fortress. The collection includes Etruscan sarcophagi, votive bronzes, and the famous 'Bagno della Regina' — a full-scale Etruscan tomb reconstruction with original wall paintings. €6 entry.
🌿
Villa Lante, Bagnaia
A Renaissance garden masterpiece 5 km east of Viterbo. Water cascades through a chain of fountains from a grotto at the top to the formal parterre at the bottom. The Cardinal's Table has a water channel running through it for chilling wine. €5 entry.
🌋
Lake Bolsena
Europe's largest volcanic lake, 25 km north of Viterbo. The medieval town of Bolsena offers swimming beaches, boat rentals, and fresh whitefish restaurants. The island of Bisentina, accessible by ferry, has Etruscan tombs and Renaissance gardens.
⛪
Santa Maria della Verità
A 12th-century Romanesque church with a Renaissance cloister. Inside, Lorenzo da Viterbo's 1469 fresco cycle of the Life of the Virgin is one of central Italy's most important 15th-century paintings. Also contains a Sebastiano del Piombo Pietà.
🎭
Macchina di Santa Rosa
Every 3 September, 100 facchini (porters) carry a 5-tonne, 30-metre illuminated tower through Viterbo's streets. This UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event commemorates Saint Rose of Viterbo. Book hotels months ahead for the festival.

Where to stay

Best areas in Viterbo

🏰
San Pellegrino — Medieval Centre
Stay within Viterbo's 12th-century walls. Boutique hotels in restored palazzi, cobbled lanes, proximity to the Papal Palace and San Pellegrino quarter. From €75/night. Perfect for history lovers who want to walk everywhere.
♨️
Terme — Spa District
Hotels clustered around the thermal springs, 2 km west of the centre. Direct access to spa facilities, larger pools and gardens, quieter setting. From €85/night. Ideal for wellness breaks and couples.
🌿
Bagnaia — Hillside Village
A small village 5 km east, home to Villa Lante. Agriturismos and country houses with views across the valley. From €65/night. Peaceful base with easy bus connections to Viterbo. Best for garden lovers and walkers.

Hotels

6 Eco Hotels in Viterbo

Balletti Palace HotelSustainable
Balletti Palace Hotel
Viale Trento · City Centre
★★★★
Thermal poolLocal sourcingEV charging
from €85/night
Palazzo RiarioHistoric
Palazzo Riario
Via San Lorenzo · Medieval Centre
★★★★
Palazzo viewsOrganic breakfastBicycle rental
from €95/night
Hotel Salus TermeSpa
Hotel Salus Terme
Strada Tuscanese · Thermal District
★★★
Spa accessThermal poolSustainable practices
from €90/night
Agriturismo BagnaiaEco-agriturismo
Agriturismo La Quercia
Strada Bagnaia · Bagnaia Hills
★★★
Organic farmValley viewsHomegrown food
from €65/night
Mini Palace HotelBudget Eco
Mini Palace Hotel
Via Santa Maria · City Centre
★★★
Central locationEnergy efficientRecycling programme
from €65/night
Hotel BolsenaLake Eco
Hotel Royal Bolsena
Viale Colesanti, Bolsena · Lake Bolsena
★★★
Lake viewsBeach accessSolar panels
from €75/night

Walking & Hiking

Best walks around Viterbo

Viterbo walls walk
Viterbo
Viterbo Medieval Walls Circuit
4 kmEasy1.5 hrs

Walk the full circuit of Viterbo's 11th-12th century walls, still largely intact. Pass through ancient gates (Porta Romana, Porta Fiorentina, Porta San Pietro) and see the city's medieval towers from every angle. The path is flat, paved, and mostly pedestrianised.

Lake Bolsena trail
Lake Bolsena
Lake Bolsena Shore Path
8 kmEasy2–3 hrs

Follow the lakeshore from Bolsena town to Capodimonte. The trail passes through reed beds, olive groves, and small beaches with volcanic sand. Excellent birdwatching — egrets, kingfishers, and the occasional osprey. Stop for grilled whitefish at a lakeside restaurant.

Cimini Mountains
Cimini Mountains
Faggeta del Monte Cimino
6 kmModerate2–3 hrs

A UNESCO-listed ancient beech forest at 1,053 metres. The trail climbs through centuries-old beech trees to the summit of Monte Cimino with panoramic views across to Monte Amiata and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Particularly beautiful in autumn when the leaves turn gold.

Nearby cities

Explore more of Lazio

Rome
Rome
The Eternal City — Colosseum, Vatican, Trevi Fountain. 80 km south of Viterbo
620+ hotelsfrom €95/night
Latina
Latina
Coastal province — Sperlonga, Gaeta, Circeo National Park
240+ hotelsfrom €70/night
Frosinone
Frosinone
Ciociaria countryside, Montecassino Abbey, waterfalls
160+ hotelsfrom €55/night

Questions answered

Viterbo Eco Hotels — FAQs

Are there eco hotels in Viterbo?
Yes. IMPT lists 180+ eco-certified and sustainable hotels across Viterbo province. Options range from boutique hotels within the medieval walls to agriturismos in the surrounding Cimini Hills and spa hotels near the thermal baths. Every booking removes 1 tonne of verified CO₂ at the same price as Booking.com — the carbon removal comes from our commission, not your pocket.
What is Viterbo famous for?
Viterbo is famous for its remarkably preserved medieval centre (particularly the San Pellegrino quarter), the 13th-century Papal Palace where five popes were elected, natural thermal springs that have drawn visitors since Etruscan times, and the annual Santa Rosa festival on 3 September where 100 porters carry a 5-tonne illuminated tower through the streets — a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event.
How far is Viterbo from Rome and how do I get there?
Viterbo is 80 km (50 miles) north of Rome. By car via the Via Cassia or A1 motorway, the drive takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The regional train from Roma Termini or Roma Ostiense takes about 1 hour 40 minutes (€5.60 one-way). Cotral buses also connect from Rome's Saxa Rubra station. Viterbo makes an excellent day trip or weekend escape from the capital.
What are the best thermal spas in Viterbo?
The Terme dei Papi is the most famous, with a monumental outdoor pool fed by a natural spring at 58°C — open year-round, from €15 for a day pass. The Bullicame spring (free, mentioned by Dante in the Divine Comedy) is a natural outdoor pool. Nearby, Terme di Vulci (30 km northwest) offers countryside thermal pools. Stay at eco hotels near the spas booked through IMPT — same price as Booking.com with 1 tonne CO₂ removed per booking.
When is the best time to visit Viterbo?
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are ideal — mild temperatures perfect for walking the medieval lanes. The Santa Rosa festival on 3 September is the city's biggest event but requires booking hotels months ahead. The thermal spas are particularly atmospheric in winter when steam rises from the hot water into the cold air. Viterbo's eco hotels start from €65/night on IMPT.
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Read more: Best time to visit Viterbo · Viterbo Food Guide · Things to Do in Viterbo

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