# Viterbo and Villa Lante A day trip from Rome to the Tuscia: the Palace of the Popes, the San Pellegrino quarter, the garden of Villa Lante, Bomarzo and a thermal bath. Fuente: https://www.geocalia.com/en/italy/lazio/viterbo-villa-lante · Revisado: 2026-11-12 Viterbo is the capital of the Tuscia, the north of Lazio, an hour and a half from Rome. In the 13th century it was the city of the popes, and its palace with the Gothic loggia and an entire medieval quarter of grey stone tell the story. Around it, a few kilometres away, are one of the most beautiful gardens of the Renaissance, Villa Lante, a wood of stone monsters at Bomarzo and thermal waters that come out very hot and fill outdoor pools all year round. ## What can you see in a day? In the morning, Viterbo. Start with the Palace of the Popes, next to the cathedral of San Lorenzo, where the longest conclave in history was held, and its museum. Continue through the San Pellegrino quarter, with houses with outside staircases, arches and towers, as far as the Fontana Grande. Two or three hours. At midday, Villa Lante, in Bagnaia, 5 km away. A terraced garden down which the water flows, from fountain to fountain, to a square pool, with two twin small palaces and a park of holm oaks. An hour and a half. Note: it closes on Mondays, and from November to March on Sundays it opens only in the morning. In the afternoon, hot water. The thermal pool at the Terme dei Papi, on the outskirts, is filled with water from the Bullicame spring. It opens by day until 19:00 and at night from 21:00 to 1:00. If you have a second day, or prefer to change something, the Park of the Monsters at Bomarzo, about 20 km away, is a 16th-century wood with giants, an ogre and a leaning house carved into the rock. Children love it, and so do the adults. ## How do you get there from Rome? By car, which is recommended for this area: along the Cassia bis to Vetralla and the Orte–Viterbo expressway. About an hour and a half from the centre of Rome. Viterbo has a walled centre with restricted access: park outside the wall or at your hotel. By train, regional trains leave Roma Ostiense and arrive at Viterbo Porta Fiorentina, next to the wall. They are slow and, once there, for Villa Lante, Bomarzo or the hot springs you need a local bus or a taxi. Without a car, the reasonable plan is Viterbo city and the hot springs. From Spain, fly to Rome Fiumicino and hire the car at the airport: it's a little over 90 km. ## One day or one night? It can be done in a day, but with a night the plan improves a lot: Viterbo and Villa Lante on the first day, a thermal bath in the evening and Bomarzo the next morning before heading back. For sleeping, the Hotel Niccolò V is inside the Terme dei Papi, and the Mini Palace Hotel, 200 metres from the centre, has parking. If you want more days in the area, Civita di Bagnoregio is about half an hour to the north and Orvieto a little further. ## Where to eat? Il Richiastro, in the Mazzatosta palace, has served medieval Viterbo cooking since 1981: sauces for bread, homemade pasta and spiced wine; call to confirm the hours. At the hot springs, Aqvamadre opens from Wednesday to Sunday, and the bistro every day at lunchtime. ## Dónde está - Cerca: Caprarola and Bomarzo (a 11.1 km), Lake Bolsena and Tuscania (a 21.4 km), Civita di Bagnoregio (a 23.4 km), Calcata and the Treja Valley (a 33.4 km) ## Qué hacer - **Villa Lante in Bagnaia** (1 h 30 · All ages · 8): What it is One of the great Italian Renaissance gardens, in Bagnaia, 5 km from Viterbo. Cardinal Gambara began it in the 16th century: the water runs down a series of terraces, fountains and a water chain carved in stone to a square pool with islands at the bottom. Instead of one large palace there are two twin palazzinas, the Palazzina Gambara and the Palazzina Montalto, and around them a park of holm oaks. Opening times and tickets Closed on Mondays. From Tuesday to Saturday it opens at 8:30 and closes at 16:30 from November to March, at 17:30 in October and at 19:30 from April to September; entry is allowed until one hour before closing. On Sundays and public holidays in November and December it is open only from 10:30 to 13:30. It costs €8, or €2 for the reduced rate. There is no need to book. The first floor of the Palazzina Gambara can be visited on Wednesdays at 10:30 and 14:30 with a booking the day before; the Montalto, on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 to 12:00 and on Sundays. What you need to know You may not eat or play ball games in the garden or the park. It may close in bad weather. Dogs are allowed in the park on a lead, and muzzled if medium or large; in the garden, only small ones in a carrier. - **Palace of the Popes and the Colle del Duomo museum** (1 h 30 · All ages; under-12s free · 10): What it is In the 13th century Viterbo was the seat of the popes, and it was here, in the palace next to the cathedral, that the longest conclave in history was held: almost three years, until the people of Viterbo locked the cardinals in, cum clave, and removed their roof. You visit the palace with its loggia of Gothic arches, the sacristy of the cathedral of San Lorenzo and the Colle del Duomo museum, with Etruscan and Roman pieces, local painting and the treasure of the popes. Opening times and tickets From April to October it is open every day from 10:00 to 19:00. From November to March it closes on Tuesdays; Monday to Friday it is open from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 18:00, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 to 18:00. Last entry one hour before closing. It closes on 24 and 25 December. Tickets cost €10 with an audioguide, €8 for ages 12 to 18, and are free for under-12s. - **Walk through the medieval San Pellegrino quarter** (1 h · Everyone): San Pellegrino is the best-preserved medieval quarter in Viterbo, a few minutes' walk from the Palace of the Popes: grey stone houses, external staircases with their balcony, the profferlo, arches, towers and fountains. You cross it from Piazza San Lorenzo to Piazza San Pellegrino and, if you keep going, you reach the Fontana Grande, the oldest Gothic fountain in the city. It is free and takes an unhurried hour. - **Bathe in the thermal pool at Terme dei Papi** (3 h · From age 2 · Desde 18 € per person): What it is Viterbo is a city of hot waters, and the Bullicame spring is hyperthermal: the water comes out very hot. The Terme dei Papi, on the outskirts, fill their monumental pool with that water, a large open-air pool where you bathe in hot water even in winter. It is the perfect plan to round off a day at Villa Lante or Bomarzo. Times and prices By day, from 9:00 to 19:00, €18 for adults and €8 for children aged 2 to 11. At night, from 21:00 to 1:00, €20 for adults. Under-2s do not pay. Buy in the online shop before 15:00 on the same day or at the ticket office. You cannot bring in outside food: there is a bistro and restaurants inside. Getting there By car, take the Cassia bis to Vetralla and the Orte–Viterbo expressway, exit Viterbo Terme. Without a car, take the train from Roma Ostiense to Viterbo Porta Fiorentina, then a taxi. - **The Monster Park of Bomarzo** (1 h 30 · All ages; children aged 4 to 13, €9 · 15): What it is The Sacro Bosco of Bomarzo is a garden that Prince Vicino Orsini had made in the 16th century, with giant sculptures carved from the rocks of the wood: the Orco with his open mouth, which you can walk into, an elephant with a tower, a tortoise, a dragon, mermaids and a leaning house that makes you dizzy. It is about 20 km from Viterbo, at the foot of the village of Bomarzo. Opening times and tickets It is open every day of the year except 25 December, without a break: from 9:00 to 17:00 from November to February, from 9:00 to 19:00 from March to September, and until 18:00 in October while summer time is in force. Last entry one hour before closing. It costs €15 for adults and €9 for children aged 4 to 13. ## Dónde comer - **Aqvamadre, at Terme dei Papi** (Restaurant, Viterbo, €€€). Qué pedir: the seasonal menu with local produce; if you are going to the pool, the Bistrot 2.0 is the quick option - **Il Richiastro** (Restaurant, Viterbo, €€). Qué pedir: the salsine with warm bread, the lombrichi alla vitorchianese and the tozzetti with ippocrasso ## By car: By car: villas, monsters and hot water With a car you can see the best of the Viterbo Tuscia in a day or two: Villa Lante in Bagnaia, the Monster Park of Bomarzo and a dip in the baths to finish. From Rome, take the Cassia bis to Vetralla and the Orte–Viterbo expressway: about an hour and a half. Presupuesto orientativo: 80–200 € por persona y día. ### Dónde dormir if you're driving - **Hotel Niccolò V, at Terme dei Papi** (Spa hotel): Sleeping inside the baths The Niccolò V is the hotel of the Terme dei Papi, a superior four-star in the same grounds as the monumental Bullicame water pool and the spa. It is on the outskirts of Viterbo, next to the Viterbo Terme exit of the Orte–Viterbo expressway, and about 15 minutes by car from Villa Lante. What it offers What sets it apart is having the thermal pool at hand, by day and by night, and the spa, with thermal, facial and body treatments, Ayurveda and a private spa. In the grounds are the Aqvamadre restaurant, the 58 Gradi and the Bistrot 2.0. You book through the booking engine on its website. Who it suits For a one- or two-night break from Rome centred on hot water, with Villa Lante, Viterbo and Bomarzo as day trips. A car is the practical choice. - **Mini Palace Hotel** (Hotel): A practical hotel next to the centre The Mini Palace is a four-star hotel on Via Santa Maria della Grotticella, about 200 metres from the historic centre of Viterbo. It has 40 rooms on two floors: single, double, twin, triple and quadruple, the last of which are good for families. What is included Breakfast and wifi are included in the rate, and there is a bar with drinks and snacks and an indoor car park, which in Viterbo, with its walled centre, is an advantage. The restaurant only operates by reservation for groups and events. Who it suits For anyone who wants to sleep in Viterbo and get around on foot through the centre, San Pellegrino and the Palace of the Popes, leaving the car parked until the next day to go to Villa Lante and Bomarzo. It also works without a car: the train from Rome reaches the city. ## By plane: Fly to Rome and drive to the Tuscia You reach Viterbo by flying to Rome: Fiumicino has direct flights from Madrid, Barcelona and many other Spanish cities. From the airport it is a little over 90 km. Viterbo has a train from Rome, but the best of the area, Villa Lante, Bomarzo and the baths, is outside the city: here a car is worth it. ### Dónde dormir if you're flying - **Hotel Niccolò V, at Terme dei Papi** (Spa hotel): Sleeping inside the baths The Niccolò V is the hotel of the Terme dei Papi, a superior four-star in the same grounds as the monumental Bullicame water pool and the spa. It is on the outskirts of Viterbo, next to the Viterbo Terme exit of the Orte–Viterbo expressway, and about 15 minutes by car from Villa Lante. What it offers What sets it apart is having the thermal pool at hand, by day and by night, and the spa, with thermal, facial and body treatments, Ayurveda and a private spa. In the grounds are the Aqvamadre restaurant, the 58 Gradi and the Bistrot 2.0. You book through the booking engine on its website. Who it suits For a one- or two-night break from Rome centred on hot water, with Villa Lante, Viterbo and Bomarzo as day trips. A car is the practical choice. - **Mini Palace Hotel** (Hotel): A practical hotel next to the centre The Mini Palace is a four-star hotel on Via Santa Maria della Grotticella, about 200 metres from the historic centre of Viterbo. It has 40 rooms on two floors: single, double, twin, triple and quadruple, the last of which are good for families. What is included Breakfast and wifi are included in the rate, and there is a bar with drinks and snacks and an indoor car park, which in Viterbo, with its walled centre, is an advantage. The restaurant only operates by reservation for groups and events. Who it suits For anyone who wants to sleep in Viterbo and get around on foot through the centre, San Pellegrino and the Palace of the Popes, leaving the car parked until the next day to go to Villa Lante and Bomarzo. It also works without a car: the train from Rome reaches the city. ### Servicios - **Train from Roma Ostiense to Viterbo Porta Fiorentina**: Regional train from Rome (Ostiense) to Viterbo Porta Fiorentina station, next to the wall of the centre. ## As a family: Stone monsters and hot water The Tuscia is a good plan with children: a wood with giants and a crooked house, a garden of fountains and an open-air pool of hot water. ### What works best The Monster Park of Bomarzo, ages 4 to 13 at €9 The thermal pool at Terme dei Papi, from age 2 at €8 The fountains and water chain of Villa Lante The San Pellegrino quarter, with its external staircases ### Where to stay Mini Palace Hotel, with quadruple rooms and parking Hotel Niccolò V, next to the pool ### Where to eat Bistrot 2.0 at the baths, every day at lunchtime Aqvamadre, Wednesday to Sunday ### Good to know At Villa Lante you may not eat or play ball games At the Palace of the Popes, under-12s do not pay ### Qué hacer as a family - Villa Lante in Bagnaia - Palace of the Popes and the Colle del Duomo museum - Walk through the medieval San Pellegrino quarter - Bathe in the thermal pool at Terme dei Papi - The Monster Park of Bomarzo ## With teenagers: Conclaves, monsters and a night bath Teenagers like the story of the conclave locked in under key, the wood of Bomarzo and bathing in hot water at night. ### What works best The Palace of the Popes, with the story of the first conclave Bomarzo: the Orco and the leaning house The night bath at Terme dei Papi, from 21:00 to 1:00 ### Where to stay Mini Palace Hotel, 200 m from the centre Hotel Niccolò V ### Where to eat Il Richiastro, medieval cooking Aqvamadre ### Good to know Ages 12 to 18, €8 at the Palace of the Popes At the baths, the adult price starts at age 12 ### Qué hacer with teenagers - Palace of the Popes and the Colle del Duomo museum - Walk through the medieval San Pellegrino quarter - Bathe in the thermal pool at Terme dei Papi - The Monster Park of Bomarzo ## Consejos ### Check the day of the week Villa Lante closes on Mondays; in winter, the Palace of the Popes closes on Tuesdays. ### Save the water for the end A thermal bath after a day of sightseeing, even better at night. ### Go by car Villa Lante, Bomarzo and the hot springs are outside the city. ### Don't drive into the centre It's a limited traffic zone: park outside the wall. ## Preguntas frecuentes ### How long does it take from Rome to Viterbo? About an hour and a half by car along the Cassia bis. By train, from Roma Ostiense to Viterbo Porta Fiorentina, considerably longer. ### How much does Villa Lante cost? €8 admission, €2 reduced. No need to book. ### Can you bathe in thermal water? Yes, in the monumental pool at the Terme dei Papi: €18 by day and €20 at night, €8 for children aged 2 to 11. ### What is the Park of the Monsters? The Sacro Bosco of Bomarzo, a 16th-century garden with giant sculptures in the rock, 20 km from Viterbo. It costs €15 and €9 for ages 4 to 13. ### Can you do it without a car? Viterbo and the hot springs, yes, by train and taxi. Villa Lante and Bomarzo are easier by car. ### When does the Palace of the Popes open? From April to October, every day from 10:00 to 19:00. From November to March it closes on Tuesdays and at midday on weekdays.