Palace of the Popes

Palazzo dei Papi, Viterbo

Medieval papal residence with iconic Gothic loggia—site of the longest conclave in history

Why Visit

13th-century papal residence during the 'Viterbo Papacy'

Famous Gothic loggia with stunning arched gallery

Site of the longest papal conclave in history (1268-1271)

Panoramic views over the medieval city and valley

The Gothic loggia and conclave hall—the principal spaces on the visitor route

Charming medieval quarter with authentic atmosphere

History of the Papal Palace

The Palazzo dei Papi (Palace of the Popes) stands as one of the most important monuments of medieval papal history. Built between 1255 and 1266, it served as the papal residence during a turbulent period when popes sought refuge from the political conflicts of Rome.

From 1257 to 1281, during what historians call the "Viterbo Papacy," Viterbo served as a papal seat, and popes including Alexander IV, Urban IV, Clement IV, Gregory X, and John XXI each resided in the city for varying periods during this era. The palace witnessed some of the most dramatic events in papal history, including the famous conclave of 1268-1271.

The palace's most iconic feature is the Loggia dei Papi, added in 1267. This stunning Gothic arcade with its seven elegant arches supported by slender twin columns represents the pinnacle of 13th-century Italian Gothic architecture. The loggia was designed to provide the pope with a majestic backdrop for public appearances and blessings.

The longest papal conclave in history took place here from 1268 to 1271. When the 18 cardinals couldn't agree on a successor to Clement IV, the citizens of Viterbo grew impatient. According to historical accounts, they locked the cardinals in the palace, reduced their rations, and removed part of the roof to pressure a decision. After nearly three years, the cardinals finally elected Gregory X, who went on to establish formal conclave regulations at the Second Council of Lyon in 1274 to prevent such prolonged vacancies in the future.

Historical Timeline

Palace Construction

The papal palace is built under Pope Alexander IV as a refuge from Rome's conflicts

Papal Court Arrives

Pope Alexander IV transfers the papal court from Rome to Viterbo

Loggia Completed

The iconic Gothic loggia is added, creating the palace's most famous feature

Longest Conclave

Cardinals are locked in for nearly 3 years before electing Gregory X

Conclave Reform

At the Second Council of Lyon, Gregory X establishes formal conclave regulations to prevent future extended elections

Papacy Returns to Rome

Pope Martin IV moves the papal court back to Rome, ending the Viterbo Papacy

Tickets & Tours

Palace Entry

Access to the loggia and conclave hall with views over medieval Viterbo. Ticket reportedly around €10 full / €8 reduced, covering Palazzo dei Papi, the cathedral sacristy, the Colle del Duomo Museum, and an audio guide—recheck current pricing before visiting.

Combine with Palazzo dei Priori

Visit both Viterbo landmarks for a complete medieval experience

Visitor Tips

Train from Rome

The FL3 line from Roma Ostiense serves Viterbo Porta Romana (roughly 1h45-2 hours); not all Termini trains stop there, so check your route. The palace is a scenic 15-minute walk through medieval streets.

Combine Attractions

Visit Palazzo dei Priori, the Cathedral, and San Pellegrino medieval quarter—all within walking distance.

Photography Tips

The loggia is most photogenic in late afternoon light. Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the full arcade.

Medieval Quarter

Explore the charming San Pellegrino district nearby—one of Italy's best-preserved medieval neighborhoods.

Thermal Baths

Viterbo is famous for its hot springs. Terme dei Papi is a separate commercial spa a short drive away—arrange transport and book in advance.

Allow Time

Plan 3-4 hours to explore the palace, cathedral, and medieval quarter at a relaxed pace.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Booking the wrong train station

Viterbo has two stations—Porta Romana, on the FL3 line from Roma Ostiense, is closest to the palace. Viterbo Centrale is also a valid station but is farther from the palace, so plan your route accordingly.

Visiting as a 2-hour rush trip

Viterbo deserves a full day. Combining the palace with San Pellegrino, the Cathedral, and a leisurely lunch is the only way to appreciate the medieval atmosphere.

Skipping the conclave hall

Most visitors photograph the loggia and leave. The Sala del Conclave inside hosted a number of significant 13th-century papal elections and is worth including in your visit.

Going in August

Some Viterbo restaurants and shops may have reduced hours around ferragosto in mid-August; check ahead if visiting then, or consider April–June or September–October.

Missing the Cathedral next door

The Cattedrale di San Lorenzo shares the piazza and is free to enter—worth pairing with your palace visit after the roughly 1h45-2 hour train ride from Rome.

Assuming Terme dei Papi is walkable

Viterbo's thermal baths are a separate commercial spa reached by car or bus, not on foot from the historic center. If you want to visit, arrange transport and book in advance.

Insider Tips

Look up at the roof

According to historical accounts, part of the original roof was removed around 1270 to pressure cardinals into voting. Ask a guide about the restoration history.

Visit during San Pellegrino in Fiore (April–May)

The medieval quarter explodes with flower displays during this festival—Viterbo at its most photogenic, and the palace decorated for the occasion.

Find the twin-column trick on the loggia

Each Gothic arch sits on paired colonnettes. Walk to the side angle and notice how they perfectly align—a 13th-century optical engineering feat.

Eat at a 'tavernetta' in San Pellegrino

Skip restaurants near the palace. Walk 5 minutes into the medieval quarter for authentic Lazio cuisine—pici cacio e pepe and acquacotta soup are local specialties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Palace of the Popes in Viterbo?

The Palazzo dei Papi (Palace of the Popes) is a 13th-century palace in Viterbo that served as the papal residence during part of the period from 1257 to 1281, known as the 'Viterbo Papacy.' Several different popes resided in Viterbo for varying lengths of time during this era, and some were elected in the palace's conclave hall.

What is the famous loggia?

The Loggia dei Papi is an iconic Gothic arcade added in 1267. Its elegant pointed arches supported by slender columns create one of Italy's most beautiful medieval architectural features, offering panoramic views over the valley and the surrounding medieval quarter.

What was the longest papal conclave?

The conclave of 1268-1271 lasted nearly three years—the longest in papal history. When cardinals couldn't agree on a pope, the citizens of Viterbo locked them in the palace, reduced their rations, and—according to historical accounts—removed part of the roof to pressure them, until they finally elected Gregory X.

How do I get to Viterbo from Rome?

The FL3 regional line from Roma Ostiense serves Viterbo Porta Romana station, the most convenient stop for the palace, in roughly 1h45-2 hours; not all trains from Roma Termini terminate there, so check your route. The palace is a 15-minute walk from Porta Romana through the medieval center. By car, it's about 80 km north of Rome via the Via Cassia.

Ready to Explore the Papal Palace?

Discover where popes resided and the longest conclave in history took place—a remarkable medieval monument roughly 1h45-2 hours from Rome.