Province of Viterbo
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redazione
Access
The accesses to the province of Viterbo are guaranteed by its proximity to the main regional and national roads. The territory can be reached by car via the state roads Aurelia, Cassia and , which connect the province to Rome, Umbria and Tuscany. The railway network includes the FL3 Roma-Viterbo line and the FL4 Orte-Capranica-Civitavecchia line, with Viterbo Porta Fiorentina central station as the main reference. The nearest airports are Rome Fiumicino and Ciampino, about an hour's journey away. The local road network extends for efficient connections between the towns of Tuscia, favouring internal mobility and widespread tourism.
.Introduction
The province of Viterbo, located in the northern part of Latium, stretches between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the region of Tuscany, embracing hilly landscapes, vast plains, volcanic heights and forests that testify to the variety and environmental richness of Tuscia. This land, so named since antiquity, represents a cultural crossroads between Etruria, Umbria and the Roman area: the presence of important Etruscan, Roman and medieval testimonies is added to well-rooted traditions that have been preserved over the centuries, giving the province a relevant historical-cultural and touristic importance.
.Description
In terms of environment and geography, the Viterbo territory is distinguished by the presence of reliefs such as the Cimini Mountains, the Volsini Mountains chain and the Alta Tuscia, hilly areas of volcanic origin that surround Lake Bolsena and Lake Vico, both of volcanic origin and protected by natural areas of great value. The variety of the landscape continues in the plains of the Latium Maremma, among Mediterranean woods, cultivated fields and pastures. The hydrographic network is rich: the Tiber to the east marks the natural boundary, while the Marta, Fiora, and Paglia rivers, together with minor courses, furrow the territory. In the protected areas such as the Monte Rufeno Nature Reserve and the Selve Cimini (Cimini Forests), the floral and faunal heritage is particularly rich, from the spring blossoms to the centuries-old beech woods and numerous hiking trails.
The historical identity of the province is rooted in the millennia: it was the beating heart of southern Etruria with centres such as Tarquinia, famous for the Monterozzi necropolis and its rock paintings, and the city of Viterbo itself, chosen in the Middle Ages as a papal refuge and the site of important conclaves. In Viterbo, the walled historical centre with its towers, fountains and tuff palaces preserves the memory of the medieval struggles between Guelphs and Ghibellines, the passage of emperors such as Frederick Barbarossa and the vitality of the free municipal institutions. The historical heritage is enriched by castles, convents, fortified villages such as Civita di Bagnoregio, Bagnaia or Vitorchiano, as well as archaeological parks and museums dedicated to the Etruscans and the Renaissance.
The province's economy is strongly tied to quality agriculture: the presence of volcanic soils favours prized crops such as the Monti Cimini hazelnut, chestnuts, extra virgin olive oil, and a wine production that includes numerous DOC wines (among the best known are Est! Est!!! di Montefiascone and Aleatico di Gradoli). Livestock farming (especially sheep), cereal growing and coastal horticulture are also important. Of absolute importance is the ceramic industrial district of Civita Castellana, with production recognised in Italy and abroad, and the wood, stone and wrought iron craftsmanship that thrives in the villages. The tourist sector, which is growing steadily, enhances both the historical-archaeological heritage and the natural resources, with a widespread network of accommodation facilities, agritourisms and hiking trails.
In the cultural aspect, the province offers a full calendar of patronal festivals and fairs: among the most famous are 'La Macchina di Santa Rosa' in Viterbo (recognised by UNESCO), where a tower more than 30 metres high is carried on the shoulders of shoulders through the streets of the city, the Infiorata del Corpus Domini in Bolsena (splendid carpets of flowers), the Barabbata in Marta, the Sagra della Castagna in Soriano nel Cimino and the Fiera del Vino in Montefiascone. The simple flavours of country cooking can be found in the typical dishes: acquacotta, gnocchi with duck sauce, lombrichelli, game, pulses, meat, hazelnut and chestnut desserts. Handicrafts are expressed not only in ceramics and wrought iron, but also in traditional textile and leather work. There are also ancient legends, such as that of Pope Alexander VI, who is said to have found secret refuge in the Viterbo hills, and stories of witches and ghosts in the tufa villages.
Viterbo is an important area for those who love active tourism. The best known itineraries are those along the Via Francigena, the pilgrims' millenary route to Rome, and the paths in the Marturanum Park or around Lake Bolsena. Mount Cimino offers extraordinary views and centuries-old woods, while the hiking trails among the gorges and necropolis of Tuscia invite the exploration of a little-known nature. The presence of well-equipped areas and nature refuges, including those in the Acquapendente and Torre Alfina areas or at Monte Rufeno, makes it easy to practice trekking, mountain biking, birdwatching and thematic walks, such as the Sentiero dei Briganti or the Cammino della Luce. A curiosity: Lake Bolsena is considered the largest lake of volcanic origin in Europe, and it is said that an important Etruscan city rose here and was submerged by the waters.
Information
Headquarters: Viterbo
Area: 3,615.24 km²
Minimum elevation:0 m
Maximum elevation: 1,053m - Monte Cimino
Number of inhabitants: 307.412 (as of 31-03-2025)
Number of municipalities: 60 - list - map
Bordering provinces: Province of Grosseto, Province of Siena, Province of Terni, Province of Rieti, Metropolitan City of Rome
Website: www.provincia.viterbo.it