The Papal Palace in Viterbo

The Papal Palace in Viterbo is the Duomo with the most important historical monument of the city.

The palace is part of the monumental center of the Colle del Duomo in Viterbo.

Built in 1257 during the pontificate of that Pope Clement IV, the palace was built in its present form by expanding the palace headquarters of the Curia.

Papacy for about 24 years, the Papal Palace was home to several popes and was also home to the election of some of them: Pope Alexander IV decided in 1257 the transfer of the Papal Curia in the city because of this hostile climate in Rome.

The Palace is a massive building that, on the opposite side of the square, with massive buttresses overhanging the valley of FAUL. It ends at the right with the impressive Hall of the Conclave, which overlooks the square with six mullioned windows surmounted by as many slit (the same structure is on the opposite side of the valley FAUL). Access to the room is from the square through a large staircase, which ended in 1267, leading to a time portal with a round arch, surmounted by the crest of San Bernardino and by a shelf regent statue of a little lion. Between the height of the arch of the portal and the shelf is placed, framed, a square plaque in memory of Raniero Gatti.

The facade of the building is adorned with rectangular battlements, placed exactly at the bottom of the pitch of the roof. Next to the portal opening is located more modest, also with a circular vault, which is accessed by a gallery and through a gate gives direct access to the balcony of the lodge, right next to the exit of the Hall of the Conclave on the loggia . The staircase is governed by a pointed arch below which leads to a room that is located just below that of the Conclave.

Also notable is the Loggia of the blessings (better known as the Loggia of the Popes), elegant and harmonious architecture, built in 1267 by the will of the People’s Captain Andrea Gatti, during the pontificate of Pope Clement IV himself, who so loved the city of Viterbo , and it was reciprocated by Viterbo hand in love, so much so that, at his death, he demanded loudly the beatification.