Viterbo: Early conclaves and a papal palace

The ‘Palazzo dei Papi’ in Viterbo is perhaps the most remarkable medieval papal palace in Italy. Although some fine buildings also survive at other sites, such as Anagni, Rieti, and Orvieto, the palazzo at Viterbo is exceptional. With the sole exception of the well-known 14th-century ‘Palais des Papes’ in Avignon, France, the Viterbo palace is the best-preserved papal complex outside Rome. During its short period of use by the Pope, in the later 13th century, a great deal happened at Viterbo, not least the holding of five papal conclaves. These are well-documented, as are all the major building phases. Viterbo lies some 60km north of Rome, with the papal palace occupying a pro