The Pope's Palace - Viterbo, Italy

Image of Papal artifact from Palazzo dei Papi in Viterbo with text overlay - Palazzo dei Papi, Viterbo Italy

The Pope’s Palace

Does the thought of losing your passport (or a family member) whilst gazing up at the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling cause you to want to skip the Vatican? Or maybe you’re just a bit claustrophobic with all those strangers in one surprisingly small chapel. Check out the Pope’s Palace in Viterbo instead!

I get it! Vertigo, the neck ache, and the masses of people. It can be too much for an adult! How do families cope?

Here’s an alternative (or additional) solution! Hop on a train and head for Palazzo dei Papi in Viterbo, Italy. It’s another one of Viterbo’s must-see sights.

Palazzo dei Papi -The Pope’s Palace and Cathedral are where The First Conclave (the process of choosing a new Pope by all the world’s cardinals) was held back in the Middle Ages. With your 12 Euro ticket (kids are cheaper or free), you can learn all about the how’s and why’s of The First Conclave that took place here in the 13th century. Don’t forget to grab your free audio guide, it’s time to learn on location!

image of work of art attributed to Michelangelo at the Pope's Palace in Viterbo, Italy at www.captivatingcompass.com

Michelangelo Without The Neck Ache at the Pope’s Palace

The Pope’s Palace has an excellent little museum containing a small, but good, exhibit of medieval and renaissance art. If you don’t want the crowds (or the neck ache) of the Sistine Chapel, then check out the art here. There are several pieces attributed to Michelangelo and Botticelli.

Imagine having a whole room containing a single piece of amazing art all to yourself on a balmy, autumn afternoon in Viterbo. It happened to me, so I know it can happen to you too! This is definitely one of Viterbo’s must-see sights.

image of Cathedral door at the Popes Palace in Viterbo, italy

Home Of The First Conclave – Viterbo, Italy

If you are keen on the history of the Catholic Church, you might also enjoy the museum’s area storing all the church history artifacts and ceremonial dress.

With your free audio guide in hand, get ready to hear all about The First Conclave. It’s quite interesting! Imagine camping out in the church without a roof and only being given bread and water rations to make a group of pious cardinals come to a unanimous decision! Yep, that’s how The First Conclave went down. There are even holes in the stone floor where they set stakes for their tents.

Inside Viterbo’s Medieval Walls

If you’re into the medieval, castle town family history, you’ll enjoy the additional ~~tracks~~ -history lessons. (Sshh, don’t tell the kids!) on the audio guide along with the family crests and banners on the walls.

Viterbo is a medieval, walled city, which is probably why they chose it for The First Conclave. If you visit a few of Rome’s castle towns, you’ll become familiar with the family names. All of a sudden, Etruscan and Roman history begins making more sense when you see the family crests and banners on the wall of the Cathedral and hear their historical tales of battle.

Generally, you’ll also find a special exhibition in the wing of a cathedral or palace as well. Below are just a few pictures of the Coptic Church’s traveling exhibition of religious art from the Byzantine era.

The Pope’s Palace

Are you falling in love with Viterbo? I hope so! There is so much to see in kid-friendly Viterbo, Italy. It really is one of the best medieval walled cities to learn on location in Italy with your family!

Check out these three ticket options and include The Pope’s Palace in your Must-See Italy itinerary.

Image of roofs at open air market with multicolored stalls with text overlay - Shopping In Italy - Viterbo like a local.

Shop like a local in Viterbo.

Since you likely don’t have the Sistine Neck Ache, and you still have your wallet, you’ll have plenty of time to do some shopping at one (or both) of Viterbo’s must-see sights for shopping like a local!!