A City Built on Water
In the heart of northern Lazio, just an hour from Rome, stands Viterbo, known for centuries as the thermal city par excellence. Here, water takes center stage — hot, mineral-rich, and deeply woven into everyday life. The ancient Romans used it in their public baths; in the Middle Ages, the Popes chose it as a place of healing. Today, it remains one of Italy’s most fascinating destinations for wellness, relaxation, and authenticity.
Whether strolling within its medieval walls or visiting the springs just outside the city, one immediately senses that Viterbo is a place where history and nature live in harmony. The rhythm is slow, the silence filled with steam, and the scent of sulfur tells the story of a long-standing spa tradition.
Terme dei Papi: A Symbol of Italian Wellness
The Terme dei Papi are Viterbo’s most famous and beloved thermal destination. Located just a few minutes from the city center, they feature a monumental pool of over 2,000 square meters, fed by a natural spring at 58 °C. It’s an unforgettable sight — rising vapor, gray tuff stone, and rolling green hills in the background.
This water, rich in sulfur and minerals, is considered beneficial for the skin, respiratory system, and joints. It’s also used for beauty treatments and spa therapies. In addition to bathing, guests can book natural mud treatments, massages, and personalized wellness sessions. Many visitors come for a weekend and soon discover that here, time truly slows down — just a few hours are enough to feel renewed.
The Bullicame and the Free Springs
Alongside the well-organized spa facilities, Viterbo still preserves some wild and authentic spots, such as the Bullicame. This open-air spring, mentioned by Dante in the Divine Comedy, gushes at over 60 °C and flows into small natural basins where visitors can soak for free.
The landscape is enchanting, especially at sunset, when the mist creates a soft veil over the countryside. There are no changing rooms or services, but that simplicity is part of the charm — a direct, natural experience, perfect for lovers of slow travel.
Another popular free spot is the Piscine Carletti, easily reachable on foot or by car from the center. Locals often visit in the evening or in winter, when the contrast between the cold air and the hot water becomes even more intense.
Thermal Heritage Through the Centuries
The spa tradition of Viterbo is not a modern invention. The Romans already understood the potential of these waters — many of today’s springs are located next to the remains of ancient Roman baths. During the Middle Ages, the city flourished again thanks to the Papal Palace, and the thermal baths became a meeting place where power and health came together.
Today, the tradition continues with modern facilities, but the essence remains the same: healing through nature, in harmony with the rhythm of the body and the land.
Where to Stay in Viterbo: Between Stone and Silence
After a day at the spa, the best experience is to rest in the medieval heart of Viterbo, among quiet alleys and stone towers. B&B Viterbo Antica, located at Via San Tommaso 73, is the perfect choice for those who wish to combine historic charm with modern comfort. Set in the San Pellegrino district, it allows easy access to the city center on foot and to the thermal baths in just a few minutes by car.
The rooms, with exposed stone walls and carefully chosen décor, reflect the spirit of the ancient village. Breakfast is served in-room, featuring homemade cakes and local products. After a day of hot springs, returning here — surrounded by history and silence — is the best way to end the day.
What to See Beyond the Thermal Baths
Those who come to Viterbo for its hot springs soon discover that the city offers much more. The Papal Palace and the Cathedral of San Lorenzo are enduring symbols of its papal past. The San Pellegrino district is a labyrinth of stone where time seems to have stopped. Nearby, you can reach Lake Bolsena, Civita di Bagnoregio, or Lake Vico — perfect destinations for a nature-filled excursion.
The thermal baths thus become the starting point for exploring an entire region — Tuscia — where art, landscape, and flavor have coexisted for centuries.
The Best Time to Visit Thermal Viterbo
The thermal baths are open year-round, but the most pleasant seasons are autumn and winter, when the cool air makes the hot water feel even more enveloping. Spring is also ideal, with longer days and mild temperatures that invite walks through the alleys or the countryside.
Many guests choose Viterbo for a rejuvenating weekend: two nights are enough to combine spa sessions, cultural visits, and excellent food.
Staying at B&B Viterbo Antica means living this experience in the most authentic way — just steps from the thermal springs, in the heart of a city that has always welcomed guests with warmth and calm.
