Casale la Quercia
Casale La Quercia
località le Valli, Cura di Vetralla (VT)
info@casalelaquercia.it
Viterbo
Probably of Etruscan origin, Viterbo has a vast mediaeval historical centre. It includes the well-preserved San Pellegrino quarter which is surrounded by well preserved walls. Viterbo is known as the city of the Popes: indeed, at the end of the 13th century, it was a papal seat and for 24 years the Papal Palace hosted and witnessed the election of several popes. Viterbo offers numerous opportunities: from mediaeval churches to Renaissance palaces, from archaeological sites to thermal baths, from good cuisine to cultural traditions. Palazzo dei Priori, Palazzo dei Governatori and Palazzo del Podestà are also a must. Moreo- ver, not to be missed is the San Pellegrino quarter, one of the largest me- diaeval quarters in Europe and a symbol of Viterbo. The ancient Via San Pellegrino is in correspondence with the Via Francigena.The Rocca Albornoz National Etruscan Museum is also worth a visit. It is located in the homonymous fortress dedicated to Etruscan archaeology. In the historical centre, you can experience mediaeval atmospheres filled with ‘storie di cavalieri, d’armi e d’amori’ (stories of knights, weapons and love). Here, in 1272, in front of the altar of the Chiesa del Gesù, the heinous crime of Henry of Cornwall, described by Dante in the Inferno, took place. Here also flourished the legend of Santa Rosa, the maiden who became the sym- bol of the Guelph struggle against the hegemonic pretensions of the Empire. The celebrations in honour of Santa Rosa, the patron saint of the village, take place on the night of September the 3rd with the traditional transportation of the Macchina di Santa Rosa. The statue of the saint is carried on the shoulders of one hundred porters on a very heavy scaffolding through the winding streets of the town to the Sanctuary of the Poor Clare nuns. The Macchina di Santa Rosa is a Unesco Intangible Heritage Site.
(20 min from Casale la Quercia)