Each year on the 3rd of September, Viterbo honours its patron saint, Santa Rosa. A massive tower up to 30 metres high, the Macchina di Santa Rosa, is carried through the city’s streets, lifting the statue of the Saint, who lived in Viterbo in the 13th century. UNESCO recently declared this unique rite Intangible Cultural Heritage. Your experience begins with a guided tour of the medieval town, including the Historic Parade that winds its way around Viterbo’s streets, where excitement is already in the air. On the eve of the saint’s feast day you’ll attend the main event from a special vantage point: you’ll see Santa Rosa and her Macchina carried through the narrow city’s streets on the shoulders of the facchini, or “porters”, who are carefully chosen for their strength. And there’s room in the package for much more, after the feast day: fascinating archaeological historic and religious sites, relax at the thermal waters and tasting of authentic local delicacies.
AVAILABILITY
Tour scheduled every September 2
HIGHLIGHTS
Viterbo, city of the Popes
Santa Rosa house and Sanctuary
The world famous Civita di Bagnoregio
The wonderful renaissance Villa Lante with its Italian style gardens
EXPERIENCES
Lunches and tastings of local foods and wines
The traditional Historic Parade with medieval costume
The stunning UNESCO heritage Macchina di Santa Rosa parade
Rejuvenating baths at the thermal waters*
*The choice is between the Terme dei Papi thermal spa, a 16th century monumental pool and the Thermal Park of Bagnaccio, a set of countryside natural pools surrounded by archaeological findings.
ACCOMMODATION
You can chose among a variety of truly authentic accommodations, antique residences in Viterbo’s medieval heart, bio agriturismo, stunning Lake view hotels, historical villas and medieval castles (see the ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE for details). For this specific tour, we recommend to stay in Viterbo city center to feel the atmosphere of the feast.
TRANSPORT
Upon request, we provide transportation for the tour activities and the transfers to reach Tuscia and return from/to Orvieto, Rome, Civitavecchia, Florence and other cities in central Italy.
RATES
THE COST OF THE TOUR DEPENDS ON THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS, THE ACCOMMODATION CHOSEN AND THE SERVICES.
We recommend to enjoy the full Santa Rosa tour (5 days and 4 nights), but you are free to build your very own tailor made tour modifying the itinerary according to your availability and preferences.
