The Palace of the Popes in Viterbo represents the true symbol of the city, built on the occasion of the transfer of the papal seat from Rome to Viterbo, decided by Pope Alexander IV (1254-1261).

The Palace of the Popes hosted over 40 popes and their court for more or less long periods, throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The move to this city was chosen by Pope Alexander IV, to distance himself from the hostility and excessive power of the families of high noble lineage, who were taking away the legitimacy of the church in Rome.