Viterbo is of Etruscan origin and was subsequently occupied by the Lombards or Longbards after which it became a Papal seat: It was in this period that it knew it’s greatest prosperity from a commercial and artistic point of view. Even today one can admire the ruins of the Roman public buildings and in many quarters of the city the typical medieval aspect is still evident, for instance in the San Pellegrino quarter, which is worth a visit. One should also visit the Cathedral, the church of S. Maria della Verità, the Papal Palace and the church of S. Francesco.