Seen from a distance, Vitorchiano appears imposing and austere, resting on large boulders in an organic connection between rock and buildings. It’s perched on a tufa cliff and surrounded by crenellated walls and towers, the outer perimeter is protected by the cliff itself. Founded by the Etruscans, then conquered by the Romans, Vitorchiano was invaded by the Longobards in the 8th century who fortified the walls creating the castle. The historic centre, partly medieval, partly Renaissance is characterized by external stairs, balconies, arches, little piazzas and alleys in local grey peperino stone. You must visit the 16th century Town Hall and Historical Archive which houses a series of important archival documents, the splendid 13th century spindle fountain and the Churches of Madonna di San Nicola, Sant’Antonio Abate and Santa Maria Assunta that conserve important works of art inside. From the Tiberina Gate a winding road leads to the Sanctuary of San Michele Archangelo, built on a hill in the valley below. Long disputed between Rome and Viterbo, in 1267 the citizens made an act of submission to Rome and the town was nominated Land Faithful to The City and permitted to use the SPQR acronym, the Capitoline Wolf, and the motto Vitorchiano: castle and part of Rome.