3 September in Viterbo
Santa Rosa festival and the Macchina procession
Every year, on the evening of 3 September, more than a hundred men known as the Facchini di Santa Rosa carry an illuminated tower some thirty metres high and weighing around five tonnes through the streets of Viterbo's historic centre. The transport of the Macchina di Santa Rosa is recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
What happens on the evening of 3 September
The city lights are switched off and the Macchina sets off from Piazza San Sisto, reaching the Sanctuary of Santa Rosa after several stops. The procession takes place in the evening and lasts about an hour; the streets along the route close well in advance. Times, route and access rules are published each year by the Viterbo city council: check them in the days before.
Where to watch
For the start, people gather in Piazza San Sisto; for the arrival, in Piazza Verdi or along the final stretch. The best spots fill up hours ahead, so arriving early is the rule. Paid grandstand seats need to be booked in advance.
Why stay in San Pellegrino
Our apartments are on Via San Pietro, in the medieval San Pellegrino quarter, a few minutes on foot from Piazza San Sisto where the procession begins. On the evening of 3 September the centre is closed to traffic: staying inside the walls means walking to the route and avoiding distant car parks and queues on the way out.
Practical tips
- Book well ahead: accommodation in town for 3 September sells out early.
- Arrive in the afternoon: road closures start several hours before the procession.
- Comfortable shoes and light hand luggage: you will stand for a long time in a dense crowd.
- Arriving by motorbike or bicycle? Leave it in our locked garage at no extra cost.
- The next day the city is calmer: a good time for the San Pellegrino quarter and the thermal baths.
Where to find them
The links open the location on Google Maps in a new tab.
Looking for an apartment in the centre for the night of 3 September?
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