Rocca Albornoz, Viterbo

The original castle was erected by Gil de Albornoz (also known as Egidio Albornoz), legate for pope Clement VI and condottieri, after the defeat in 1354 of Giovanni di Vico, till then lord of Viterbo, who had usurped much of the Papal territories in the Lazio and Umbria.

The structure, razed and rebuilt over the centuries, is now the Museo Nazionale Etrusco Rocca Albornoz (a National Etruscan archeology museum).

In 1375, the fortress fell again into the hands of a prefect of Viterbese forces including Francesco Di Vico, son of Giovanni, and the castle was razed in the civil conflicts.

Pope Boniface IX was able to wrest Viterbo back into the papal state and rebuilt the castle.

[2][3] The present exhibits contain artifacts excavated from Etruscan sites at Acquarossa, San Giovenale, Musarna, and from the Ancient Ferento Roman Theater.