Viterbo Heat in Summer

We are really feeling the heat in Viterbo. The black lava pavers shine in the heat with their square or pentagon shapes. The pavers form a fan pattern and line the streets of Viterbo. They also act as a heat attractor. The walls of Viterbo are made from a volcanic rock that is gray with black specs. The rocks have been chiseled into large blocks and formed into walls that surround and embrace the city. These stones also store heat from the sun.

The medieval district’s walls of houses are made from the same volcanic stone. From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. is a time when the citizens stay inside. They will take the time off from 1 to 4 and close shops to rest and be with their families (and escape the heat). Fountains can be found in the piazzas around Viterbo. The ones that are running provide a cool place to sit. Shade is a precious place to be, for it is ten degrees cooler in the shade. We often find breezeways in town where a small alley receives a cool draft of air. The locals have found these places, and stand around refreshing themselves with the cool breezes.