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Viterbo is an ancient town and a province in Latium, central
Italy, approximately 100 kilometers north of Rome.
It is the main town of the Tuscia.
It is presumed to have been founded by Etruscans, and
in time became famous as "the town of the Popes", being the site of important councils. Its
beautiful historical center was conceived in the Middle Ages and preserves
the essential style of the medieval architecture of central Italy, with many "palazzi".
The town hosts the Italian gold reserves, an important Academy of Fine Arts, the University of Tuscia and a wide thermal
area.
The "Macchina di Santa Rosa"
The transport of the Macchina di S. Rosa takes place every year, on 3 September, at 9 o'clock in the evening. The Macchina is
an artistic illuminated bell-tower with an imposing height of 30m. It weighs between 3.5 and 5 tonnes and is made of iron, wood and pulped paper. At the
top of the tower, the statue of the Patron Saint is enthusiastically acclaimed by the people in the streets of the town centre,
where lights are turned off for the occasion. (this text is in fair use from the official city council website ).
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