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Santa Maria in Gradi

4.5
·17 reviews·Viterbo, Italy

Historic church and convent, now a University of Tuscia campus, featuring stunning medieval and Renaissance cloisters.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

University Event Days

Experience vibrant campus life

CrowdMedium
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splendide arcate gotiche nel chiostro grande

Santa Maria in Gradi

Best Time

University Event Days

Experience vibrant campus life

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic church and convent, now a University of Tuscia campus, featuring stunning medieval and Renaissance cloisters.

4.5
(17 reviews)

"A majestic building with beautiful cloisters, now a vibrant university hub."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check University Schedules

Look for university events or open days to experience the full atmosphere of Santa Maria in Gradi.

Explore the Cloisters

Don't miss the two distinct cloisters, each offering unique architectural beauty.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.5 · 17 reviews

Type

Church

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Medieval Cloister

Medieval Cloister

Santa Maria in Gradi

Admire the intricate five-light windows, twin columns, rose windows, and gargoyles of this ancient cloister.

Renaissance Cloister

Renaissance Cloister

Santa Maria in Gradi

Experience the unique octagonal structure and central fountain of this elegant Renaissance cloister.

University Museum

University Museum

Rectorate, Santa Maria in Gradi

Explore the museum complex housed in the former Chapter House, showcasing historical artifacts and university heritage.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to Santa Maria in Gradi

Discover the historical Santa Maria in Gradi, a former church and convent now part of the University of Tuscia. Explore its cloisters and museum, but note that the church interior is still undergoing restoration after WWII damage.

University Hub & Historical Gem

Santa Maria in Gradi is a vibrant university campus with a rich past. While the cloisters and museum are accessible, check university event schedules for potential access to specific areas or auditoriums.

Best Times

When
University Event Days
Why
Experience vibrant campus life
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays, Mornings
Why
Quieter exploration time
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🏰‎ Uno‎ dei‎ borghi‎ più‎ belli‎ d’Italia‎ in provincia di Viterbo👇🏻 ⁣ ⁣📍Civita di Bagnoregio ⁣antico borgo di origine etrusca nella Valle dei Calanchi. ⁣ ⁣🌍‎ Siamo‎ Enrica‎ &‎ Alessio,‎ una‎ coppia‎ innamorata‎ del‎ mondo e del nostro Belpaese. ‎Ogni‎ giorno‎ ti‎ diamo‎ un‎ sacco‎ di‎ consigli‎ sui‎ borghi‎ italiani‎ più‎ belli.‎ Se‎ ti‎ va,‎ SEGUICI‎ ➡️‎ @havevanhavefun ⁣ ⁣📌‎ Imperdibili a Civi...
@havevanhavefun
11.3K likes • 407.4K views

Check University Schedules

Look for university events or open days to experience the full atmosphere of Santa Maria in Gradi. Instagram+1

Explore the Cloisters

Don't miss the two distinct cloisters, each offering unique architectural beauty. Reddit

Sapevate che in Rettorato a Santa Maria in Gradi c’è un museo? Ora ve lo raccontiamo noi! Restate connessi 🎬 #StayTuned#UniLife#Museo#PatrimonioCulturale#SpazioSMA
unitus_sma
58 likes • 1.8K views
Ricominciano le attività al dipartimento Dike nella splendida Santa Maria in Gradi 📚 Il 2025 è iniziato! Pronti a ripartire insieme verso un anno di crescita che ci auguriamo ricco di successi per tutti i nostri studenti e per tutta la comunità universitaria! 💫 #WeUnitus #UnitusDike
unitus_dike
76 likes • 1.7K views

Museum Access

Inquire about the museum's operating hours within the Rectorate for a glimpse into local history. Instagram

Event Venue

Santa Maria in Gradi hosts various events; check local listings for concerts or lectures. Instagram+1

🏴‍☠️ Giornata internazionale parla come un pirata. 🍻 La nostra ciurma si sta preparando per salpare alla conquista di Santa Maria in Gradi, ci vediamo il 7 ottobre all'Unitus Opening Party!
universogiovani
105 likes • 4.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check University Schedules

Look for university events or open days to experience the full atmosphere of Santa Maria in Gradi. Instagram+1

Explore the Cloisters

Don't miss the two distinct cloisters, each offering unique architectural beauty. Reddit

Museum Access

Inquire about the museum's operating hours within the Rectorate for a glimpse into local history. Instagram

Event Venue

Santa Maria in Gradi hosts various events; check local listings for concerts or lectures. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.5
(17 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the majestic architecture of Santa Maria in Gradi, particularly its medieval and Renaissance cloisters, and its transformation into a vibrant university campus. While the ongoing restoration of the church is noted, the historical significance and the beauty of the accessible areas are highly appreciated.

"The building is majestic; its origins date back to the 13th century, but the church underwent extensive renovations between the 17th and 19th centuries.
It is currently unusable: the interior suffered extensive damage from bombing during World War II.
The two cloisters are interesting and valuable: the medieval one with five-light windows, twin columns, rose windows, and gargoyles, and the Renaissance one with an octagonal structure and a fountain.
The complex was acquired by the University of Tuscia. Between 1870 and approximately 1993, the complex was used as a prison. Along one side of the medieval cloister was the Chapter House, still easily recognizable today: it houses a museum complex for the Viterbo universities."

Patrizia Martinelli

"It was one of the Dominican churches in Viterbo, along with the sanctuary of Santa Maria della Quercia. With the capture of Rome under the Siccardi laws, it was acquired by the state, which turned the complex into a penitentiary. The church, which had been renovated by Nicola Salvi, the architect of the Trevi Fountain in Rome, was bombed during World War II, and the unsafe roof was dismantled. After the prison was transferred, the Santa Maria in Gradi complex became one of the sites of the University of Tuscia. The church has been restored with a new roof, but the restoration is not yet complete."

giovanni bisti

"The former church of S. Maria in Gradi was seriously hit twice in the bombings of March and May 1944.
Left semi-destroyed for many years, today it is being restored."

oirad1962

What People Like

Majestic architecture
Beautiful cloisters
University campus vibe

What People Dislike

Church interior restoration

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Santa Maria in Gradi is located in Viterbo. Public transport options within Viterbo include local buses. If arriving from outside the city, consider train services to Viterbo Porta Romana or Viterbo Porta Fiorentina stations, followed by a local bus or taxi to reach the complex. TikTok

Parking availability can be limited in the historic center of Viterbo. It's advisable to check for public parking lots near the university campus or consider using public transportation to avoid parking hassles. Reddit

The walk from Viterbo's main train stations to Santa Maria in Gradi can be substantial, typically around 20-30 minutes. It's recommended to use a local bus or taxi for a more convenient journey, especially if you have luggage. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the grounds and cloisters of Santa Maria in Gradi is generally free, as it's part of the University of Tuscia campus. However, specific events or museum exhibitions might require tickets. Instagram+1

As a university complex, access to common areas like the cloisters is usually during daylight hours. The museum and specific buildings may have their own operating times, so it's best to check with the University of Tuscia for the most current information. Instagram

Accessibility can vary within historical buildings. While some areas might be accessible, it's recommended to contact the University of Tuscia in advance to inquire about specific accessibility provisions for visitors with disabilities. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Visitors can explore the beautiful medieval and Renaissance cloisters, the university library, and a museum complex housed in the former Chapter House. The church interior is undergoing restoration. InstagramReddit+1

The church at Santa Maria in Gradi suffered significant damage during WWII bombings and is currently undergoing restoration. While you can see its exterior and learn about its history, the interior is not fully accessible. Reddit

Guided tours are not typically standard for the general public visiting the campus. However, the university may offer tours during specific open days or for organized groups. Checking the University of Tuscia's official website or contacting them directly is advised. Instagram

Originally a 13th-century Dominican church and convent, it was later used as a prison before becoming part of the University of Tuscia. It's a site of significant architectural and historical interest, with parts dating back to Etruscan origins. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography for personal use is generally permitted in the public areas of Santa Maria in Gradi, such as the cloisters. However, always be mindful of university regulations and avoid disrupting students or academic activities. TikTok

The medieval and Renaissance cloisters offer stunning architectural details and are prime locations for photography. The library spaces and exterior views of the complex also provide picturesque opportunities. Instagram

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