The Virgo interferometer for gravitational wave detection is described. During the commissioning phase that followed the first scientific data taking run an unprecedented sensitivity was obtained in the range 10–60 Hz. Since then an upgrade program has begun, with the aim of increasing the sensitivity, mainly through the introduction of fused silica wires to suspend mirrors and by increasing the Finesse of the Fabry–Perot cavities. Plans until the shutdown for the construction of the Advanced Virgo detector are given as well as the status of the upgrade.