Trastevere

Trastevere is a very picturesque neighborhood among the most typical and evocative in Rome.

It has always been popular with travelers from far and wide: the atmosphere in this neighborhood seduces any tourist.

Although it is increasingly a tourist district, it remains a popular place for Roman citizens as well.

The word Tastevere comes from the Latin “Trans Tiber” meaning “beyond the Tiber”: this neighborhood is in fact located on the right bank of the Tiber River and in ancient times was the only one on this side of the river, while the others were all on the left bank.

In this neighborhood anciently was the city’s river port that connected Rome to Ostia and thus to the Mediterranean Sea.

Trastevere in its history has always hosted travelers from all over the world-a welcoming neighborhood open to outside influences, but also typically and proudly Roman.

Over the centuries the charm of Trastevere has not changed apart from some normal changes in the commercial fabric: the old artisan stores have become restaurants, cafes and tourist stores.

By day, the alleys of Trastevere are bustling with foreigners and visitors, attracted by the charm of these streets laden with history and architectural treasures.

At night, the neighborhood changes its face and gives way to nightlife entertainment.

Trastevere is undoubtedly one of the best areas to eat in Rome: here the restaurant offerings range from traditional Roman taverns to more modern and innovative establishments.

Here you are sure to find a restaurant to suit your taste!

The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere is considered one of the oldest churches in Rome and was the first to be dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

The church is a remarkable example of the use of the forms of classical Roman architecture, but what sets Santa Maria in Trastevere apart are its splendid mosaics.

Despite some baroque additions in the 18th century Santa Maria has preserved its original medieval features.

The square in front of the basilica (Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere) is the beating heart of the neighborhood, a meeting place for Romans and others.

Villa farnesina is located not far from porta settimiana. This villa is a true jewel of Renaissance architecture.
It was built in the early 1500s as a country villa for agostino chigi banker and businessman.
There are complaints and it was sold to the Farnese family.
Villa farnesina contains lavish remains and decorations with scenes from Greek and Roman mythology.

Just across the street from Villa Farnesina is Palazzo Corsini.

Today this palace houses the National Gallery of Ancient Art also known as the Corsini Gallery.

The important collection includes paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck, Mrillo, Caravaggio, and Guido Reni along with other 17th- and 18th-century Italian artists.

The Basilica of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere is in the eastern and quieter part of the neighborhood.

This church was built in honor of St. Cecilia who was martyred by the Romans along with her husband: legend has it that the woman supposedly converted to Christianity on their wedding night, and two would live together in perpetual chastity.

The basilica stands on the remains of the house and other buildings of which sarcophagi floors and remains from Roman times remain, visible during church hours.

Inside the church, the chancel above the main nave is very impressive, containing pietro cavallini’s 13th-century fresco of the Last Judgment, the only survivor of the decorations that formerly lined the entire church.

The Janiculum Hill is not part of the seven historic hills of Rome, but it is the point from which there is the best view of downtown.

In addition to the view, you can also admire numerous monuments honoring Garibaldi’s army, which in 1849 confronted here the French who wanted to reinstate Pope Pius IX in the Papal States after he was driven out by his subjects.

From Trastevere you can get to the Janiculum in a quarter of an hour and you can follow several routes.

TRastevere is within easy walking distance of the historic center. It is a 15-minute walk from largo di Torre Argentina or Piazza Navona. Cross the river on the Sisto Bridge, which is pedestrian friendly.

Bus: 8, H (from Roma Termini)

Walking: Piazza Navona (22 min.), Colosseum (33 min.), Pantheon (23 min.).