Your cartTrastevere is for sure one of the most loved districts in Rome both by locals and tourists. It is located right in the city center on the west bank of the river Tiber, near the small island along the river, so it is very easy to reach, either with a relaxing stroll or with buses.
Its name comes from the Latin language, in fact, the Latin equivalent Trans Tiberim, literally means “beyond the Tiber”.
People who live here consider themselves as the true “Romans of Rome” and are proud of their origins.
Admire the medieval Church of St. Mary in Trastevere
St. Mary in Trastevere is the most famous Church in Trastevere, located in the Square that bears the same name. This church is one of the oldest in town, in fact the first structure dates back to 340 AD, while the greatest part of the building was completed later in the following centuries.
What is most remarkable about St. Mary Church is slightly aged appearance characterized by Romanic style. On the facade, you will notice a stunning golden mosaic dated back to 13th century.
Our suggestions to visit this amazing Church in the morning: you will even get the chance to admire the sunlight shine over the glowing mosaic! Once inside, walk along the 3 naves that divide the Church: looking up, you will see a wonderful golden decoration that covers the ceiling and in the final area, another stunning mosaic representing Holy Bible scenes.
Villa Farnesina and Raphael
The Villa is a historic building in Rome. It is located on Via della Lungara, Trastevere district. It is considered one of the noblest and most harmonious creations of Italian Renaissance.
The villa was built for Agostino Chigi, a rich Sienese Banker and the treasurer of Pope Julius II. Chigi commissioned the fresco decoration of the villa by artists such as Raphael, Sebastiano del Piombo, Giulio Romano and II Sodoma. Best known is Raphael’s frescoes on the ground floor.It has two floors. Raphael was an Italian painter and architect of the High Renaissance. He was a very amorous person, delighting much in women.
The villa became the property of the Farnese family in 1577. Since 1927, it belongs to the Italian state. It was restored between 1929 and 1942 to be used for the Accademia d’Italia. Today, its first floor is used as a venue for representation. Also, the Villa is used for official representative purposes by the Accademia Nazionale di Lincei.
The opening of the Villa Farnesina is granted to anyone who requests it, unless there is a special approval from the Management department.
Trilussa Square
It is located in front of the Sisto Bridge, an important Roman monument. The square is dedicated to Carlo Alberto Salustri, a popular poet who embodied the spirit of Rome. There are a lot of pubs, therefore it is a friendly meeting point for both tourist and young locals to drink and chat. It is the heart of Trastevere Quarter and one of the most crowded places of Roman nightlife.
You can find a beautiful fountain, commissioned by the Pope Paul V Borghese. You will find some stairs below the fountain, from here you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Tevere River. You will notice a bronze statue depicting a man lying down next to the monument. This is the great Roman poet Trilussa who was born in Rome in 1871 and died in 1950.
The fountain, which is made of travertine blocks, features an arch dating back to 1613 enclosed between pillars and columns. The column bases are finely decorated with dragons, the heraldic symbol of Borghese family. The water flows out from the mouths of the dragons.
When the sun goes down Trilussa Square in Trastevere fills up with people ready to hang out and grab a drink in one of the many cafes and restaurants overlooking the square.
Stroll like a local through
Take your time to discover to two souls of this unique area: one in the morning, when all is quiet, and one at night, when people hang out and spend their time in the numerous typical restaurants and pubs. What is most remarkable is that while walking through its streets you will really feel like going back in time to the ancient Rome.
Taste food from the Roman tradition
In Trastevere you will have the chance to taste food from Roman tradition. There are typical restaurants and ancient tavernas where you can eat the most famous dishes such as “Carbonara“, pasta with eggs and bacon; “Coda alla Vaccinara”; “Spaghetti cacio e pepe” pasta with cheese and lots of pepper. Last dish, “Carciofi” artichokes flattened and deep-fried, especially common in the spring season.
If you would like to taste everything, the best locations are near Trilussa Square, Callisto Square and close Santa Maria in Trastevere area.
Would you like to visit Trastevere? Learn more about our Private Tour of Trastevere!
