Trastevere

The Trastevere area in Rome is a unique place filled with local flavor and retaining the spirit of bygone times. Narrow streets, old houses painted in various shades of ocher and entwined with ivy green interspersed with a vineyard, alluring aromas of freshly prepared food coming from numerous restaurants and cafes - this is all Trastevere.

Historical background

Trastevere is located south of the Vatican, on the western side of the Tiber River. Initially, the quarter was inhabited by the Etruscans and was not part of the city. In the 7th century BC e. Trastevere was connected with Rome by the first pile bridge. Later, the area was settled by Roman peasants and fishermen, as well as Jews and Syrians.

Trastevere was considered part of Rome only in the 1st century BC. e. under Octavian Augustus, but was still outside the city walls. The district entered the city limits in the 3rd century AD. e. thanks to Emperor Aurelian. The territory, immediately attracted by the Roman nobility, begins to be rebuilt and populated by wealthy citizens. Along with residential buildings, temples and small squares with fountains that have survived to this day appear.

Interesting places in Trastevere

Christian churches occupy a special position among the sights of this picturesque area:

• The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere is an ancient and very famous church in Rome. Its magnificent interior, decorated with ancient gilded mosaics and colorful frescoes, is striking.
• The Church of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere houses the relics of Saint Cecilia, the patroness of church music. Above them is a sculptural image of a saint, made of snow-white marble.
• Santa Maria della Scala - the titular and monastery church, built to preserve the miraculous icon of the Virgin. It still has a functioning old pharmacy.

Janiculum Hill with an observation deck at the top, a large-scale botanical garden of Rome, Tiberina Island, museums of medieval painting and sculpture, ancient palaces and villas - this is not the whole list of iconic places in the historic district of Trastevere. Here you can also find the largest Roman flea market, Porta Portese, and the local food market, which has been operating since 1913, San Cosimato.

Many pizzerias, trattorias, restaurants and bars offer delicious traditional Italian cuisine at prices lower than in the city center. The narrow labyrinths of the streets of the Trastevere district attract with their originality and unhurried rhythm, along which you can just walk around with pleasure, look into souvenir shops, relax on the steps by the fountain, listen to street musicians. This is the place where every corner is saturated with history and unique, unique charm.