Tastevere is an iconic neighbourhood in Rome known for its historic buildings, narrow streets and vibrant ivy stretching across building facades. While you won't typically find world-famous attractions in this neighbourhood, you will find a positively Roman atmosphere that makes you feel more like a resident than a traveler among the quaint cafes and restaurants and stunning piazzas.
Anyone who's looking for a more relaxing experience will enjoy a visit to Trastevere. Although some travelers do frequent the neighbourhood, you won't have to worry about crowds all that much during your visit. Most people spend about 2 or 3 hours here enjoying a lovely stroll along the cobbled streets and stopping by one of the local restaurants to eat out on a terrace. Because the destination doesn't offer much catered toward children, it attracts more couples than families.
Trastevere in Rome - one of the highlights of 10 Best Free Things to Do in Rome and 10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Rome (Read all about Rome here)
What are the highlights of Trastevere in Rome?
Trastevere may not be the most well-known neighbourhood in the city, but you will still find some attractions you won't want to miss out on. The Basilica of Santa Maria, one of the oldest churches in Rome, is located here. It dates back to the third century but features some add-ons from the 12th century, too. Additionally, you'll find Villa Farnesina in the neighbourhood, a Renaissance villa with Raphael frescoes across the ceiling.
Many of the highlights in Trastevere reflect the neighbourhood's reputation for beauty. Palazzo Corsini, for example, is home to several impressive paintings from the Renaissance and Baroque eras. Behind it, you'll find Orto Botanico, a botanical garden with herbs and medicinal plants. There's a Japanese garden with a bamboo grove included as well. Climb to the top of the garden, and you can even enjoy a scenic view of the city.
A brief history of Trastevere in Rome
The history of the Trastevere in Rome dates back thousands of years. The area was first controlled by the Etruscans, but the Romans conquered it around the late sixth century BCE. It wasn't considered part of Rome proper until the rule of Augustus, and in the following centuries, it became an important area for Jewish Romans. In fact, the oldest synagogue in Rome can be found here.
During the Imperial Age, several prominent figures built villas here, including Julius Caesar. The Middle Ages cemented Trastevere as a neighbourhood known for its narrow and irregular streets. Multiculturalism still shines brightly throughout the neighbourhood today as it did for centuries prior, with a wide variety of people calling this place home. That's why the Trasteverini are often considered distinct among Romans with unique art, cuisine and culture that you can explore throughout the area.
What else is good to know about Trastevere in Rome?
One of the most important things to keep in mind when visiting Trastevere is that it's not entirely off the beaten path for a lot of travelers. It certainly feels more authentic than the more popular neighborhoods of Rome, but you almost certainly won't be the only traveler there. If you're looking for something away from other travelers, Testaccio would be the better option.
Visiting Trastevere puts you close to a lot of other landmarks you may be interested in visiting despite the isolated feeling of the neighbourhood itself. The Vatican, Castel Sant'Angelo and the Pantheon are all within walking distance, though you'll have to cross the Tiber to get to the latter. Isola Tiberina is also easily accessible from the neighbourhood, as all you have to do is cross the Ponte Cestio, a bridge that's an alluring attraction in its own right.
Trastevere in Rome
Location: Trastevere, Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy
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