Trastevere - A Unique District of Rome
Part of the Italian Capital and Home to the Basilica Di Santa Maria
Trastevere is a different world, far removed from the best-known ancient Roman sites and the stratospheric retail prices on the Via Condotti.
During the Ancient Roman period Julius Ceasar and Cleopatra were said to have lived there. Later it was home to Jewish trading communities and Trastevere became the main working class district of Rome.
To get there, leave the main city of Rome through Torre Argentina and cross the Tiber on the Ponte Garibaldi, the main bridge from Rome proper into Viale di Trastevere, which neatly divides the area in two.
As you wander through its narrow and sometimes confusing streets your eyes are constantly drawn upwards to admire the rustic, if somewhat faded beauty of its terracotta and maize coloured buildings adorned with the ever present washing lines stretching across the streets.
In Italy food and drink play an important part in daily life, it is no different in Trastevere.
The explosion of colour that is the fruit and vegetable market on the Piazza San Cosimato, the small bakers shops and the numerous pavement cafes are central players in the daily ritual for locals and visitors.
A plethora of delightful eating places will gladly serve you mouth watering sweet challah with candied fruits, ricotta and almond tortes, and of course the ubiquitous pizza and ice cream.
There is also the well-known flea market at Porta Portese, originally a World War Two black market, it is well worth a visit. It opens on Sunday mornings
Perhaps in recognition of its bohemian status the area is also home to countless craftsmen’s shops, art shops and art house cinemas.
Santa Maria in Trastevere
All streets seem to lead to the Piazza Santa Maria which dates from the third century and is home to the oldest church in Rome A visit to the church is a must, a silent haven after the busy streets. In its impressive interior there are a number of treasures well worth investigating, including a magnificent 12th century mosaic of the Virgin feeding the baby Jesus,
After dark Piazza Santa Maria bursts into action and some evenings you will see fire juggling and acrobats. The area abounds with great cafes and bars.
The time to go to Trastevere is now, as commercialism tightens its grip this unique Roman district may disappear forever.
Hotels in Trastevere Rome
There are a wide range of hotels, apartments and bed and breakfasts to be found in and close to Trastevere, something to suit all budgets.
How to get to Trastevere
The best way to get there is by bus or tram, they leave from various parts of the city. There is no Metro station in Trastevere.
If your not sure, the main transport hub and tourist information point is Termini.
