You can see Rome as it is depicted on glossy postcards while walking in the center. The city looks completely different in the eyes of an indigenous resident who has lived his whole life in the Trastevere area. Located on the right bank of the Tiber River, this part of the capital retained the features of the former city: winding ribbons of streets, small restaurants, ordinary people immersed in their own affairs.
Story
The land, now known as Trastevere, was first inhabited in ancient times by the Etruscans. The inhabitants of Etruria (lat. Etruria) were replaced by immigrants from Syria, and then the Romans. Emperor Octavian Augustus (lat. Octavianus Augustus) named a hill on the western bank of the Tiber, Yanikul (lat. Mons Janiculus). Later, this settlement became part of Rome in the form of a separate block called "Ziberye" or "District" (Transtiberina).
Trastevere status has changed over time. The middle-income Romans chose this part of the city for themselves. In the III century AD e. Trastevere was inside the city walls that separated the great Rome from the vast suburbs.
Throughout the Middle Ages, the Trastevere district was rebuilt many times and changed its appearance. In the end, this corner of the Italian capital was covered with an intricate labyrinth of narrow streets. Along the winding strip of pavers (sanpietrini), low buildings grew. Since then, the terracotta buildings entwined with dark green ivy are considered to be the calling card of Zatiberye.
- I advise you to read tips on renting apartments in Trastevere
Sights
Such an eventful story has left its mark on Trastevere. Temples and places of worship belonging to representatives of various faiths, unusual architecture and culture - make up a particular flavor of the quarter.
Basilica of San Crisogono (San Crisogono Basilica)
A walk along Trastevere should include the main beauties of the area. Having stepped onto the Trastevere Avenue (viale di Trastevere), you can immediately admire the Basilica of San Crizogono, dedicated to the early Christian martyr Chrysogon of Aquileia.
The original building, dated to the 5th century AD, now does not exist. It was completely replaced by a building erected in the XII century under the patronage of Cardinal Giovanni da Crema. In the temple, to this day, many examples of decor of the time have been preserved. The mosaic decoration of the floors in Kosmatesco style complements the Baroque decor that appeared in the 16th century.
The apse with gilded patterns, made according to the sketches of Giananni Lorenzo Bernini himself, added a special grace to the interior of the basilica. In this part of the basilica, the relics of the patron saint are laid to rest. On the walls there are fragments of frescoes of the XII century, as well as a whole series of stories about the life of the holy martyr Chrysogon. The ceiling is decorated with a black and gold caisson decor. In the center there is a workshop copy of the canvas "St. Crizogono in Glory" by Guercino.
Basilica address: 44 Trastevere, Piazza Sonnino.
Santa Maria in Trastevere (Chiesa di Santa Maria in Trastevere)
The Romans have a special account of the early Christian church, adorning the center of the Zarechny quarter. Santa Maria in Trastevere appeared in the 3rd century A.D. Historians consider this temple the most ancient in Rome. The patroness of the church is St. Mary. Up to modern days, an updated version of the temple, created in the XII century by Pope Innocent II.
Tall arches and arches remind visitors of Romanesque architecture. The temple building in its style also has many references to ancient times. The bell tower towering over Santa Maria in Trastevere was built in the 12th century, therefore it has a more modern look.
The interior decoration of the basilica is striking in its unusual combination of antiquity and medieval culture. The central nave of the temple is framed by high ionic columns. However, visitors are more attracted by the bright mosaic decoration of the dome, created in 1140. On a gold background, Mary is pictured breast-feeding a baby Jesus. The central mosaic is complemented by paintings from the Life of Our Lady by Pietro Cavallini.
The coffered ceiling decoration of the temple deserves special mention. Gilded wooden panels in the shape of crosses and stars adorned Santa Maria in Trastevere in the 16th century. The skilled craftsman Dominicino (Domenichino) created a ceiling worthy of a papal palace.
On a map of Rome, the church is listed at: Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere.
Santa Cecilia in Trastevere (Basilica di Santa Cecilia in Trastevere)
In the 5th century A.D. a basilica dedicated to Cecilia a Roma was built in Trastevere. There is a legend among believers that the temple was built in the place where the house of Cecilia was previously located. The Holy Martyr is a recognized patroness of church music. The ancient Romanesque building was significantly changed in the 9th century. Seven hundred years later, Santa Cecilia in Trastevere was completely reconstructed.
Thanks to the efforts of the baroque architect Ferdinando Fuga, the temple acquired a cozy courtyard with a fountain. The graceful facade of the building is decorated with columns, and the family coat of arms of Francesco Acquaviva d'Aragona is strengthened above the entrance. The Cardinal was very involved in the renovation of the ancient church of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere.
Relics stored in the church include: The Doomsday Canvas by Covallini, an openwork canopy in the presbytery by Arnolfo di Cambio. In the tomb of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, the relics of the holy patroness are stored. And in front of the altar is a white marble statue of “Martyrdom of St. Cecilia” by Stefano Maderno. The architect skillfully embodied in stone the tragic image of a girl with a truncated head. The arch of the temple is filled with the fresco "Coronation of St. Cecilia" by Sebastiano Conca.
You can admire the treasures of the Temple of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere by visiting it at Roma, Trastevere, Piazza Santa Cecilia, 22.
- Official website: www.benedettinesantacecilia.it
Museum of Rome in Trastevere (Museo di Roma in Trastevere)
Two-story orange building in St. The aegis (Piazza Sant'Egidio) is no different from the typical development of the quarter, except for the fact that it houses the Museum of Rome. Until the 17th century, a medieval building was at the disposal of Carmelite monks. After the order lost its authority, the building passed into the possession of the city.
A century later, after a significant restoration, a museum dedicated to the life of the Romans in the 18th-19th centuries appeared in Trastevere. This period was quite difficult for Italy, the transition from papal authority to the unification of the country. You can reliably learn about the life of ordinary residents from the staged "Roman Walls". Mannequins dressed up in the fashion of past centuries depict various episodes typical of the life of the capital of those times.
The creators of the museum were inspired by the work of the watercolorist Ettore Rosler Franz (Ettore Roesler Franz). The artist captured the life of the poor quarters of Rome in the 19th century. The subjects of his paintings revolved around the modestly dressed tradesmen and distributors of wine, street musicians and laundresses, their everyday life and holidays. Almost "living" embodiment of the paintings can be seen in the walls of the museum. In addition to the works of Franz, the museum has sculpture, prints, paintings and photographs.
- Address of the Museum of Rome in Trastevere: Roma, Piazza Sant'Egidio 1 / b.
- Official website: www.museodiromaintrastevere.it
Walking along Trastevere
Particular charm of the quarter is cozy restaurants, taverns, trattorias, pizzerias, gift shops and street musicians. It is very pleasant to find this or that curious curiosity during an unhurried walk along the Trastevere. Small squares equipped with fountains often turn into a stage for street performers and relaxed passers-by. Discover this distinctive corner of Rome - a real adventure for the guests of the capital.
On the territory of Trastevere there is a triumphal arch called the Septimius Gate (Porta Settimiana). This curiosity marks the limit over which the ancient wall enclosing Rome passed. Also, tourists will be able to get to the gallery of paintings by Corsini (Galleria Corsini), filled with paintings by Italian, European and Flemish masters. Or visit the National Academy of Linchea (Accademia dei Lincei).
Botanical Garden
You can take a break from the hustle and bustle of the big city in the Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico), located in the old Villa Corsini. In the 17th century, Cristina, Queen of Sweden (Cristina di Svezia) lived on the estate, and in 1883 the villa became the property of the united Italian state. Since then, a vast garden of 12 hectares has been open to visitors. Walking along the Yanikul hill, absorbing the beauty of landscapes and the aroma of herbs - this is a luxury that is available to every guest of Trastevere.
- Garden Address: Via di Villa Corsini, Largo Cristina di Svezia, Roma.
- Website: sweb01.dbv.uniroma1.it/orto/index.html
Legends
Romance-inclined Romans are especially prone to beautiful legends and mysterious stories. One of them is associated with the name of the greatest Renaissance artist - Raffaello Santi (Raffaello Santi). In the master’s works, a repeating female image is traced. The young artist worked on the design of Villa Farnesina in Trastevere. And one day he saw a girl on the street of a block that struck him with her beauty in the very heart.
Since then, the masterpieces of Raphael’s brush have been depicting the look of cute Margarita Lucia, the daughter of a baker. And the house on St. Dorothea (via di S. Dorotea), in which the beauty lived, still has a memorable mark. As everything was in reality, no one really knows. But you can walk in the same places as the famous Italians, slowly absorbing the beauty of every nook and cranny.
Night life
Take the time to get to Trastevere in the evening. Numerous restaurants offer their guests lamb, veal, pasta, variations on the theme of legumes, vegetables and liver, pizza, fish dishes, seafood, unusual desserts and ice cream. All of the above - lures travelers with its dizzying aromas and mouth-watering appearance!
The most interesting guests of the city will be restaurants and bars in the immediate vicinity of St. Mary. The center of Trastevere at night is colored with the lights of signboards and lanterns, pleasant music sounds from the windows. Visitors expect excellent cuisine, a large selection of wines and entertainment.
Satisfying the taste buds, you can enjoy watching Rome at night and the reflection of stars in the waters of the Tiber.
How to get there
You can get to Trastevere using the bus of the "N" line - departing directly from Termini main station or tram number 8 - departing from Piazzale Venezia. As you move the Tiber, immediately get off at the Belli stop.
Those who wish to walk to Trastevere on foot will be interested in the following options:
- From the side of the Great Circus (Circo Massimo), look to the Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità) and follow to the bridge Fabricho (Ponte Fabricio), leading through the Tiber to the island of Tiberina (Isola Tiberina). This small piece of sushi is located next to Trastevere and deserves the attention of tourists. Having described a small circle along Tiberin, you will appear on the spot.
- If your evening began in one of the restaurants on Campo de 'Fiori, then head towards the Ponte Sisto, crossing which you will find yourself in Piazza Trilussa, a classic Roman meeting place youth before night adventures in Trastevere bars.
Trastevere Station (Stazione di Roma Trastevere)
Roma Trastevere is a major train station that connects the capital with the communes. Located approximately 2 kilometers from the old part of Trastevere. Not far from the station, on Sundays, the famous Porte Porte flea market operates. The most popular destinations for this station are: Rome-Viterbo (Roma-Viterbo), Rome-Pisa (Roma-Pisa) and Rome-Fiumicino (Roma-Fiumicino). The last bunch is especially interesting for air passengers, since Fiumicino has an international airport. Travel time to the airport is about 30 minutes, and a ticket costs 8 euros.
Trastevere Station is located in Piazza Flavio Biondo. You can get to it on the 8th tram on the Avenue Trastevere, which rests directly on the piazza Flavio Biondo.
Bus stops nearby:
- Orti Di Cesare: 780th with Piazza Venezia and 170th with Termini
- Gianicolense-trastevere: H from Termini, 3rd from Piramide Metro Station.
Hotels in Trastevere
Unfortunately, there are not so many hotels on Trastevere, but if you manage to book one of the following options, we will be happy for you, and you will always be full and enjoy the real atmosphere of the Eternal City:
- Trilussa Palace Hotel Congress & Spa is a hotel with stunning views of the area. A convenient option for living in Trastevere, for the price you can safely fit into 200 euros per day. The hotel combines the achievements of modern technology and classic style. This hotel is especially convenient for its proximity to the cozy restaurants of the quarter. The view from the rooftop garden, stretching from Piazza Venezia to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, from Quirinal to Aventina, is truly breathtaking.
And on Sunday you can wander around the back streets of the Porte Porteze market all day, looking at yourself amusing trinkets. - B&B By Me is a two-minute walk from Trastevere Train Station. The rooms will surprise you with neatness, a pleasant, no-frills interior. Everything is simple and comfortable, while visitors get almost the entire range of Trilussa Palace Hotel Congress & Spa services for half the price (80-90 euros per day). This is the accommodation option that is best suited for thrifty travelers, and one of the best in terms of price / quality ratio. Nearby is Cafe Camerino, which offers simply stunning desserts and coffee. The holiday of sweet tooth for 2 persons will cost only 10-15 euros. Pay attention also to the B&B Hotel Roma Trastevere, located 50 meters away - I recommend it to all my friends.
- Hotel Santa Maria is surrounded by low buildings of the quarter, and its main highlight is an ideal location next to the historic St. Mary's Square. In the past, the hotel building belonged to the monastery, so it has its own characteristics. Guests will enjoy a small courtyard decorated with orange trees from their windows. Forged garden furniture, hotel walls painted with paintings, homely pleasant rooms. All this happiness is flavored with Wi-Fi, modern technology and costs only from 90 euros per day.
- VOI Donna Camilla Savelli Hotel offers a 4-star vacation. The hotel building was built in the 17th century, a special chic - baroque decoration of the master Borromini. Hall and banquet hall - sent in black and white tiles, intricate decorations and chic rooms. Along with historical relics, the hotel is famous for its excellent service, keeps up to date.
The rooms offer breathtaking views of Rome. After spending a minimum of time, you can get to St. Mary's Square, get to the Vatican. Or in 5 minutes climb one of the most beautiful observation platforms of the city, located at the foot of the Aqua Paolo fountain. This unforgettable view of the eternal city, from the height of the Yanikul hill, opens at the beginning of Paolo Sorrentino's film "Great Beauty".
See also: all Apartments and apartments in Trastevere.
