You can find a sense of stepping back in time in Trastevere, Rome’s historic neighborhood across the Tiber River. It feels like a small medieval village with its winding, colorful streets and friendly locals. Even though it’s become popular, you can still find quiet corners if you wander just off the main paths.
Wandering Through Trastevere
The best way to see Trastevere is simply to walk its cobblestone lanes. Dedicate at least an hour or two to exploring. Admire the old stone buildings covered in ivy and take lots of photos. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes because the streets are cobblestone and some are uneven.
Via della Lungaretta is one of the main streets here. It’s a lovely cobblestone road lined with bars and cafes. This street leads directly to Piazza Santa Maria, which many consider the heart of the area.
Historic Bridges and Islands
Ponte Sisto
If you’re coming from the older parts of Rome, Ponte Sisto is a great starting point. It offers beautiful views of the Tiber River and connects to Trastevere. Pope Sixtus IV commissioned this bridge in the 15th century.
Tiber Island
Tiber Island, or Isola Tiberina, sits in the middle of the Tiber River. It’s the only island within Rome’s city limits and is a pleasant spot for locals. While it might not be a top priority if you have very little time in Rome, it offers nice views and a peaceful atmosphere. You can find historical markers like the ‘Colonna infame’ and the Church of San Bartolomeo Apostolo here.
Ponte Fabricio
Another beautiful bridge, Ponte Fabricio is a perfect place to watch the sunset. It holds the title of being the oldest Roman bridge in the city, and it has remained much the same since it was built in 62 BCE.
Green Spaces and Beautiful Churches
Villa Sciarra
Villa Sciarra is a wonderful park with its own landscaped gardens, decorative structures, and Baroque fountains. You can enter this green space for free. There’s even a small honesty library near the entrance where you can swap books.
Basilica of Santa Maria
The Basilica of Santa Maria is free to visit and is a central feature of Piazza Santa Maria. Its history dates back to the 4th century CE, making it one of Rome’s oldest churches. The church you see today was finished in 1143 in the Romanesque style. Its facade is quite plain, but the interior is rich with mosaics, including significant works from the late 13th century by Pietro Cavallini. Over the centuries, additions have been made, creating a diverse mix of art and architectural styles within the church.
Piazza di Santa Maria
One of the simple joys of traveling is sitting in a historic square and watching people go by. Piazza di Santa Maria is an ideal spot for this. Many cafes have outdoor seating, and the square itself is exceptionally beautiful.
Piazza San Cosimato
Piazza San Cosimato is another main square in Trastevere. It hosts a market almost every day. This is one of the few remaining outdoor markets in the city, which makes it quite special. Visiting from Monday to Saturday, you can find fresh produce, local fruits, and Italian cheeses. It’s a less crowded and more authentic experience than some other markets in Rome.
The Basilica Of Santa Cecilia
This church has origins in the 5th century, though there might have been an earlier church on the site. It’s dedicated to Saint Cecilia, a Roman martyr from the 3rd century CE. Significant features include a late 13th-century fresco of the Last Judgment and a crypt in the Cosmatesque style.
La Chiesa Di San Pietro In Montorio
There are many churches in Rome, and La Chiesa Di San Pietro In Montorio is another noteworthy one in Trastevere. While the outside might not look spectacular, tradition holds that it was built on the very spot where St. Peter was crucified. You’ll need to climb up from the main town to reach it, but the views from there are well worth the effort, especially if you attempt the climb during the warmer months.
Views and Gardens
Belvedere Del Gianicolo
For some of the best views in Rome, you must visit Belvedere Del Gianicolo, also known as Janiculum Hill. This viewpoint is free to enter and offers particularly stunning perspectives of St. Peter’s Dome. I remember taking lots of photos from here; it was hard to stop.
Paola Fountain
One of Trastevere’s impressive Baroque creations is the Paola Fountain. It’s a short walk from Janiculum Hill and was built in 1612 to mark the end point of the Acqua Paola aqueduct. This grand water feature is quite a sight.
Orto Botanico
If you need a break from the busy city, the botanical gardens in Trastevere are a lovely place to go. Late spring is a beautiful time to visit when many flowers are in bloom. A small entrance fee grants you access to various sections, including a rose garden, a Japanese garden, and a tropical greenhouse. Michael enjoyed showing Lily and Ethan the carnivorous plants here; they were fascinated.
Culinary Experiences
Villa Farnesina
This Renaissance villa was built between 1506 and 1510 for Agostino Chigi, a wealthy banker. Today, it serves as a private museum, and its well-preserved frescoes by Raphael are particularly remarkable.
Food Tours
If you enjoy exploring a neighborhood through its food, booking a food tour can be a great way to experience Trastevere from a local perspective. Several tours offer walking excursions with multiple tastings at various venues, giving you a real taste of the area.
Pizza Making Class
You can also take a pizza-making class in Trastevere. These classes teach you the secrets of making perfect pizza dough. After you’ve made your own pizza, you get to enjoy it with an aperitivo and the rest of the group.
Where to Eat and Stay
Where to Eat
Trastevere offers a huge number of places to eat and drink, which can make choosing difficult. If you have dinner plans elsewhere, you can always stop here first for a traditional Italian Aperitivo.
Trapizzino
Trapizzino is a popular Italian street food. It’s essentially a pizza folded into a triangle shape and served as a sandwich. It’s delicious and perfect for a light lunch with some sparkling water or an Aperol Spritz.
Samovar
We found Samovar quite by accident while looking for a place to get a drink. If you want a non-alcoholic iced coffee, try the shakerato, but be warned, it’s quite strong. In the evening, it’s a trendy spot for cocktails.
Tiramisú Trastevere
If you love tiramisu, this cafe named after the dessert is a must-visit. They offer unique tiramisu flavors like caramel, Oreo, and Amaretto, and even have vegan and lactose-free options.
Where to Stay
Staying in Trastevere is a good choice due to the many cafes and restaurants and its easy access to the rest of Rome.
Domus Corsini
This four-star hotel in Trastevere has rooms with balconies and offers free Wi-Fi. An airport shuttle is available for an extra charge.
Horti 14 Borgo Trastevere Hotel
Located just a short walk from the Orto Botanico di Roma, this four-star hotel offers free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minifridges, and a rooftop area.
Trastevere truly offers something special, a corner of Rome that feels both historic and lively. It’s a place where you can spend a lazy afternoon or an exciting evening, soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying the simple pleasures of Italian life.