Trastevere.
What to do in Trastevere?
Rome, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, receives an average of 7 million tourists a year. Most of them focus on visiting the emblematic places: Colosseum, Vatican, Navona Square, Pantheon, Trevi fountain, etc. However, only some take the time to delve into the less known areas of the city. If you are one of them, then you cannot stop going to Trastevere.
FUN-FACT: What does the word Trastevere mean
In short the word Trastevere are 2 words in one. Tras and Tevere. Trastevere used to be outside of the ancient Rome. There was no wall needed on that side of Rome because there was the river running (an quite safe protection) Tras = over and Tevere = Tiber. Conclusion: If you would translate it you would get OVER the TIBER.
Trastevere is a magical, picturesque and bohemian place that offers multiple options for eating and drinking. It is also very old, since it is said that even before the foundation of Rome, the area was already inhabited by Etruscan communities. It used to be called Transtiberim Regio (which means beyond the Tiber) and was not considered part of the city of Rome until the 1st century BC, thanks to Emperor Augustus.
If you want to absorb the magic of this place, you can start your tour in the Trilussa Square, located just after the Sisto Bridge. Often there are open air concerts, art exhibitions, magic shows and much more. Let yourself be immersed in the small streets decorated in medieval style, full of restaurants, and the typical Roman trattorias and osteria, as well as ice cream places and artistic markets. Go to Santa María in Trastevere square which is considered the heart of the neighborhood, and visit the famous church that bears the same name. There you can enjoy, among other things, the mosaics designed by Cavallini, which show us scenes related to the life of the Virgin Mary. After taking a break and eating a delicious ice cream, you could take a walk through the particular Tiberina Island, which is shaped like a boat. Another place of interest that you can access in a few minutes on foot from Trastevere is the Gianicolo hill. Halfway through the tour, you will find the monumental Paola Water Fountain, where one of the scenes from the movie "Great Beauty" was filmed. Once you reach the top, you will be fascinated with the view that you can admire from there. The monument dedicated to Giuseppe Garibaldi and a beautiful sunset will be the perfect complement for your photos.
Finally, if night falls and you continue to wander the streets of Trastevere, you will find yourself in the ideal place to enjoy the traditional snack. In many places in the area the price of the drink also includes unlimited buffet food, so with very few euros you can do what in Italian is known as "Aperitivo" (appetizer and dinner at the same time).
Conclusion, Rome offers an infinite number of places to visit, but if what you want is to move away for a moment from the vibrant but chaotic city center, then Trastevere is an excellent option for you. If you also want to enrich your visit with historical information, do not miss our Free Tour Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere, where a local guide will accompany you on the walking tour provide with interesting information also he/she will be more then happy to recommend places where eat and drink if you would wish to join or get more detail about the tour scroll down and select the tour below.
