Trastevere Rome: The Ultimate One Day Route

The Trastevere is one of the most charming neighbourhoods in Rome as time appears to have slowed down in between the cobblestone streets and the ivys reflected on the facades of the houses. This is a charming museum of Roman living, which, unlike the Colosseum, is devoid of tourists. In this case, laundry is suspended between the old buildings of centuries, people congregate at a corner trattoria, and each side street of the old town creates yet another postcard-perfect view.

History

Trastevere is known as such because of the Latin meaning of the name beyond the Tiber, hence the location of the area was on the other side of the river than the heart of ancient Rome. The area in antiquity accommodated foreigners, sailors and workers who were not able to purchase an apartment in the city walls thus forming a great multicultural quarter like none other in Rome.

Trastevere turned into a residential area during the medieval era and it has taken its current form of narrow stone lanes. The area had had a fiercely localised identity and locals readily identified themselves as the trasteverini and regarded themselves as the most authentic Romans. The nobles of the Renaissance age got to know how beautiful the place was and erected splendid villas such as the magnificent Villa Farnesina. Trastevere was also known through its artisan workshops, rough taverns over centuries and traditional Roman food.

Although it has become a popular spot among guests and expatriates, early mornings continue to show old-fashioned locals talking on stoops and shop keepers sweeping their doorsteps, and is what makes Trastevere so special.

Trastevere One Day Ultimate Guide

Piazza Trilussa

Start your Trastevere experience with Piazza Trilussa which can be easily accessed in central Rome through Ponte Sisto. Coming in the morning will leave you enjoying the square when people have not arrived. The grandiose fountain provides the ideal place to make a photograph and you will have wonderful shots in the back of the bridge towards the old center. This piazza is the informal door of Trastevere and introduces the mood of the day of an atmosphere.

Ponte Sisto

This is a pedestrian Renaissance bridge with the most preferred early morning views of the river Tiber. Constructed during the 15th century, Ponte Sisto serves to bridge Trastevere with Campo de’ Fiori and offers some gorgeous views in both directions.

Basilica of Santa Maria

Take a walk through one of the oldest churches in Rome built in the 3 rd century. The existing building presents the greatest examples of 12 th century golden mosaics that gleam in the interior light among the best examples of medieval art in Rome. The mosaics in the exterior are also awe-inspiring and portray Mary nursing Jesus in presence of ten women who hold lamps.

Villa Farnesina

This Renaissance villa with some of the finest frescoes by Raphael should not be overlooked by the art lovers. The Loggia of Cupid and Psyche contains very vivid mythological pictures, and the other rooms of the villa exhibit the works by Sebastiano del Piombo and Baldassare Peruzzi.

Gianicolo Hill Viewpoint

Take the steep walk up to Gianicolo Hill where many people believe is the best panoramic view of Rome. It is approximately 15 minutes walk to the center of Trastevere and the payoff is well deserved. You will see the whole city lying before you, as you look out of the Terrazza del Gianicolo.

How to Get There

Trastevere is in close proximity to transport system of Rome and it would be easy to arrive at any part of the city.

• Tram
  The simplest variant is tram 8, which is a route that links Trastevere and Piazza Venezia and follows Viale Trastevere. Stop at either Trastevere/Ministero Pubblica Istruzione or Belli, which will either get you within a 5-minute walk to the main sights.
• Bus
  Trastevere is served by a number of bus routes:
  Neighbourhoods served by route 23, 44, 75, 115, 280 and 781.
  These link Trastevere to such destinations as Termini Station, Vatican, and Centro Storico.
• Train
  The station of Trastevere is a regional train station, and it is located at the periphery of the neighborhood. The station is 10-15 minutes of walking to the core of Trastevere or Tram 8 can be taken in several stops.
• Walking
  The Trastevere is well accessible by foot out of various central areas:
  Piazza Navona: 15 minutes
  Jewish Ghetto: 10 minutes through Tiber Island.
  Vatican: 25-30 minutes

Nearby Attractions

The location of Trastevere is central so that it can be combined with the other Rome highlights; either in one day or in a series of days.

Tiber Island
It is only a 5 minute walk to this oval-shaped island in the Tiber that is linked by two ancient bridges. It is a quiet place with captivating history and views of rivers that can be a good place to visit on a short excursion.

Jewish Ghetto
Across the river cross and see the old Jewish quarter of Rome where one will find wonderful food (you must not miss the fried artichokes), architecture and the Great Synagogue. The location has a gigantic historical weight, and the surroundings are absolutely different in comparison to Trastevere.

Campo de’ Fiori
This is a vibrant square with a morning market which is full of color with fresh produce, flowers and local specialties. As evening comes it turns into a social center with restaurants and bars.

Piazza Farnese
It is one of the finest Renaissance squares of Rome, with the powerful Palazzo Farnese (today French Embassy) and two enormous ancient Roman bathtubs turned into fountains.

Aventine Hill
To view the more panoramic, the Aventine has the famous Knights of Malta keyhole and its impeccable perspective of the dome of St. Peter, as well as the lovely Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci).

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions