In this article, we’re going to tell you about Rome’s most bucolic district, Trastevere. It’s one of the must-see corners of the Eternal City.
Don’t be surprised to hear the Romans call it “er core di Roma” (the heart of Rome), because it represents this city and all its essence. Trastevere is “the typical Roman district” where you need only stroll to be completely immersed in the Italian “dolce vita”.
With its vast surface area, there’s plenty to do. From interesting museums and beautiful gardens to boutiques and restaurants, there’s no shortage of entertainment in Trastevere.
Although Trastevere is a central district, getting there is complicated, precisely because there are no metro stops in the immediate vicinity. On the other hand, it’s very easy to get there on foot from Rome’s historic center, or from the Circo Massimo metro station, which is about a 25-minute walk away. (The perfect opportunity for a stroll through the cobbled streets of Rome!)
However, there are buses and streetcars that will take you directly to the heart of Trastevere. Bus and streetcar lines: 280, 23, 8, 3 , click here to find all the information you need.
The Trastevere district is about 25 minutes’ walk from all the main monuments (Colosseum, Castel Sant’Angelo). If you’ve got time and good shoes, enjoy a stroll along the Tiber.
You can download one of the many applications dedicated to public transport in Rome:
Once you’ve reached Trastevere, simply stroll the historic streets and soak up the atmosphere. This colorful, hip and bohemian neighborhood remains true to its century-old proletarian origins.
Here you’ll find traditional and innovative trattorias, local breweries and craft stores.
It’s also a district to be favored for its simple bed & breakfasts and budget hotels. From the passeggiata (pre-dinner stroll) to the end of the night, a young crowd livens up the Piazza di San Calisto and the Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere, where stands a gilded, mosaic-adorned church.
It’s a good idea to bring very comfortable shoes, as the “sanpietrini” (cobblestones) in the area are original and sometimes deformed by time and passing carts, before the advent of cars.
None of the streets in Trastevere is entirely pedestrianized, so always be very careful, especially as there are many vans unloading goods.
This is a restricted zone, so cars are not allowed unless you have express permission.
What you’ll love most about Trastevere is the long walks and taking your time.
We recommend visiting Rome in spring or autumn, so you can enjoy the beauty of the city without too much stress, although there are many visitors all year round.
Here are just a few of the streets you shouldn’t miss and can safely navigate (note on your smartphone): Vicolo del Piede, Vicolo Moroni, Via dell’Arco di San Callisto and Piazza Ponzani.
The alleyways are truly wonderful, world-famous for their beauty. Time really does seem to stand still in these alleys, and that’s certainly one of the district’s strong points. It’s fun to get lost and find yourself at a random art store or trattoria, lured by the smell of a typical Italian dish.
These streets are the lifeblood of Rome. You’ll enjoy festive evenings as you stroll along the terraces, entertained by live bands.
As you continue your stroll through Trastevere, stop in front of the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere. It’s one of the most important places of religious worship and one of the most popular churches in Rome.
Built in the 4th century, its interior features unique mosaics and paintings. You’ll also find Gherardi’s Avila Chapel, one of the most significant works of Italian Baroque art.
The basilica is located in the famous square of the same name: Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere. Romans are accustomed to stopping for aperitifs right in the heart of this district. You can also admire the beautiful fountain, created by Bramante and later perfected by Bernini and Carlo Fontana.
A few steps away is the Villa Farnesina, an important historical building of Italian Renaissance architecture. A masterpiece of art, there are several works by Raffaello, the Sala delle Prospettive is the most important and we also find works by Peruzzi, splendid frescoes.
If you’re lucky enough to spend an afternoon or morning in Trastevere during the week (but not on Sundays), you can experience it like a true Roman. You can attend a local market, experience a traditional time and live like a Roman. It’s located in Piazza San Cosimato, a meeting point for families too, as there’s a children’s playground.
We can also continue our visit to the Basilica of San Crisogono, one of Rome’s oldest churches. Inside, there are marvellous frescoes and the underground passages are not to be missed.
Located just five minutes from Trastevere, this is a unique experience. This island is right in the middle of the Tiber, and you’ll be quite surprised. Here you’ll find one of Rome’s most important bridges, the Ponte Fabricio, which has preserved its original architecture, the oldest of its kind. Built in 62 BC, you really shouldn’t miss it.
But let’s not stop there, we’ve still got something to see that you absolutely can’t miss, even if you’re getting tired. Let’s talk about Bramante’s Tempietto.
This is the church of San Pietro in Montorio, where the Apostle Peter is believed to have been crucified. In the center of the courtyard, you’ll find Bramante’s Tempietto. It can also be seen in the film “La grande bellezza” by Paolo Sorrentino.
That’s right, right next to the International House of Women, an iconic Roman site, is Rome’s botanical garden. A pleasant place to spend a few hours during the day. There are beautiful palm trees, century-old trees, a Japanese garden and a reinterpretation of the bamboo forest.
Trastevere’s cuisine is truly famous, and in every trattoria you’ll find something to taste of the highest culinary level and most typical of the Romans. We recommend a bar where you can enjoy an excellent coffee, an institution for Romans: Bar San Calisto, located in Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere, open since 1970.
If you want to try something fried and extremely good, you absolutely must find Trapizzino. Located at 46 Piazza Trilussa, it prepares many Roman dishes but is famous for its white pizza, chicken “Cacciatora”, meatballs in sauce, artichokes a la “Giudìa” and of course its “supplì”.
In conclusion
Visiting Trastevere is a unique experience because it’s a place of great inspiration, and has been for many directors of the neorealist movement. Not just for modern directors. It’s a place where you can lose yourself and discover yourself. It’s a place that touches souls and hearts.