Trastevere

Trastevere is a pitoresque medieval neighborhood located on the west bank of the Tiber.

From our house, you can reach the heart of Trastevere by feet (20 minutes, going down the beautiful and panoramic Gianicolo Hill), or taking the tram 8 (5 minutes).

The area has escaped the massive developments which almost changed the face of central Rome, and still maintains a strong local identity. It is a lovely place to walk around, eat, drink or relax.

The pulsating heart of Trastevere is Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, a pedestrianised square piazza lined with restaurants and pricey bars, palaces, and the church of Santa Maria in Trastevere.

Heading up the lane to the right of the church, and taking any of the right-hand turnings, you enter into a maze of narrow lanes, at Trastevere's heart.




Plants scramble down walls from garden terraces, washing hangs out to dry, and chipped Virgin Marys look down from shrines on street corners.





















The streets close to the river and south of Viale Trastevere are much quieter and there are several unpretentious restaurants where you can enjoy a peaceful meal at an outdoors table. Just, avoid the typical "tourist traps" (almost any restaurant with a crowd of foreigners is more than probably a not-so-good choice).
There are lovely lanes to explore, and it's not too difficult to step off the main routes and escape the masses. As well as the occasional touch of authentic local colour, there are plenty of businesses aimed at the large foreign population (strongly American and French). Rome's principal foreig language cinema theatre is located here.
There are also lots of stylish bars - most are fairly new, but still atmospheric. It's a lovely area to wander in the soft dark of a Roman evening, with a more intimate feel than the palazzi-filled Centro Storico.