Guide to the Trastevere neighbourhood in Rome

You decided to visit the eternal city? So impossible not to visit Trastevere, one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Rome.

Visiting the Trastevere district is an imperative when visiting Rome. Known for its warm and authentic atmosphere, it is full of restaurants, bars and pretty little places. To continue your visit, after discovering the most famous buildings of the Italian capital, like the Colosseum , Vatican City , Saint-Pierre Basilica , maybe you want to go a little bit. This charming neighborhood is perfectly suited. Separated from the old Rome by the Tiber, you can walk there admiring its postcard decor.

Take the time to visit Trastevere, to discover its treasures (sometimes hidden), to take a coffee, to stroll to the market of Piazza San Cosimato, and thus to plunge you into the famous dolce vita Italian. Follow the guide!

The Trastevere district in Rome in a few words

Trastevere is one of the most emblematic of Rome. There is no museum, but a certain charm. This neighborhood is worthy of postcards or typical scenes that can be imagined on Italy: small winding streets, houses with ochre walls, balconies and linen wires. This is what makes it so picturesque — and so touristic. To visit Trastevere as quietly as possible, it is better to opt for the low season.

Just south of the Vatican, Trastevere is one of the oldest in the city. He was the first to be founded on the western shore of the Tiber. From ancient Rome, this place is open to a multicultural population. It was in this neighbourhood that Jews and Syrians housed. Historically, this is a popular neighborhood. However, the price of real estate has risen considerably in recent years, and it is clearly gentrified. The south of Trastevere is still bathed in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

What to see and what to do in the Trastevere district of Rome?

Although most of the buildings in Rome are located in the centre, the Trastevere district is full of treasures that deserve the detour.

La Basilique Sainte-Marie du Trastevere

The Basilica of St. Mary is one of the oldest churches in Rome. She was also probably one of the first places of Christian worship open to the public. She would have welcomed the first Christian Mass celebrated in public.

Founded in the 200s after Jesus Christ, the choice of his location must be nothing at random. In 38 before Jesus Christ, a source of oil would have been revealed in this very place, announcing the arrival of the Messiah. Since its construction, the basilica has undergone several restorations. The stones of the Caracalla thermal baths have been reused for the pillars that separate the naves. The mosaics that decorate it date back to the 12th century.

It is open every day 7.30 a.m. to 9 p.m. , the entrance is free . Masses are celebrated regularly.

The Janicle

The Janicle is also nicknamed the eighth mountain of Rome. Very appreciated by locals like tourists, it offers a panoramic view of the old city. His name comes from the god Janus who would have come to create a center there. Today he pays tribute to Giuseppe and Anita Garibaldi , which played a crucial role in the history of Italy in the mid-19th century.

The Botanical Garden of Rome

Located on the slopes of the Janicle, the Botanical Garden was created during the second half of the nineteenth century in the old gardens of the villa Corsini. It now houses more than 3,000 different plant species.

It's open between 9h and 6.30 p.m. Monday to Saturday (17:30 between November and March). The entrance is from 8€ . It is certainly one of the must-sees to visit in Trastevere.

Chip market

Every Sunday, south of Trastevere district, takes place the chip market. It is an event not to be missed, just for its atmosphere. You will find everything: from art objects and antiques to the most basic products. If you like to stroll and soak places, count one half day To go around.

La Villa Farnesina

This pretty house was built in the 16th century. Although the building itself seems small, it is the frescoes that adorn its walls that are worth seeing. Great artists, such as Raphaël, Peruzzi or Sebastiano del Piombo, are the authors of these works. Today, a dozen rooms are open to the public to admire this villa that has experienced a moving history.

Between times of tediness, abandonment, restoration, it retains the traces of its various occupants and the periods it has crossed. In spite of the treasures it houses, it remains little visited. You can go from Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. . The entrance costs 6€ .

The church of Sainte Cécile

This pretty little church is not one of the largest, most decorated or most famous. However, its unique charm seduces all those who cross its green cloister to discover the frescoes inside. Quiet and clear, it is a true haven of peace. For a few euros, you can visit the crypt and basements of the church and a magnificent 13th century painting by Cavallini.

Its construction dates back to the fifth century, where the house of Sainte Cécile was originally held. This young woman was martyred in 230, because she did not want to give up Christianity. She ends up decapitated. His body was then deposited in the catacombs of San Callisto until Pope Pascal I found him and transferred him to this church around 820. Moreover, the statue of Saint Cécile, made by Maderno, represents the exact posture of his body, as it was found.

This church is open Monday to Saturday 10h to 12h30 and 4.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. and Sunday 7:30 to 6.30 p.m. .

Guided tours to make Trastevere district in Rome

To discover the Trastevere district, a guided tour is all indicated to explore it without losing it – or missing a must.

Guided tour with a private guide

The guided tour with a certified guide is a classic when you travel. He will take you to the mazes of the alleys of Trastevere, guide you to his hidden treasures and thus tell you the story.

Guided golf tour

Do you want to choose a more relaxing option than a walkway in the streets of Trastevere? Then visit Trastevere in a golf cartte is made for you. You can simply admire the neighbourhood and immerse yourself in its particular atmosphere. It is also an opportunity to offer an unusual activity. We don't visit a city by car every day.

A driver will take you between the different points of the circuit. In addition, an audio helmet allows you to fully enjoy the comments of the guide.

Gourmet guided tour

The Trastevere district is ideal for enjoying Italian culinary specialties. To test different good addresses and typical dishes of the country, let yourself be guided by an expert. He will know where to take you so that you can fully enjoy the neighborhood, from a historical point of view as a gustative.

Guided tour of the Jewish ghetto

The Jewish ghetto is a neighbourhood marked by history. The Jews were gathered there in 1555 on the orders of the Pope Paul IV . Although it is not lost in time, a raid was carried out during the Second World War.

The best hotels to stay in the Trastevere district of Rome

To visit Trastevere in the best way, it is possible to sleep directly in the neighborhood , which will ensure you bathe in the atmosphere of dolce vita Italian the time of your stay. The neighborhood is very lively. Tourists like locals like to stroll and eat.

Here are the best addresses in the Trastevere:

• Residenza San CalistoThis 3-star hotel is located in a renovated historic building. The rooms are stone and wood. Located in the heart of Trastevere, just 150 metres from the Basilica of Sainte-Marie-du-Trastevere, you will find a value for money interesting. Count on average 130€ per night for a double room.
• Casa Mia: this property is also a 3 star hotel. In a resolutely modern style, it is located a few meters from Piazza Santa Maria. A double room costs 130€ per night.
• Hotel Santa Maria: this 3-star hotel takes place in a former convent of the sixteenth century. Its rooms are spacious and the charming decor. Guests can also enjoy breakfast in the lovely interior courtyard before visiting the area.

It is also possible to find good housing Airbnb in Trastevere, for those who wish to stay in a more typical place.

Where to eat in the Trastevere district of Rome?

Visiting Trastevere is also eating. The area is full of restaurants and bars. Moreover, you will only have the embarrassment of choice — if you take it early! Locals like tourists especially appreciate Trastevere’s atmosphere — so if you want to go to a particular address, then think about booking!

Among the good addresses of the neighbourhood are:

• Da Enzo (Via dei Vascellari, 29): for typical Roman dishes.
• Grazia ' Graziella (Largo M.D. Fumasoni Biondi 5): another address where you can enjoy pizza and delicious pasta.
• La Prosciutteria Trastevere — cantina dei Papi (Via della Scala, 71): If you like quality products, then go on the charcuterie boards.

Take the time to take a break. Visiting Trastevere, and Rome in general, also means discovering Roman gastronomy. So do not rush and enjoy this moment.

How to get to Trastevere's quarter in Rome?

To get to Trastevere, simply take public transport. It is served by:

• The H bus: it passes through the Viale di Trastevere and makes two stops.
• Line 8 of the tram: This is the line to borrow if you come from the historic centre of Rome to go to Trastevere.
• Line 3 of the tram: it serves the south of the city of Rome and thus passes down the Trastevere district.

So, finally ready to go to Trastevere? Therefore, buon viaggo!