Intro - Trastevere Area is well known for its restaurants, clubs, theaters, arts and its famous narrow cobbled alleyways. In the evening, all of the cafes and restaurants tables spill out over to the pavement, especially in the area of Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere. The morning is better to appreciate the antique charm of Trastevere's characteristic narrow alleyways.
The Area - Trastevere is located on the right bank of the Tiber river. Its name comes from "Trans Tiberem" (across the Tiber) and it was once perceived as a precarious area.
It was said to belong to the Etruscans. Rome conquered it again and gained control and access to the river from both banks. Only one passageway was available through the small "Pons Sublicius" bridge (from Latin: "bridge built on piles") between Trastevere and the rest of the city (Rome). During the Emperor Augustus Trastevere began to be considered part of the city.
In 509 A.C. during the 'Roman Republic' era, many sailors and fishermen moved into this area to live, and chose Trastevere as their residence.
Later, with the wealth of the Imperial Age, luxury villas and gardens were constructed on the hillside of Trastevere. To name a few: Clodia, (Catullus' "friend") and Julius Caesar (his garden villa, the Horti Caesaris). The flat land below was occupied by the houses of the poor and small shops. Some of which are still there today!
Trastevere grew in the middle ages with narrow, winding, irregular streets; due to the mignani (structures on the front of buildings) there was no space for carriages to pass, therefore Trastevere remained a maze of narrow streets. This mix caused a strong contrast between the large, lavish houses of the upper classes and the small, ramshackle houses of the poor.
Up until 1400 Trastevere streets had no pavement, later bricks were used and then replaced by sampietrini (cobble stones).
The church of Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches in Rome, perhaps the first to ever host an open ceremony. This is the queen of all churches in Trastevere. This basilica became the focus of devotion to the Virgin Mary by its people. It is believed that perhaps it was in this church Mother of God was worshiped in Rome. In the piazza, one can admire the Octagonal fountain which has now become a meeting point. Along the years the church has been altered with modifications, but despite of the 18th century additions, Santa Maria has retained its medieval character.
Today this area still has its own style due to the narrow cobbled streets built in the medieval era. At night, both italians and tourists gather together around its many restaurants and pubs. Trastevere is attracting tourists, locals, artists, foreign expats, and many famous people and it is incredibly charming.
The area is home to John Cabot University, a private American University. Also to the American Academy in Rome, and the Rome campus of the Thomas More College of Liberal Arts. The Canadian University of Waterloo School of Architecture (between the months of September and December), and the American Pratt Institute School of Architecture therefore serving as a temporary home to an International student body.
In the sixties and seventies, the American musicians/composers Frederic Rzewski and Richard Teitelbaum, of the group Musica Elettronica Viva, lived in Via della Luce. Sergio Leone, the director of Spaghetti Westerns, grew up in Viale Glorioso (there is a marble plaque to his memory on the wall of the apartment building), and went to a Catholic private school in the neighborhood.
No doubt that Trastevere is 'the place to be' in Rome!
The Area - Trastevere is located on the right bank of the Tiber river. Its name comes from "Trans Tiberem" (across the Tiber) and it was once perceived as a precarious area.
It was said to belong to the Etruscans. Rome conquered it again and gained control and access to the river from both banks. Only one passageway was available through the small "Pons Sublicius" bridge (from Latin: "bridge built on piles") between Trastevere and the rest of the city (Rome). During the Emperor Augustus Trastevere began to be considered part of the city.
In 509 A.C. during the 'Roman Republic' era, many sailors and fishermen moved into this area to live, and chose Trastevere as their residence.
Later, with the wealth of the Imperial Age, luxury villas and gardens were constructed on the hillside of Trastevere. To name a few: Clodia, (Catullus' "friend") and Julius Caesar (his garden villa, the Horti Caesaris). The flat land below was occupied by the houses of the poor and small shops. Some of which are still there today!
Trastevere grew in the middle ages with narrow, winding, irregular streets; due to the mignani (structures on the front of buildings) there was no space for carriages to pass, therefore Trastevere remained a maze of narrow streets. This mix caused a strong contrast between the large, lavish houses of the upper classes and the small, ramshackle houses of the poor.
Up until 1400 Trastevere streets had no pavement, later bricks were used and then replaced by sampietrini (cobble stones).
The church of Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches in Rome, perhaps the first to ever host an open ceremony. This is the queen of all churches in Trastevere. This basilica became the focus of devotion to the Virgin Mary by its people. It is believed that perhaps it was in this church Mother of God was worshiped in Rome. In the piazza, one can admire the Octagonal fountain which has now become a meeting point. Along the years the church has been altered with modifications, but despite of the 18th century additions, Santa Maria has retained its medieval character.
Today this area still has its own style due to the narrow cobbled streets built in the medieval era. At night, both italians and tourists gather together around its many restaurants and pubs. Trastevere is attracting tourists, locals, artists, foreign expats, and many famous people and it is incredibly charming.
The area is home to John Cabot University, a private American University. Also to the American Academy in Rome, and the Rome campus of the Thomas More College of Liberal Arts. The Canadian University of Waterloo School of Architecture (between the months of September and December), and the American Pratt Institute School of Architecture therefore serving as a temporary home to an International student body.
In the sixties and seventies, the American musicians/composers Frederic Rzewski and Richard Teitelbaum, of the group Musica Elettronica Viva, lived in Via della Luce. Sergio Leone, the director of Spaghetti Westerns, grew up in Viale Glorioso (there is a marble plaque to his memory on the wall of the apartment building), and went to a Catholic private school in the neighborhood.
No doubt that Trastevere is 'the place to be' in Rome!
About the Author:
If you are planning a trip to Rome, check out some of the most beautiful Apartments in Trastevere and enjoy living a true roman experience. All of our Apartments in Rome are comfortable, spacious and fully furnished.
