Trastevere, Rome

I’ve heard about Trastevere back in 1999 during my first visit to Rome. It was a bohemian neighborhood with bars and restaurants ideal for nightlife. Or so it was depicted. Back in 2011, I visited Trastevere for dinner and I admit that I wasn’t impressed. It was during my last visit in March that I got to explore Trastevere. I realized that there is more to it than “bars and restaurants”. We explored Trastevere’s parks, cobblestones streets, and medieval churches!

Before I get on with our walk I’d like to let you know that I started a Youtube channel! The first video is a vlog from my trip to Rome (Trastevere included). Check it out and let me know what you think!

Related: 5 days in Rome: Itinerary and Budget

We started from Piazza Trilussa and made our way towards Gianicolo Park up on the hill. First stop Porta Settimiana, one of the gates of the Aurelian walls built in the 3rd century AD. We then walked along Via Garibaldi, which has a couple of Instagram-friendly doors!

View from Gianicolo park, Trastevere Rome

Before entering Gianicolo Park we stopped by La Fontana dell’ Acqua Paola. This is a no frills fountain with a beautiful view over Rome. The park has beautiful views over Rome as well since it is the second tallest hill in the city! Unfortunately, the day we visited it was cloudy, so the photos are hazy. I guess the view is better on a sunny day and later in the spring as well (we visited mid-March). After walking around the park (up to the Faro del Gianicolo), we made our way back to the center of Trastevere.

 

Trastevere has many churches that date back to the middle ages. Parts of those churches are even older but underwent additions and alterations. The Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches in Rome. The church dates to the 4th century AD but most of the structure was built in the 12th century.  Santa Cecilia in Trastevere is another church worth visiting. It dates to the 5th century AD and has a beautiful courtyard. Other churches in the area include Santa Maria della Scala and Basilica di San Crisogono.

Trastevere, Rome

Last but not least, Trastevere is known for its many bars and restaurants. We had lunch at Antica Osteria da Rugantino. I did find the interiors a little bit over the top, but the food was very nice!

Related: Where to eat in Rome

View from Gianicolo park, Trastevere Rome

I enjoyed our morning walk in Trastevere and I also like the fact that there is more to it than bars and restaurants. If you visit Rome, do visit the area in daytime. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as much as I did!

You can also check out my first vlog from my trip to Rome

Have you visited Trastevere?