Intro - Trastevere Area is famous for its restaurants, pubs, movie theaters, and nightlife. In the evening, all of the cafes and restaurants tables spill out over to the pavement, especially in the area of Santa Maria Square in Trastevere. The morning here has instead a unique and antique charm mainly due to Trastevere's narrow cobbled alleyways.
The Area - Trastevere is the district that stretches along the right bank of the Tiber. Once called "Trans Tiberem" (across the Tiber) was looked upon as a precarious region.
It belonged to the Etruscans until Rome conquered it again and get back in control of both banks of the river. "Pons Sublicius" bridge (from Latin: "bridge built on piles") was the only one way from Trastevere to the city (Rome). With the Emperor Augustus this area soon began to be considered part of the city.
At the time of the 'Roman Republic', many sailors and fishermen moved here, and chose Trastevere as their home.
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 a network of small, curly streets in the Middle Age because of structures on the front of buildings that left no space for carriages to pass.This is why a strong contrast between large houses for rich people and small houses for poor people are still creating such a contrast.
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.
Frederic Rzewski and Richard Teitelbaum (Musica Elettronica Viva group), famous American musicians, lived here in the 60s and 70sin Via della Luce. Sergio Leone (director of Spaghetti Westerns) grew up in Viale Glorioso (a marble plaque to his memory is on the wall of the apartment building).
As you can see Trastevere is the real heart of Rome! - 15432
The Area - Trastevere is the district that stretches along the right bank of the Tiber. Once called "Trans Tiberem" (across the Tiber) was looked upon as a precarious region.
It belonged to the Etruscans until Rome conquered it again and get back in control of both banks of the river. "Pons Sublicius" bridge (from Latin: "bridge built on piles") was the only one way from Trastevere to the city (Rome). With the Emperor Augustus this area soon began to be considered part of the city.
At the time of the 'Roman Republic', many sailors and fishermen moved here, and chose Trastevere as their home.
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 a network of small, curly streets in the Middle Age because of structures on the front of buildings that left no space for carriages to pass.This is why a strong contrast between large houses for rich people and small houses for poor people are still creating such a contrast.
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.
Frederic Rzewski and Richard Teitelbaum (Musica Elettronica Viva group), famous American musicians, lived here in the 60s and 70sin Via della Luce. Sergio Leone (director of Spaghetti Westerns) grew up in Viale Glorioso (a marble plaque to his memory is on the wall of the apartment building).
As you can see Trastevere is the real heart of Rome! - 15432
About the Author:
When planning a trip to Rome, check out some of the most beautiful Apartments in Trastevere Area and enjoy living a true roman experience. All of our Apartments in Rome are comfortable, spacious and fully furnished.
