Rome, Trastevere area: Rome's new popular tourist attraction

The Area - Trastevere is the district that runs along the right bank of the Tiber. Once called 'Trans Tiberem' (across the Tiber) it was considered a precarious region.

It belonged to the hostile Etruscans. It was again conquered by Rome and gained control and access to the river from both banks. There was only one corridor across a small wooden bridge called Pons Sublicius (Latin: 'bridge built on stilts') between Trastevere and the rest of the city (Rome).

The area began to be considered part of the city under Augustus, who divided Rome into 14 regions.

During the Republic era in 509, the number of sailors and fishermen who made their living from the river had increased, and many had settled in Trastevere in Rome.

Later, with the wealth of the imperial age, luxurious villas and gardens were built on the Trastevere hillside. To name a few: Clodia, (Catullus' "friend") and Julius Caesar (his garden villa, the Horti Caesaris).

The flat ground below was occupied by the houses of the poor and small shops. Some of which are still there today!

Trastevere grew up in the Middle Ages with narrow, winding and irregular streets; Due to the mignani (structures in front of the buildings) there was no room for carriages to pass, so Trastevere was still a maze of narrow streets. This mix produced a stark contrast between the large, luxurious houses of the upper classes and the small, ramshackle houses of the poor. The streets were unpaved until the late 15th century.

At first bricks were used, which were later replaced by sampietrini (cobblestones), which today form the famous narrow and labyrinthine streets.

The Church of Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches in Rome, perhaps the first to host an open ceremony. This is the queen of all Trastevere churches.

This basilica became the center of devotion to the Virgin Mary by its people. It is believed that perhaps it was in this church that the Mother of God was worshiped in Rome.

In the square, you can admire the octagonal fountain that has now become a meeting point. Over the years the church has been modified with modifications, but despite the 18th century additions, Santa Maria has retained its medieval character.

Today Trastevere maintains its character thanks to its narrow cobbled streets built in medieval times.

At night, both locals and tourists gather around its many pubs and restaurants. The unique character of this neighborhood has become quite popular and attracts tourists, locals, artists, foreign expats, and many famous people. This friendly area is strongly connected to the local community.