Qué ver en el Trastevere, el barrio romano con más encanto
The bohemian and colorful neighborhood of Trastevere has become a bustling area in the Italian capital, attracting both tourists and locals daily to its trattorias, bars, and artisan shops. Get ready to enjoy the most Roman district of Rome, and don’t miss out on the mosaics in its churches, lively squares, and historic facades.
The Trastevere neighborhood is located just behind the Tiber River. Its name, “trans Tiberis,” comes from Latin and means “beyond the Tiber.” This area of Rome, considered a city within a city, is much more than a bohemian district; it is filled with famous attractions and a vibrant atmosphere.
Once a working-class district, today it boasts a lively nightlife. Enjoy its cobbled streets, historic temples, and picturesque façades, making it the most charming neighborhood in Rome. It is also relatively close to St. Peter’s Square and the Vatican Museums.
Whether you’re on a weekend getaway or looking for what to see in Rome in 3 days, this Roman neighborhood is a must-visit. Here are the best things to see and do in Trastevere.
Santa Maria in Trastevere
While the Colosseum is one of the most popular monuments in Rome, Santa Maria in Trastevere, though less known, perfectly fits this category.
This church is one of the oldest in the city, built in 340 AD, and is the first Christian place of worship. Its octagonal wooden ceiling is a major attraction in Trastevere.
The mosaics by Pietro Cavallini, including the famous Vita della Vergine, crown the ceiling and leave visitors in awe. These mosaics can hold their own against those in the Sistine Chapel.
The church didn’t take on its modern form until the 12th century; its columns are said to have been taken from the second largest baths in the city: the Baths of Caracalla, giving it a unique structure. The ceiling, designed by the famous Italian artist Domenichino, is a must-see for your photo gallery.
Janiculum Viewpoint
Views of Rome from the Janiculum viewpoint
Rome is a city with many natural viewpoints. It is not by chance that it is known as the city of the seven hills, and without a doubt, the Janiculum is one of the most beautiful. From here, you will have stunning views of the “Eternal City,” alongside the Tiber River.
Along the way, you’ll pass a beautiful Baroque fountain: the Fontana dell’Acqua Paola. Also known as the Gianicolo Fountain or simply “the Fontanone,” it is one of the most beautiful fountains in Rome and the main attraction of the hill.
On the Gianicolo, you’ll also find the bronze monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi, one of the key leaders of the unification of Italy.
A comfortable way to get there is by taxi to the top and then walk down to enjoy the stroll back to the city center. It won’t take more than 20 minutes to walk from the heart of Trastevere.
Want to enjoy an unforgettable walk? This evening tour of Rome includes transport, a wine and tapas aperitif, and visits to many important places in Trastevere, such as the Orange Garden, the Fontanone, and the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, among others.
Wandering Through Trastevere
The famous Via del Moro, which leads to Santa Maria in Trastevere
The Trastevere neighborhood consists largely of traditional houses and charming cobbled streets. Many of these are called vicoli, an Italian word used to describe small streets.
Be sure to get lost in streets like Vicolo del Piede, Via del Moro, Vicolo del Cinque, Via Titta Scarpetta, and Via dell’Arco di San Calisto, which are among our favorites. The ideal way to explore is to take your time and wander.
Near Ponte Sisto, you’ll find the bustling Trilussa Square (named after the Italian poet), one of our favorite squares in Rome where many gather to enjoy the nightlife in Trastevere.
Porta Portese Market
In Trastevere, you’ll find one of the largest flea markets in Europe: the Porta Portese market, which features around 4,000 stalls. You can explore it on Sundays from 7 AM to 2 PM and pick up a souvenir from your visit. There’s everything: clothes, antiques, dishware, books, and even retro candies. “One person’s trash is another’s treasure,” they say, and here you’ll find the perfect example! If you know how to bargain well, you can snag some real bargains.
The Sunday atmosphere is livened up with live music from street performers. As a tip, be sure to bring cash because vendors are not very friendly with cards.
Eating in Trastevere
In all of Italy, mealtime is treated like a ritual, and while you can find fantastic dining options in every corner of Rome, when people think of a culinary hub in the city, Trastevere restaurants come to mind immediately.
In this neighborhood, you can taste authentic Italian homemade food, as it is full of traditional houses or trattorias—family businesses with a variety of delicious recipes perfected over generations. Among the most renowned are Alle Fratte di Trastevere, Il Trapizzino, Pizzeria da Poeta, and Da Vittorio Trastevere.
Incredible pizzas, pasta carbonara, spaghetti frutti di mare, carpaccio, and the famous Roman gelati are some of the traditional dishes you can indulge in.
Tips Not to Be Missed:
● Pasta is served “al dente.” This is how it is eaten in Italy, so you might find it a bit firm..
● Generally, restaurants charge a “coperto” or cover charge; a fee per person that can vary from 1 to 4 euros. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
The best moment to experience the most romantic side of the city is at sunset. Take advantage of this night tour of Rome to see some of its main monuments fully illuminated, such as the Roman Colosseum, Piazza Venezia, Castel Sant’Angelo, and St. Peter’s Square, among others. This tour includes transport and small groups of a maximum of 6 people.
Churches of Santa Maria dell’Orto and Santa Cecilia
Finally, we recommend seeing two of the most famous churches in the neighborhood.
It is said that the Church of Santa Maria dell’Orto was built in the 16th century after a sick peasant’s recovery. This peasant prayed for recovery to the image of Mary found in a garden in Trastevere. In honor of the miracle, a small chapel was built, and later the impressive church we see today, completed in 1567.
Another beautiful temple to visit in Trastevere is the Basilica of Santa Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians. The stunning fresco on the vault, “The Apotheosis of Saint Cecilia” by Sebastiano Conca, tells the tragic story of this woman who was tortured and murdered for trying to convert her brother and husband to Christianity.
A legend says that Pope Urban consecrated the house of this martyr, turning it into a church. Don’t miss seeing the famous statue of Santa Cecilia created by Stefano Maderno beneath the altar.