Intro - All year round Trastevere is a major attraction for its restaurants, cabaret clubs, movie theaters, arts and craft artisans and picutesque maze of narrow cobbled alleyways. Everywhere during the evenings, cafe and restaurants tables spill out over to the pavement, one area in particular is around Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere. During the morning hours, is better to appreciate the antique charm of Trastevere's unique narrow 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.
During the Republic era in 509, the number of sailors and fishermen making a living from the river had increased, and many had taken up residence in Trastevere.
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!
In the middle ages Trastevere grew in a network of narrow, winding, curly streets; due to the mignani (structures on the front of buildings) the space for carriages to pass was so little that Trastevere had no choice other than this. This is at the root of the strong contrast between large houses of the upper classes and small houses of the poor people.
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.
Trastevere is definitely the place to stay when in Rome! - 15359
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.
During the Republic era in 509, the number of sailors and fishermen making a living from the river had increased, and many had taken up residence in Trastevere.
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!
In the middle ages Trastevere grew in a network of narrow, winding, curly streets; due to the mignani (structures on the front of buildings) the space for carriages to pass was so little that Trastevere had no choice other than this. This is at the root of the strong contrast between large houses of the upper classes and small houses of the poor people.
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.
Trastevere is definitely the place to stay when in Rome! - 15359
About the Author:
When coming to Rome, check out some of the most beautiful Apartments in Rome in Trastevere Area and enjoy a true roman experience in comfortable and large accommodations. If you plan to see more of Italy, also visit the The Key to Italy web site, which features accommodations in the romantic city of Venice, and in the beautiful countryside hills of Tuscany.
