TRASTEVERE , heart of Roma (You cannot miss it !)

TRASTEVERE : The Authentic Heart of Rome Located on the right bank of the Tiber River . / Trastevere is Rome’s 13th district (rione). Its name comes from the Latin Trans Tiberim, meaning “beyond the Tiber.” In ancient times, this area was strategically important and contested between the Romans and the Etruscans of Veii. It was connected to the city via the Ponte Sublicio, one of Rome’s oldest bridges, which led to the Via Campana (toward the salt flats) and later the Via Aurelia, heading west toward Etruscan cities. During the Republican era, Trastevere became home to sailors, fishermen, and immigrants from the East, including Jewish and Syrian communities. Under Emperor Augustus, it was officially incorporated into the city as Regio Transtiberim, though it remained outside the city walls until the construction of the Aurelian Walls in the 3rd century CE. In the Imperial period, it became a fashionable residential area, with villas belonging to elite figures like Julius Caesar and Clodia, the muse of poet Catullus. / 🏰 Medieval and Renaissance Trastevere In the Middle Ages, Trastevere was a maze of narrow alleys, marked by stark contrasts between noble residences and humble dwellings. In the 15th century, Pope Sixtus IV improved the district’s infrastructure, paving streets with sampietrini (cobblestones). In 1612, water finally arrived via the Acqua Paola aqueduct, commissioned by Pope Paul V, bringing fresh water to the neighborhood’s fountains and homes. Trastevere retained its bohemian and working-class character through the centuries. In the 19th and 20th centuries, it became a hub for artisans, intellectuals, and artists. Today, it’s one of Rome’s most beloved neighborhoods, known for its vibrant nightlife, historic charm, and authentic Roman spirit2. / 🏛️ Monuments and Cultural Sites to Visit Trastevere is rich in artistic and spiritual heritage. Must-see landmarks include: Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere: One of Rome’s oldest churches, dating back to the 4th century, with stunning 12th-century mosaics. Church of Santa Cecilia: Built over the home of Saint Cecilia, patron saint of music, featuring frescoes by Pietro Cavallini. Villa Farnesina: A Renaissance masterpiece with Raphael’s frescoes, located near the Tiber. Museum of Rome in Trastevere: Housed in the former Sant’Egidio Monastery, it showcases Roman life in the 18th and 19th centuries. / 🎉 Events in August 2025 Trastevere will be a key location for the Youth Jubilee, with cultural and spiritual events running until August 3rd. Expect concerts, workshops, and gatherings aimed at young pilgrims and visitors. Also, don’t miss the Lungo il Tevere Festival, running from June 7 to August 24, 2025. This open-air celebration transforms the riverbanks from Ponte Sublicio to Ponte Sisto into a lively promenade with: 🍽️ Pop-up restaurants and bars 🎶 Live music and performances 🎨 Artisan markets and cultural exhibitions It’s one of Rome’s most beloved summer traditions, perfect for enjoying warm evenings with food, entertainment, and scenic views of the Tiber5.