The Culture of Trastevere
Scroll down to see our walking routes and some blurbs about each site, or click “see more” under each site to the left for more in-depth info!
Often called one of Rome’s most authentic neighborhoods, Trastevere’s rich culture spans across historical eras - ancient, medieval, and modern.
Follow this 31-minute route to explore the architecture, history, and culture of this vibrant neighborhood.
Remember to wear modest clothes to avoid any problems when entering religious sites!
To see the address of an individual site, click the hyperlinks beneath each stop listed above.
Critelli Campus
The Caroline Critelli Guarini Campus, home to John Cabot University, is situated in Piazza Giuseppe Gioacchino Belli in Trastevere.
Originally built in 1907, the building features three original frescos by Giovanni Battista Conti.
Casa di Dante
Situated next to Piazza Sidney Sonnino, La Torre degli Anguillara is a medieval structure that had to be rebuilt several times from earthquake damage and decay.
It is believed to have been the residence of the famous Italian poet and author, Dante Alighieri, while in exile.
Piazza in Piscinula
While you might not know it, this modern day car park is not only home to a rich Roman and Medieval history, but is also the site of the Case Mattei and the Chiesa di San Benedetto. It is the perfect example of how history rests hidden right below our feet in Rome!
Basilica di Santa Cecilia
First built in the 5th century, the Basilica di Santa Cecilia in Trastevere is a unique baroque church dedicated to the patron saint of music. Since then, it has seen various renovations, expansions, and additions. You can also find several works of art including a 9th-century mosaic in the apse and a white marble sculpture of Saint Cecilia in repose by the Renaissance sculptor, Stefano Maderno.
.
Piazza dei Mercanti
A quiet little square nestled between the old Apostolic Hospice of San Michele and the Basilica di Santa Cecilia, Piazza dei Mercanti was the first stop for boats that docked at Ripa Grande. Once a thriving space in Trastevere, today there are only small clues of its existence, such as the medieval house at the corner where Piazza dei Mercanti joins Piazza di Santa Cecilia.
Complesso Monumentale di
San Michele a Ripa
Stretching 300 meters alongside the River Tiber stands the Monumental Complex of San Michele a Ripa.
Once an Apostolic Hospice, this complex complete with a conservatories correctional institutions and churches, is now transformed and the home to many of Rome’s cultural authorities, including the headquarters of ICCROM, an international agency for cultural heritage preservation & protection.
Piazza di San Cosimato
San Cosimato is located in a vibrant square nestled in the heart of Rome’s Trastevere neighborhood. San Cosimato consists of several key community and historical cornerstones, including local bakeries, a fresh food market, and a hospital in the building of a 13th-century church.
Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere
The Piazza of Santa Maria, home to the church of the same name, is a lively nighttime gathering space for tourists and local Romans alike. With lots of nearby restaurants, shops, and cafes, this bustling piazza is the heartbeat of Trastevere.
The church has a deep-rooted history in Rome, and the piazza is one of the most central locations in Trastevere
Originally called the Museum of Roman Folklore and Poets, the Museo di Roma in Trastevere is housed in a building of a former convent. It hosts permanent collections demonstrating Roman life of the 18th and 19th centuries. It also frequently displays temporary photographic exhibitions.
Museo di Roma in Trastevere
Today our impression of Trastevere is dominated by the hospitality industry that has grown up to serve international tourists. The bars and restaurants that saturate its narrow streets capitalize on the atmosphere of intimacy and charm created by its historic heritage. But underlying this revelry lies another heritage based on art, historic architecture and great events of history that Trastevere has been home to. If you want to find out more about Trastevere’s culture you can look at the following sites:
-
![]()
Ponte Cestio
-
![]()
Espresso macchiato
-
![]()
"Street shrine"
-
![]()
Vespas
-
![]()
Pizza
