Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere
( Viale di Trastevere, Viale di Trastevere)
Trastevere's focal square is a prime people-
watching spot. By day it's full of mums with strollers, chatting locals and guidebook-tot-
ing tourists; by night it's the domain of foreign students, young Romans and out-of-town-
ers, all in search of a good time. The fountain in the centre is of Roman origin and was re-
stored by Carlo Fontana in 1692.
PIAZZA
Basilica di Santa Maria
BASILICA
in Trastevere
(Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere; 7.30am-9pm; Viale di Trastevere, Viale di Trastevere)
This
glittering basilica is said to be the oldest church in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Dating to the early 3rd century, it stands on the spot where, according to legend, a foun-
tain of oil miraculously sprang from the ground. Its current form is the result of a major
overhaul in 1138 that saw the addition of a Romanesque bell tower and glittering facade.
The portico came later, added by Carlo Fontana in 1702.
Inside, the 12th-century
mosaics
are the headline feature. In the apse, look out for a
dazzling gold depiction of Christ and his mother flanked by various saints, and, on the far
left, Pope Innocent II holding a model of the church. Beneath this are six mosaics by Pi-
etro Cavallini (c 1291) illustrating the life of the Virgin.
The building itself incorporates 21 ancient Roman columns, some from the Terme di
Caracalla, and its wooden ceiling dates from the 17th century.
Villa Farnesina
HISTORIC BUILDING
( 06 6802 7268; Via della Lungara 230; adult/reduced €5/4; 9am-5pm Mon & Sat, 10am-2pm Tue-
Fri, 9am-5pm 2nd Sun of month; Lgt della Farnesina, Viale di Trastevere)
This gorgeous 16th-
century villa is famous for its stunning frescoes. The most celebrated, in the Loggia of Cu-
pid and Psyche, are attributed to Raphael, who also painted the
Trionfo di Galatea
(Tri-
umph of Galatea) in the room of the same name. On the 1st floor, Peruzzi's dazzling fres-
coes in the Salone delle Prospettive are a superb illusionary perspective of a colonnade
and panorama of 16th-century Rome.
Galleria Nazionale d'Arte
