Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
20. Trastevere
The 13th rione (town district) of Rome, Trastevere is situated just south of the Vatican City,
on the west bank of the Tiber. Its name can be literally translated from Latin to mean “bey-
ond the Tiber.”
For centuries, this side of the Tiber was of little interest to Rome once it had been conquered.
The only means of accessing the rest of Rome from Trastevere was a small impractical
wooden bridge, which further demonstrates just how uninterested Rome was in this little re-
gion.
By 509 BC, the town was now home to many of those who made a living from the river.
Many immigrants also settled in the area, including Syrians and Jews. As the area was built
up, Augustus began to consider this region a part of Rome. As the imperial ages brought
with them increased wealth, several important political figures started building their villas
within the borders of this quaint town; including Julius Caesar, who built his garden villa in
Trastevere.
Today, the town has retained much of its medieval charm, along with many restaurants and
pubs offering traditional Roman fare. Home to a number of foreign academic institutions,
including John Cabot University, the character of this district now attracts musicians, artists,
