Trastevere is rione XIII of Rome, on the west bank of the Tiber, south of Vatican City. Its name comes from the Latin trans Tiberim, meaning literally “beyond the Tiber”. Its logo is a golden head of a lion on a red background. Trastevere borders to the N the XIV rione, Borgo.
In Rome’s Regal period , the area across the Tiber belonged to the hostile Etruscans: the romans named it Ripa Etrusca (etruscan bank). Rome conquered it in order to have the control of and access to the river from both sides.
By the time of the Republic in 509, the number of sailors and fishermen making a living from the river had increased, and many of these had taken up residence in Trastevere. There were a lot of people coming from the East, too, mainly Jews and Syrians.
The area started being considered part of the city under Augustus, who divided Rome in 14 regions; the modern Trastevere was the XIV and was called Trans Tiberim.
Thanks to its partial isolation (it was “beyond the Tiber”) and to its multicultural environment since the ancient Roman period, the inhabitants of Trastevere, called trasteverini, were able to develop a separate culture of their own.
Nowadays, Trastevere keeps its peculiarity thanks to its narrow streets covered by sampietrini, surrounded by original medieval popular houses.
At night the streets are crowded by both Italians and foreigners because of the many pubs and restaurants. However, much of the original character of Trastevere remains.The individual character of this neighborhood has attracted artists, foreign expats.
Trastevere Video by Romeloft.com
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Trastevere Area Map with restaurants, groceries & cafes
Restaurants:
- “Zi’ Umberto” , Piazza della Malva 11. Amazing ‘bucatini alla Matriciana’. 25.00-35.00 for a meal, credit cards accepted. Typical Roman cuisine.
- “Enoteca Ferrara”, Via del Moro 1/a, Piazza Trilussa n. 41, tel. 065803769. 50.00-70.00 for a meal, credit cards accepted. In old Trastevere area, classic/ typical Roman cuisine.
- “Trattoria da Augusto” Piazza de’Renzi 15, tel. 065803798. 25.00-45.00 for a meal, credit cards not accepted. Typical Roman cuisine.
- “Antica Pesa”, Via Garibaldi 18, tel. 065809236. Closed on Monday at lunch. 60.00-90.00 for a meal, credit cards accepted. Air conditioning. Typical Roman cuisine, seafood dishes, pasta.
Pizzerias:
- “Da Gildo” Via della Scala 31a, tel. 065800733. Closed on Wednesday in winter, rest of the year closed on Sunday. Approx 20.00 for a meal (13.00 for pizza and salad). Creative salads and pizzas.
- “Ai Marmi”, Viale Trastevere 53/59, tel. 065800919. Closed on Monday and every day at lunch. 15.00-30.00 for a meal, credit cards not accepted.
Wine:
- “Enoteca Ferrara” Piazza Trilussa 41, tel. 0658333920. Closed on Sunday in summer, on Tuesday in winter. About 250 choices of wines, also restaurant (reservations adviced).
Café’s:
- “Ombre Rosse Café” Piazza di S. Egidio 12, tel. 065884155. Open from 7.30am to 2am, closed on Sunday morning. Cocktail bar and tea room.
- “Lettere Café” Via S. Francesco a Ripa 100, tel 0658334379. Open from 2pm to 2am. Café, library bistrot, tea room, films on request.
Cinemas:
- “Nuovo Sacher” Largo Ascianghi 1, tel. 065818116. Films also in original language, reading room and café.
- “Pasquino” Piazza S. Egidio 10, tel. 065815208. Films in original language.
- “Intrastevere” Vicolo Moroni 3, tel. 065884230.
At night:
- “Big Mama” Vicolo San Francesco a Ripa 18, tel. 065812551. Open from 9pm to 1.30am. Closed on Monday. Monthly pass 6.00 euros. Historical spot for the blues. Jazz, rock and funk every evening. Also restaurant.
- “Big Hilda Café” Vicolo del cinque 33. Open from 6.30pm to 2am, on Sunday from 12am to 2am. Wines and beers, also restaurant.
- “La mescita” Piazza Trilussa 41, tel. 0658333920. Open from 6 pm to 2 am. Refined and international atmosphere.Caffé della Scala Via della Scala 4, tel. 065803610. Open from 4.30pm to 2am. Tea room and cocktail bar, soft atmosphere.
International Bookstore:
- “The corner Bookshop” Via del Moro 48, tel. 065836942. Closed on Monday morning.
- “Bibli” Via dei Fienaroli 27/28, tel. 065884097. Open from 11am to midnight every day except Monday. Also cinema, live music, tea room.
Market places:
- Piazza San Cosimato Open from 6am to 1.30pm. Closed on Sunday. High quality food market.
- Piazza di Porta Portese (or from Piazza Ippolito Nievo) Open from 5am to 2pm, Sundays only. Rome’s biggest and most famous market.
Supermarket-alimentari:
- “Despar” Via San Bartolomeo de Vaccinari 78. Open Mon-Sat from 8 am to 9 pm, Sun from 9 am to 9 pm.
- “Crai/Volpetti” Vicolo del cinque 44/45
