Located on the West bank of the Tiber River, Trastevere is a must-visit for anyone passing through Rome. With endless cobbled streets and narrow houses, the area epitomizes a real Roman neighborhood.
A city within a city, Trastevere is home to hundreds of cafes and restaurants that attract locals and tourists alike. This gives the area its lively character, which it has retained for centuries.
John Cabot University is perfectly located in the center of Trastevere, meaning that students will have ample opportunity to get lost in the district’s beautiful streets, explore its historic churches, and eat and drink in its many bars and restaurants.
Read on to find out the top places you need to visit in Trastevere.
Towering over Trastevere is one of Rome’s oldest churches. The Basilica di Santa Maria dates back to as early as 340AD, and the original foundations, floor plan, and wall structure still exist today.
The church underwent a major renovation in the 12th century, which saw the addition of a Romanesque bell tower. The main feature of the Basilica di Santa Maria is the 12th century mosaics which line its interior walls and ceilings.
Legend says the church is built on the location where a fountain of oil miraculously spouted from the ground in 32 BC, and this is pictured in some of its mosaics. Visitors to the church can also see relics such as the Holy Sponge and the head of St Apollonia. JCU students can visit the church from 7:30am to 9pm every day.
When you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, reconnect with nature in Trastevere’s botanic garden, Orto Bontanica. This relaxing space is filled with Japanese style gardens and cactus houses. It’s a great place to visit if you need to relax in between classes, or just want to spend time with friends while you study in Italy.
The gardens were previously the private gardens of the Corsini family and have been in bloom since 1883. Nowadays, people can visit from 9am to 6:30pm and tickets cost as little as €4.
L ’Isola Tiberina, or Tiber Island, is one of the smallest inhabited islands in the world. At just 270 metres in length, the island is the perfect place to escape the city and explore.
The island has an interesting history and is still associated with health and medicine by many Italians today. In the 3rd century, the Temple of Aesculapius—the Greek god of medicine and healing—was built there, and the temple’s columns still exist within the Basilica di San Bartolomea all’Isola.
As well as this, the Fatebenefratelli Hospital, which was established in the 16th century, still runs today. Today, the island is known for its food festivals and the Isola del Cinema film festival. Gamers may even recognize it from Assassin’s Creed!
Do you want to study abroad in Italy?
Contact John Cabot University to find out more!