Join us to discover the hidden secrets of this incredible area of Rome: the Tiber Island and Trastevere district.
From small squares to sumptuous churches, from monuments dedicated to the most famous people in the city’s history, to lesser known places that you can admire in total freedom.
One of our professional guides will be waiting for you on Ponte Fabricio to begin the exploration of the only island in the Roman territory, whose name derives precisely from the river that surrounds it like a strong embrace. Of course, we are talking about the beautiful Tiber Island!
Crossing Ponte Fabricio, the oldest of the Roman bridges still in use, you will reach the island from the left bank of the Tiber and have the impression that you are stepping into a time machine and going back centuries, when the Greeks and Romans made Rome the great city and empire it truly was.
You will have a front row seat to relive all the major events that marked its development and history.
Because of its shape and location, the Tiber Island has always been the “bridge” par excellence for the city of Rome, connecting the ancient city’s most important trade routes.
At the end of your trip to the Tiber Island, one of Rome’s most beautiful and authentic neighborhoods awaits you: Trastevere. Its name comes from the Latin “trans Tiberim” (beyond the Tiber), which described its separation from the ancient core of the city. Soon, however, it became an extremely lively – though poor – district populated by the best artisans: potters, carpenters, millers, blacksmiths, leather and ivory workers. But also musicians, writers and painters, who lived among these narrow and charming alleys, breathing the air of the real popular Rome.
Along the way, you will visit the Basilica of San Crisogono, among the oldest in Rome. Unknown to the general public, it is a true masterpiece of the 17th century, with its frescoes and paintings, the remains of the original church and many stories and legends.
You’ll know you’re in the heart of Rome’s most characteristic district when you arrive at Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere. Here you will admire the Basilica of the same name, with its centuries-old history: it was in fact the first official place of Christian worship in the city. The basilica is a triumph of wonders and precious art treasures, such as its mosaics, some of which are already visible from outside the building, including those from the 13th century on the upper part of the facade, or those by Pietro Cavallini, depicting the story of the Virgin.
Before concluding this trip, we will not miss the chance to explore the historic alleys around Piazza San Cosimato. We will admire the 10th-century church of the same name from the outside before heading to Piazza San Francesco d’Assisi, where we will find the magnificent Baroque church that houses the cell where St. Francis stayed during his visits to Rome. The Church of San Francesco a Ripa is a place of great artistic importance that preserves wonderful pieces of art such as Bernini’s Ecstasy of Blessed Ludovica and the works of art in the chapel signed by Giorgio de Chirico.
Our exciting journey through the ancient and popular heart of Rome is coming to an end. As we make our way to the Tiber Island we might enjoy the melodies coming from the Basilica of Santa Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians.
Highlights:
– Ponte Fabricio
– Tiber Island
– Trastevere
– Basilica of San Crisogono
– Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere
– Piazza di San Cosimato
– San Francesco a Ripa
– Santa Cecilia
