Blog - Life in Italy

All year round Trastevere is a major attraction for its restaurants, cabaret clubs, movie theaters, arts and crafts artisans and picutesque maze of narrow cobbled alleyways. Everywhere during the evenings, cafè and restaurants tables spill out over to the pavement, one area in particular is around Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere. During the morning hours, is better to appreciate the antique charm of Trastevere's unique narrow alleyways.

The Area - Trastevere is the district that stretches along the right bank of the Tiber. Once called "Trans Tiberem" (across the Tiber). It belonged to the hostile Etruscans. It was conquered again by Rome and gained control and access to the river from both banks.  There was only one passageway through a small wooden bridge called the Pons Sublicius (Latin: "bridge built on piles") between Trastevere and the rest of the city (Rome). The area began to be considered part of the city under Augustus, who divided Rome into 14 regions.

Trastevere grew in the middle ages with narrow, winding, irregular streets; due to the mignani (structures on the front of buildings) there was no space for carriages to pass, therefore Trastevere remained a maze of narrow streets. During the Republic era in 509,  the wealth of the Imperial Age, luxury villas and gardens were constructed on the hillside of Trastevere, Julius Caesar (his garden villa, the Horti Caesaris). The flat land below was occupied by the houses of the poor and small shops. Some of which are still there today! The streets had no pavement until the end of the 1400s. At first bricks were used, later replaced by sampietrini (cobble stones), which make up the famous narrow maze streets today.

This is the queen of all churches in Trastevere. The church of Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches in Rome, perhaps the first to ever host an open ceremony. It is believed that perhaps it was in this church Mother of God was worshiped in Rome.  Along the years the church has been altered with modifications, but despite of the 18^th century additions, Santa Maria has retained its medieval character. In the piazza, one can admire the Octagonal fountain which has now become a meeting point.

Nowadays, Trastevere maintains its character thanks to its narrow cobbled streets built in the medieval era. At night, both natives and tourists alike gather together around its many pubs and restaurants. The unique character of this neighborhood has become quite popular attracting tourists, locals, artists, foreign expats, and many famous people. This friendly area is strongly connected with the local community.

The area is home to John Cabot University, a private American University. Also to the American Academy in Rome, and the Rome campus of the Thomas More College of Liberal Arts. The Canadian University of Waterloo School of Architecture (between the months of September and December), and the American Pratt Institute School of Architecture therefore serving as a temporary home to an International student body.

Last but not least, when you visit Rome, you'll evidently need somewhere to stay. Whether you are a couple, group or family, then check out the apartments available for rent in this area. When coming to Rome, choose a quality Trastevere Area apartment from ThekeytoItaly.com and enjoy living an new experience surrounded by the locals in space and comfort.

One of the benefits about staying in a vacation rental apartment, is the fact that there are so many over priced hotels for the space and comfort you get, a short-term apartment may just be your best solution. If you would be interested in also visiting the beautiful countryside hills (Tuscany & Umbria) of Italy, we also offer Villas and Castles for rent from our ThekeytoItaly.com site as well.

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