What is the most charming neighbourhood in Rome?
Find out Rome’s most charming neighbourhood and other areas you must check out!
Rome is an ancient city that has countless ruins scattered throughout the city. However, this ancient city has some charming neighbourhoods with their own uniqueness and quirks too.
Perhaps the most charming neighbourhood in Rome is Trastevere. It is one of Rome’s most favourite and beautiful neighbourhoods. Trastevere has old cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways.
Trastevere has some of Rome’s best bars, a great atmosphere, and is perfect for those who are travelling to Rome. It takes about 20 minutes via train to reach Trastevere. It makes a great neighbourhood to stay in to be close to the city.
What can I see and do in Trastevere?
Trastevere is a trendy neighbourhood with great restaurants, bars, artwork, and significant churches. With many places to see in this neighbourhood, let’s get into some popular places to visit.
Ponte Fabricio – the oldest functioning bridge in Rome
Ponte Fabricio was first used in 62 B.C. and is also one of the oldest bridges in Europe. The arch bridge links Tiber Island to the Jewish Ghetto. There is also the sister bridge Ponte Cestio which was rebuilt multiple times.
Explore the Basilica of Santa Maria
The most loved church in Trastevere and one of the oldest ones in Rome is the Basilica of Santa Maria which dates back to 340 A.D.
The columns, floorplan and walls are from when the basilica first opened. Other parts of the basilica date back to the 12th century like the mosaics and the bell tower. Inside this basilica, there are two frescoes on the ceiling by Giorgio Vasari. If you’re a culture lover, make sure to check out this church!
Check out Janiculum Hill (Belvedere del Gianicolo)
Janiculum Hill has one of the best panoramic views you will get of Rome! This part of Trastevere is very charming and a perfect place to enjoy the view with friends, family or during a date with your potential partner.
Visit the Basilica of Santa Cecilia
The Basilica of Santa Cecilia may not look the most exciting from the outside. It does have a courtyard out the front with a fountain in the middle and rose bushes surrounding it.
The inside is way more interesting if we’re being honest. As you walk inside, you’ll notice the centrepiece of Saint Cecilia’s statue by Stefano Maderno. There is a beautiful fresco on the ceiling as you walk in, and you’ll see the ciborium which is kind of a canopy on top of the altar. Arnolfo di Cambio designed and built the ciborium which is worth taking a closer look (if you’re allowed to).
Trastevere was a hidden gem for a very long time but is now a charming neighbourhood that everyone would like to explore. Spend the morning having breakfast with coffee at a local café before discovering the neighbourhood. You can enjoy a picnic on Janiculum Hill before your delightful dinner at a restaurant. Ensure you check out the nightlife and find a bar to go to before ending the night in your cosy accommodation!
