Trastevere is rione XIII of Rome, otherwise known as its 13th district and its name derives from the Latin “trans Tiberim”, meaning literally: “Beyond the Tiber”. It’s ancient logo was a golden head of a lion on a red background, symbolized probably the pride of the quarter and the blood of the martyrs of the Christian era.
The history of this neighborhood is very interesting. In the Regal Period (753-509 B.C.) Trastevere belonged to the Etruscans and it was considered a danger to Rome. The Ancient Romans conquered it to gain access and control of the waterway on both sides of the river but it was not highly esteemed and it was joined to the city only by a wooden bridge. Romans were not interested in building on that area across the river. The rich villas and garden built during the Imperial Age, such as Clodia and Julius Caesar, changed the area and made Trastevere very popular.
Until the time of the Emperor Augustus, the district was immediately outside the city and became populated under his time. From the end of the Roman Republic, Trastevere was an important center of the Jewish Community, and temples of eastern culture were constructed, such as the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of Jupiter Heliopolitanus. The area developed a cosmopolitan culture which allowed it to become the unique and characteristic district that it is today.
Walking around its narrow, winding and irregular streets, you will see old buildings, reminiscent of classical Roman and medieval periods and you’ll stumble across masterpieces of great art and architecture. By the fifteenth and the sixteenth century buildings and churches which express the triumph of Cristianity.
You’ll be fascinated by different epochs, people and living styles. Street artists’ performances, folk people and vintage shops create a vibrant atmosphere.
Trastevere is touristic and dinning place and the centers of Roman night life with its pubs, restaurants, inns, clubs, pizzeria and cafés and taverns which populates the rione.