subject: Enjoy Rome Like The Romans In The Trastevere District [print this page] Visitors to Rome are often so determined to visit all of the citys remarkable attractions that they dont allow themselves to stop and smell the roses. It is so easy to spend an entire holiday hopping on and off a tour bus, squeezing in all of the sites, but Rome has so much more to offer. Located just steps from the Worldhotel Ripa Roma is the Trastevere district, one of the citys most authentic cultural centres, bustling with attractions and gastronomical delights.
What to see
When you leave the embrace of the Worldhotel Ripa Roma and stroll through the Trastevere district, it quickly becomes apparent that the area is home to a host of breathtaking bridges, gardens and churches.
Ponte Sisto This historic footbridge connects the Piazza Trilussa in Trastevere to the Via del Pettinari in the Rione of Regola. Ponte Sisto has been featured in films, music videos, and adverts. Its construction was ordered by Pope Sixtus IV [who was also responsible for the Sistine Chapel and the Opsedale di Santo Spirito], but when he realized there was not enough money to build it, he levied a tax on prostitution in order to gain money for its construction.
Orto Botanico (Botanical Gardens) This beautiful garden was originally established in 1883 and contains over 3,500 species of plants. It distinguishes itself from other gardens in that it has a scent-and-touch garden for those visually impaired.
Santa Maria in Trastevere Legend has it that this church was founded in the year 222, which would make it one of the citys oldest churches. It has a nave lined with mismatched collections of columns taken from ancient Roman buildings. The apse is covered in remarkable gold metallics from the 13th century and the faade is decorated with mosaics portraying the Virgin Mary and ten unidentified figures.
What to do
Why not just wander around the cobbled, narrow, winding streets of the Trastevere? Losing your way will allow you to find places that you were never even looking for, but will be so glad you found. No matter where you end up, you will always be within a short distance of the Worldhotel Ripa Roma and you are certain to enjoy the view from any location.
Big Mama Known as Romes original House of the Blues, Big Mama has been hosting both Italian and international artists with blues and jazz concerts for over twenty-five years.
Viale di Trastevere If its shopping that tickles your fancy, you can find stands selling everything from clothing and accessories to fresh fruit and vegetables. Simply wander along the Ponte Garibaldi all the way down to the Trastevere Train Station.
Mangi [eat]
"I eat my lunch in a quiet trattoria here, and I linger over my food and wine for many hours because nobody in Trastevere is ever going to stop you from lingering over your meal if that's what you would like to do." so said Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love, and she said it so well!
Ai Bozzi Located in the heart of Trastevere, this delightful Italian restaurant prides itself on its traditional dishes as well as its innovative variations of Italian classics. When sitting outside, you will be able to enjoy an exceptional view of the piazza.
Osteria der Belli This culinary hot spot is run by four brothers from Sardinia who promise to deliver only the freshest and most delectable seafood dishes and they certainly make good on that.
The Worldhotel Ripa Roma is the ideal location for your holiday in Rome because of its close proximity to the Trastevere district and its myriad delights: beautiful sites, plenty of shopping, people watching and brilliant cuisine - what more could you ask for?
