The medieval district of Trastevere

The medieval district of Trastevere in Rome’s beautiful historical centre is a must see and a foodie haven. Trastevere means to ‘traverse’ the ‘Tevere’, in other words on other side of the river, which is a side of Rome brimming with delicious gelaterie and must do boutiques.

Santa Maria in Trastevere

The church of Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches in Rome, dating back to the 340s and has many important mosaics from medieval times. This lovely church sits on a piazza which is host to many bars and restaurants, which makes for a great place to people watch.

Whilst there’s mainly medieval architecture to see today,the history is very rich and it goes back as far as 3000 years B.C.Ripa Etrusca, the Tiber’s Etruscan Bank, was once home to the Estruscan tribes and then later on, many Jewish residents. It has always had a very international vibe and is today is buzzing with expats.

Antica Farmacia della Scala

Right beside Trastavere’s Santa Maria della Scala church, is the once upon a time herbalist and pharmacist to the 17th Century Papal court, and is still run by Carmelite monks.  You can still visit the marble room decorated with murals of medicinal herbs and purchase some special medicinal potions.

Mercato di San Cosimato

Every morning, tourists and locals alike are drawn to this traditional food market which been serving all the Roman delicacies since the early 1900’s. There’s everything you heart could desire food wise. The old school fishmonger Menelik has been there since the 1920’s, and Mauro the butcher who sells steaks, domestic fowls, quails and meat balls. Open everyday except Sunday from 7:30 am to 2 pm.

Enoteca Ferrara

When it’s time to sit down after a hard days walking around Trastevere, you can’t go wrong with a glass of wine at a local rustic Enoteca such as Enoteca Ferrara situated in Piazza Trilussa, 41. They have a fab menu and huge basement cellar full of delicious wines. Buon apetito.

Why not book a Trastevere food and wine walking tour and discover it’s many secrets.