Trastevere. Rome you never knew

What to expect

Chronicles of winding streets
The walk will start with the history of Trastevere: I will tell you about the Etruscans who inhabited these places, the first Romans, battles in the artificial lake, ancient villas, the first Roman bridge, and even about the work of the fire brigade in the 3rd century AD. On Lungara street, you will imagine pilgrims heading to the Vatican, and at the Porta Settimiana - the walls that defended Trastevere from attacks. You will also visit a pharmacy that has been alive for over 500 years thanks to the monks from the neighboring church, and approach the symbol of Trastevere - the barrel fountain by Pietro Lombardi.

Trastevere's churches and their masterpieces
Along the way, we will of course visit the most beautiful and significant basilicas of the area:

• In the beautiful early Christian Santa Maria in Trastevere church, you will hear the legend of its appearance, admire a 6th-century icon that saved Rome from drought, study the Avila chapel that inspired Borromini, and touch the columns made of ancient thermal baths.
• The San Francesco a Ripa church, where St. Francis of Assisi stayed, will allow you to quietly admire Bernini's sculpture and the luxurious Pallavicini family chapel.
• And in the Basilica of Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians, you will learn about the works of the most famous creators of their time: Guido Reni, Pietro Cavallini, Stefano Maderno.

Hidden plots of authentic corners
Getting to know the real Rome is impossible without stories of what happened behind its facades. You will see how the "House of Punishment" for girls is next to the Villa Farnesina, a Renaissance gem, and the shelter for the underprivileged is next to the Palazzo Corsini. We will talk about the craft that saved children from poor families and look out the window where, according to legend, the young daughter of a baker lived, who Raphael was madly in love with. I will reveal the meaning of unusual inscriptions on buildings, and near the house where the Italian actor Alberto Sordi was born, I will tell you about two generous Trastevere residents.

Next - to the Janiculum Hill
Having uncovered the secrets of Trastevere, you will head to the Janiculum Hill. Here you will hear about the life of Giuseppe Garibaldi, the unification of Italy, and the Risorgimento period, enjoy the panorama from the viewing platform, and see the Aqua Paola fountain, no less beautiful than the Trevi Fountain.

☕ 🍦 We will stop for coffee in cozy bars and for handmade ice cream from seasonal fruits. Upon your request, I will recommend cafes with the most aromatic coffee, restaurants with authentic Roman cuisine, pizzerias, and romantic terraces for an aperitif.