Walking tour of Rome, Trastevere, Italy, Activitaly

The visit begins from Piazza Gioacchino Belli, where the statue of the greatest poet of Rome, elegant in his top-hat, seems to invite us to discover the beauties of his district. In the square rises the Anguillara Tower, better known as Dante's house, medieval tower belonging to one of the most powerful Roman families of the XIII cent.. Our guide will take you to the medieval heart of the district crossing Via della Lungaretta, straight street laid by order of the popes in the Renaissance to order the tangle of narrow streets and solve the problems of traffic. We reach then the church of Santa Cecilia one of the most famous and oldest churches of Trastevere. Splendid are the mosaics of the apse dating back to the IX cent., the Canopy of the XIII cent. and the fine statue of Santa Cecilia by Stefano Maderno.

You go then towards Piazza dei Mercanti, an area once inhabited by Jews and one of the most characteristic spots of the district. Walking through Via Anicia you reach Piazza S.Francesco a Ripa with the beautiful church of the XIII cent.. Inside the church you will admire the last work of art by Bernini, the statue of Blessed Ludovica Albertoni. In the adjacent convent is the cell used by St. Francis during his stay in Rome.

Returning on the Viale Trastevere we cross the modern throughfare to reach Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere which is considered the most charming corner of Trastevere. Opposite, the wonderful basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of the most beautiful churches of Rome appreciated for the harmony reached notwithsatnding the overlapping of styles down the centuries. It was the first church dedicated to the Virgin. Inside the guide will show you some of the best mosaics of Rome.

After the visit of the church we take Via della Scala and once again you will have the impression of a town having been hermetically sealed in a time capsule from the Middle Ages. We reach then the Septimian Gate built in the II century and later incorporated with the Aurelian Walls. Nearby you will see the home of "La Fornarina", Raphael's mistress, whom he immortalised in his famous painting.

We reach then Piazza Trilussa with the Acqua Paola Fountain which commemorates the new acqueduct carring water to the district in 1612. Opposite there's a small monument to the Romanesque poet Trilussa who greets us with his satirical poems telling us "arrivederci" to the next visit of another section of his cherished district.

We remind you that entrance into churches requires appropriate attire (no shorts, miniskirts or uncovered shoulders). It is also advisable to wear comfortable shoes

e-mail to Francesca Torri for your reservation

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Visit Rome, Italy. Alternative itineraries, walking tours with guide, sightseeing and tours of Italy. Activitaly Rome Italian version

Walking tour of Trastevere