Trastevere District
Trastevere is the 13th rione of Rome, Italy, identified by the initials R. XIII and located within Municipio I. Its name derives from the Latin trans Tiberim, meaning “beyond the Tiber”. The district lies on the west bank of the river and is among the most characteristic historic quarters of the city.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic district (rione) of Rome
- Period
- Ancient to modern Rome
- Style
- Medieval and Renaissance urban fabric
- Location
- Municipio I, Rome, Italy
Overview
Trastevere is the 13th rione of Rome, designated R. XIII and administered within Municipio I. It occupies the west bank of the Tiber, a position reflected in its name, from the Latin trans Tiberim. The quarter is known for its narrow cobbled streets and its long-standing role in the daily life of the city.
History
The name Trastevere preserves the Latin description of land lying beyond the Tiber, marking the district’s identity since antiquity. Over the centuries the area developed as a distinct quarter on the river’s west bank. It retains a historic urban fabric that records successive phases of Rome’s growth.
What you see
Visitors find a dense network of narrow streets and small squares typical of historic Rome. The district sits beside the Tiber, linking it to the rest of the city by its bridges. Its character is defined by the layered architecture of a long-inhabited quarter within Municipio I.
Cultural significance
As one of the historic rioni of Rome, Trastevere is integral to the identity of the city’s old centre. Its name and location on the west bank of the Tiber carry a continuity of place reaching back to the Latin trans Tiberim.
Practical information
Trastevere is an open historic district within Municipio I of Rome and can be explored on foot. For details on specific monuments, museums or guided tours in the area, check the official website.
Getting there
The district lies on the west bank of the Tiber and is reached from the city centre across its bridges. It is served by Rome’s tram and bus lines, and is within walking distance of the historic core.