Welcome to the Trastevere Self-Guided Walking Tour: imagine walking on the right bank of the Tiber, under the shade of towering pines and plane trees, and feeling the breeze on your face. You’re on Janiculum Hill, one of the favorite spots of the Romans, who come here to relax, exercise, play with their kids, or admire the stunning view of the city. You can see the domes, the bell towers, the terraces, and the hills that make Rome so unique and beautiful. As you descend the hill, you follow a wide avenue that takes you to Trastevere, the lively and charming neighborhood across the river. Along the way, you encounter fountains, monuments, and gardens that tell the story of Garibaldi’s heroic deeds, and you marvel at Bramante’s little temple, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. You also visit two magnificent villas, one of them being the Farnesina, a jewel of art and elegance. If you love art, you’ll be amazed by the frescoes, sculptures, and paintings that adorn these buildings. If you love food and drinks, you’ll be delighted by the cafes, bars, and restaurants that fill Trastevere with music and laughter. You’ll mingle with tourists and locals, who still preserve the authentic spirit of this ancient district. You’ll wander through the narrow streets, the cozy squares, and the hidden corners, where you’ll discover some treasures of the Middle Ages and the Baroque, such as the colorful angels in Cavallini’s Last Judgment, or the playful cherubs in Santa Maria dell’Orto. This Trastevere self-guided walking tour will take you on a journey of beauty, history, and fun. Don’t miss it!
Janiculum Hill
Did you know that the Janiculum is not one of the seven hills of Rome? It’s a bit of an outsider, but it has a lot of stories to tell. It was once a busy road to Gaul, where Julius Caesar marched with his legions. It was also a place where wealthy Romans built their villas and gardens, thanks to the water brought by the Trajan Aqueduct. But when the barbarians came and destroyed the water pipes, the hill became a wild and lonely place, where only a few monks lived. It took centuries for the popes to restore the water and the walls, and to connect the Janiculum with the Vatican. The hill was still quiet and peaceful, except when war broke out. Then, it became a strategic and bloody battlefield, where heroes like Marius and Garibaldi fought for the fate of Rome. You can see their statues, busts, monuments, and plaques along the Gianicolo Promenade, a tribute to their courage and sacrifice. The Janiculum may not be one of the seven hills, but it’s one of the most fascinating and historic places in Rome.
On the slopes of the Janiculum
Ready for a walk to remember? Then head to Piazza della Rovere, where the Tiber river flows by, and follow the signs to Sant’ Onofrio. It’s a cute little church with a cozy cloister and a jaw-dropping fresco that will make you go wow. That’s where the Gianicolo Walk begins, and trust me, you don’t want to miss it. It’s a winding path that takes you up the hill, where you’ll get the best view of Rome ever. Seriously, it’s like a postcard coming to life. On your way up, you’ll pass by the Rampa della Quercia, a shortcut that leads you to a lighthouse that looks like it belongs on a beach, not on a hill. But hey, that’s Rome for you, full of surprises. The lighthouse was a gift from the Italians of Argentina in 1931, and it’s called the Victory Lighthouse, because why not. Next to it, you’ll see a monument to Anita Garibaldi, a badass woman who rode her horse into battle with her husband, who was also named Garibaldi. They were freedom fighters, and they’re pretty famous in Italy. You might have heard of Garibaldi biscuits, but they have nothing to do with them. Anyway, the monument is in the middle of a square that’s named after Garibaldi, and it’s the perfect spot to admire the city. You’ll see everything from ancient domes to Renaissance villas to modern monuments, all in one glance. It’s like a history lesson, but way more fun. You’ll see the Pantheon, the old temple that’s now a church, that was built by Hadrian, the emperor who liked to travel a lot. You’ll see Villa Medici, the fancy palace that’s now a museum, that was built by the Medici, the rich family who liked to rule a lot. You’ll see the Vittoriano, the huge white building that’s now a symbol of Italy, that was built by Victor Emmanuel II, the king who liked to unify a lot. And you’ll see the Alban Hills, the green mountains that are now a natural park, that was formed by volcanoes, the fiery rocks that liked to erupt a lot. It’s a stunning view, and you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world, or at least on top of Rome. And that’s pretty awesome.
