Trattoria in Trastevere | Flickr: Jorge Franganillo CC-BY 2.0Past meets present
Away from the beaten paths around the Colosseum or the Vatican is a neighborhood that has long been no secret. The charming district on the western side of the Tiber gives insights into the authentically Roman. Trastevere, which means 'beyond the Tiber', has retained its rustic charm and presents itself as a place where the past meets the present. The narrow alleys, overgrown with colorful flowers, convey a feeling of walking in a time capsule from the Rome of centuries past. The Artisan Shops and the trendy venues reflect contemporary Rome.One trend chases the other
In Trastevere past meets present, trends meet tradition. One such place that combines both is the trendy Ristorante Tonnarello. The restaurant was opened in 1876 and celebrates traditional Roman cuisine. At the same time, it is 'THE Instagram hype' - hundreds of hungry tourists queue up every evening to eat the famous Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe or Carbonara.
Similar scenes unfold at Piazza di Santa Maria. The church rising behind it is the oldest Marian church in Rome and gives a feeling of taking a walk through Rome's history. However, the atmosphere is interrupted by modern bars serving young couples Aperol at sunset.
Trastevere is a deserved hype in the Instagram society. But for those who do not want to queue at Tonnarello, it is better to go to Rione 13. There, many food tours of Trastevere also stop - it was one of my highlights in Rome! The way is a bit further but definitely worth the short walk.
Trastevere | Flickr: Ben Demey CC-BY 2.0The 'Roman Movida'
Those who don't want to eat at a restaurant during their excursion to Trastevere can grab a pizza-sandwich at the new, trendy Street Food Trapizzino. The name Trapizzino is a fusion of Tramezzino and Pizza. With that, and a chilled bottle of wine from the supermarket, you can stroll over to Piazza Trilussa and listen to the street musicians. During my vacation in Rome, I was very lucky to experience a virtuoso guitarist with the voice of an angel. The next day, luck was not as kind, and after the poor performance of Eye of the Tiger, I quickly moved on. Nevertheless, it was entertaining!
Although Trastevere is no longer an insider tip, it remains a true jewel of the city of Rome and has preserved its own rhythm. The hustle and bustle of Rome's touristic hotspots have not yet reached Trastevere. Even as a visitor, I took a bit more time in Trastevere to enjoy the hustle and bustle. At the tables of the small trattorias sit old Italian men with a glass of red wine in hand, and at Piazza di Santa Maria, I watch the talented sprayers whom I normally walk past. When the sun sets, Trastevere comes to life, the influencers come out with new foodie posts from their authentic Roman osteria or trattoria. In the bars and clubs, they meet with locals and other visitors, enjoying the warm Roman night air, mixed with the unique ambiance of the district.
In a city that is often overshadowed by the grandeur of its ancient monuments, Trastevere reminds us that Rome is not just made of stones, but also of stories, people, and the joy of life that flows through the streets. It is the place where the past comes alive in the present and the essence of Rome is palpable in every cobblestone. Trastevere is not just a district; it is the beating heart of Rome that pulses and nourishes the soul of the Eternal City.