Trastevere is a picturesque quarter of Rome that has a bohemian feel.
Strolling Trastevere Slide Show (mouse over and click or touch to control slides)
The church of Santa Maria in Trastevere is built on the location of the first Christian place of worship in Rome.
The church of Santa Cecila in Trastevere is built on top of the house of St. Cecilia who was martyred for her faith here about AD 230. Musicians will recognize St. Cecilia as the patron saint of music.
Villa Farnesina is a hidden gem with simple Renaissance design and rich frescoes including one by Raphael. (Slide Show)
Pre Day 1 (June 2) Trastevere
We came a day before the tour began as insurance for flight delays and to deal with jet lag. Our flight arrived at Fiumicino about 10 am and our cab driver delivered us to the hotel before noon. Casa San Giuseppe is a neat little place on a backstreet in Trastevere. Nancy took a nap and Gary walked around Trastevere for a couple of hours. Obviously, we have different theories on jet lag. We had an early meal at the Ristorante Da Massi that was relatively close to the hotel and quite good. We strolled over to Piazza di Santa Maria and went inside the Church of Santa Maria in Trastevere just in time for choir practice. Beautiful mosaics in the church. After enjoying life on the piazza for a while, finally it was late enough to go to sleep.
We came a day before the tour began as insurance for flight delays and to deal with jet lag. Our flight arrived at Fiumicino about 10 am and our cab driver delivered us to the hotel before noon. Casa San Giuseppe is a neat little place on a backstreet in Trastevere. Nancy took a nap and Gary walked around Trastevere for a couple of hours. Obviously, we have different theories on jet lag. We had an early meal at the Ristorante Da Massi that was relatively close to the hotel and quite good. We strolled over to Piazza di Santa Maria and went inside the Church of Santa Maria in Trastevere just in time for choir practice. Beautiful mosaics in the church. After enjoying life on the piazza for a while, finally it was late enough to go to sleep.
Day 1 (June 3) Welcome to Italy
The Villa Farnesina is only a short walk from the Casa San Giuseppe and well worth a visit. Following a leisurely tour of the villa, we crossed the Tiber to the Campo de' Fiori to stroll the market and lunch outside at the La Carbonara. Then to Piazza Navona which was magic on this bright, sunny day. After a stop to pick up an unusual size battery in an electrical shop, we went back to Trastevere. A detour up Lungo Raphael Sanzio to Piazza Belli to get euros was a success and we returned to the Casa San Giuseppe in time for the tour meeting.
Donald White, a scot from Perthshire that lives in Italy and speaks German as well as Italian, was our guide.
Donald led us on a walking tour of Trastevere and the highlight for us was probably the extensive tour of the chapel and home of St. Cecelia, the patron saint of music. A nun at the chapel took us under the chapel to St. Cecelia's house and the crypt with the saint's relics.
The day ended with an excellent group meal at the La Fontano that included bruschetta, fried zucchini blossoms, veal cooked with bacon, potatoes roasted in rosemary, and tiramisu.
The Villa Farnesina is only a short walk from the Casa San Giuseppe and well worth a visit. Following a leisurely tour of the villa, we crossed the Tiber to the Campo de' Fiori to stroll the market and lunch outside at the La Carbonara. Then to Piazza Navona which was magic on this bright, sunny day. After a stop to pick up an unusual size battery in an electrical shop, we went back to Trastevere. A detour up Lungo Raphael Sanzio to Piazza Belli to get euros was a success and we returned to the Casa San Giuseppe in time for the tour meeting.
Donald White, a scot from Perthshire that lives in Italy and speaks German as well as Italian, was our guide.
Donald led us on a walking tour of Trastevere and the highlight for us was probably the extensive tour of the chapel and home of St. Cecelia, the patron saint of music. A nun at the chapel took us under the chapel to St. Cecelia's house and the crypt with the saint's relics.
The day ended with an excellent group meal at the La Fontano that included bruschetta, fried zucchini blossoms, veal cooked with bacon, potatoes roasted in rosemary, and tiramisu.