Testaccio neighbourhood, Rome
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Testaccio - by Joris (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Description
Testaccio is the 20th rione of Rome, a working-class neighbourhood that is increasingly gentrified and popular with tourists, especially for its traditional trattorias and trendy bars. Historically, the area was named after the Testaccio hill, effectively a landfill of clay amphorae. Most of the trade on the Tiber River took place there until the urban and industrial expansion of the 2nd half of the 19th century. Since then, it has been a center of trafficking, the cradle of the AS Roma (football club) and a hub of activity for butchers. Highlights include the Porta San Paolo (part of the 3rd century Aurelian Walls), the Pyramid of Cestius (built as a tomb), the Testaccio Market, Santa Maria Liberatrice church, and the Fontana delle Anfore (Fountain of the Amphoras).
Access & Transport
The neighbourhood is located southeast of Trastevere, across the Tiber and roughly 1km south-west of the Circus Maximus Tram 8 has three stops along its north-western edge: Emporio, Marmorata / Vanvitelli, and Marmorata / Galvani. There are also several bus lines serving the area and the Piramide metro station (MEB, MEB1) and Roma Porta S. Paolo train station are a 5-10mins walk away
Instructions & Recommendations
Testaccio is a great place for a meal and can easily be combined with the Trastevere neighbourhood and/or the Roman era ruins around the Foro Romano & Colosseum. It is also relatively close to Via Appia Antica.
Environmental & Social
Very urban environment. Not overly commercial, with many independent stores, and some cultural diversity
Conclusion
The neighbourhood has so far managed to remain close to its roots and offers visitors a taste or Roman life and food served with a few monuments on the side. A pleasant place to discover for anybody with more than 3 days in the city
Key positive
A few monuments worth seeing
Not over-commercialized
Good and fairly priced restaurants
Key negative
A little out of the way but well connected by tram
Suitability
No restrictions
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
April 2023
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 30m
est. visit time:1h 15m
Sunrise / early morningNo
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo