Trastevere: Rome's Bohemian Heart

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ah-ree-veh-der-chee]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [pair fah-voh-reh/preh-goh]
• Thank youGrazie
  [grah-tsee-eh]
• Excuse me/SorryScusa/Mi dispiace
  [skoo-sah/mee dee-spyah-cheh]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh stah-ee?]
• Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [beh-neh. eh too?]
• Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [pahr-lee een-gleh-zeh?]
• I don't understandNon capisco
  [non kah-pee-skoh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menù, per favore
  [vor-ray veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo, pair fah-voh-reh]
• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [non mahn-joh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vor-ray pah-gah-reh, pair fah-voh-reh]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh!]
• Go away!Vai via!
  [vah-ee vee-ah!]
• Call the Police!Chiama la Polizia!
  [kee-ah-mah lah poh-lee-tsyah!]
• Call a doctor!Chiama un dottore!
  [kee-ah-mah oon doh-toh-reh!]
• I'm lostSono perso
  [soh-noh pehr-soh]
• I'm illSono malato
  [soh-noh mah-lah-toh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vor-ray kohm-prah-reh...]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh guar-dahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwahn-toh koh-stah?]
• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh trohp-poh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwah-ee ahb-bahs-sah-reh eel preh-tsoh?]

• What time is it?Che ora è?
  [keh oh-rah eh?]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
• Half past (10)Sono le dieci e mezza
  [soh-noh leh dee-eh-chee eh meht-sah]
• MorningMattina
  [maht-tee-nah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
• EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [oh-jee]
• TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Due
  [doo-eh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Quattro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
• 6Sei
  [say]
• 7Sette
  [seht-teh]
• 8Otto
  [oh-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dieci
  [dee-eh-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è...?
  [doh-veh...?]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwahl eh leen-dee-reet-soh?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [pwah-ee mohs-tahr-mee (sool-lah mahp-pah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh pahs-sah eel prohs-see-moh (ow-toh-boo-s)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon bee-lyet-toh (pair ....)]

Trastevere's history dates back to ancient Rome, where it was originally inhabited by the Etruscans and later became a part of the Roman Empire. The name 'Trastevere' derives from the Latin 'Trans Tiberim', meaning 'across the Tiber', highlighting its location on the west bank of the river. This area was initially viewed as a suburban region, home to artisans and laborers.

During the 4th century, Trastevere became an important center for early Christianity. The Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of the oldest churches in Rome, was established around this time. The neighborhood flourished throughout the Middle Ages, becoming a hub for pilgrims and religious gatherings, which fostered a unique blend of local culture and spirituality.

The Renaissance period saw Trastevere evolve into a vibrant cultural area. The construction of palaces and villas by wealthy families, including the Farnese family, transformed the neighborhood's aesthetic. Artists such as Raphael and Michelangelo were influenced by the local culture, contributing to the area's artistic legacy. The region became known for its lively streets and vibrant markets.

In the 19th century, with the unification of Italy, Trastevere underwent significant urban development. The neighborhood retained its lively character but began to modernize with new infrastructure. The establishment of public transport and the introduction of new residential buildings changed the demographic landscape, attracting a mix of social classes.

The 20th century marked a cultural renaissance in Trastevere, with the establishment of various cultural institutions, theaters, and art galleries. The area became a haven for artists, intellectuals, and bohemians. The vibrant nightlife, with its bustling bars and restaurants, solidified Trastevere's reputation as a cultural hotspot in Rome, celebrating both traditional Roman culture and contemporary influences.

Trastevere is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Rome. From the city center, you can take tram number 8 from Piazza Venezia, which will take you directly to Trastevere Station. Alternatively, buses such as the 44 and 75 connect Trastevere with other areas. If you are coming from the Vatican, the easiest option is to walk across the Tiber River via the Ponte Sisto. For those arriving by train, the Trastevere train station is well-connected to major Italian cities.

Trastevere is a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, and many of its charming streets are best explored on foot. Public transport options include buses and trams, with stops conveniently located throughout the area. Bicycles can also be rented from local shops or bike-sharing services for a leisurely ride along the Tiber. Additionally, taxis and rideshare services are available if you need to travel further afield.

Trastevere is generally a safe neighborhood for tourists. However, it is advisable to remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas or during nighttime. Pickpocketing can occur in busy spots, such as near popular tourist attractions and on public transport. Areas to be cautious of include dark alleys and less frequented streets after dark. Always keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The nearest hospital is the Ospedale Santo Spirito, located in the vicinity. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. For minor health issues, local pharmacies are easily accessible and often have English-speaking staff.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes for walking, as the cobblestone streets can be uneven. Don't wear overly revealing clothing, especially when visiting churches. Religion: Do respect local customs, including covering shoulders and knees when entering churches. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Buongiorno' (Good morning) or 'Buonasera' (Good evening). Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like 'Cacio e Pepe' and 'Supplì.' Don't rush your meals; Italians enjoy long, leisurely dinners.

To experience Trastevere like a local, visit the neighborhood's vibrant markets, such as the Mercato di Porta Portese on Sundays for antiques and vintage finds. Engage with locals at traditional osterias for authentic Roman meals. Don't miss the chance to attend a local festival or event, as Trastevere is known for its lively cultural scene. For a unique view of the city, head to the Gianicolo Hill, just a short walk away, especially at sunset.