Garbatella District (Quartiere Garbatella)

The Basics

This former working-class residential area developed at the beginning of the 20th century has been revitalized over the past few decades, and is now considered one of the most interesting neighborhoods in Rome. Old-style trattorias, the landmark Palladium Theater, and faded ocher buildings encircling quiet courtyards give the area a vintage charm, while street art, the steel Settimia Spizzichino Bridge, and trendy bars and clubs that come to life after sundown are signs of Garbatella’s recent renaissance.

Join a walking or biking street art tour to see Garbatella’s colorful murals, or a food tour or cooking lesson for a glimpse into its proud food culture. The Gladiator School is a hands-on place for kids to learn about Roman history. Other highlights include the Centrale Montemartini, home to a vast collection of ancient statues, and the Catacombs of Commodilla, decorated with early Christian art.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Architecture aficionados will appreciate the mix of 1930s fascist architecture and 1920s Barocchetto Romano—an architectural style that combines botanical and animal motifs with faux medieval and Renaissance flourishes.

• Kids will love the vibrant street art scattered across the neighborhood.

• If you’re looking for authentic Italian food and wine, Garbatella is considered one of the best neighborhoods in Rome for old-school cuisine.

How to Get There

Garbatella is located just south of the Roma Ostiense train station. The easiest way to get there is by metro—take line B to the Garbatella stop.

When to Get There

Garbatella is fun to explore any time of the year, but spring and fall have the mildest weather.

Ponte Settimia Spizzichino

The striking contemporary bridge, made from curved white steel and cables, is named for Settimia Spizzichino, the only female Roman Jew to survive deportation to Auschwitz. She lived in Garbatella until her death in 2000.

Ways to explore

This former working-class residential area is outside of Rome’s most common tourist locales. Street art and food tours often visit Garbatella for its old-style trattorias, shared garden courtyards, and vintage charm, as do city tours that highlight some of Rome’s less-visited neighborhoods. There are a few notable landmarks here, such as the Centrale Montemartini museum of statues and the Catacombs of Commodilla, though you’ll likely need to ask your guide to stop at them if you want to visit, or come back on your own.

Accessibility

Sidewalks and piazzas in Garbatella are generally wheelchair accessible, and the neighborhood is relatively flat.

Age limits

All ages can visit, but families might not find much to entertain young kids.

What to pack

Camera, bottled water, umbrella

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes, hat, layers (if you’re visiting outside of summer)

Not allowed

It would be a major missed opportunity to come to Garbatella and not eat traditional Roman cuisine at a local restaurant.

Address

Garbatella is just south of the Roma Ostiense train station, also south of the city center. Take the metro or go by car, since it’s a long way from Rome’s main sights.

Driving

Follow Via Ostense or Via Cristoforo Colombo south to reach the neighborhood from the city center. Park outside the Roma Ostiense train station and walk to explore from there.

Public transportation

The easiest way to get there is by metro—take line B to the Garbatella stop. Otherwise, take the 716 from the Teatro Marcello bus stop to Circonvallazione Ostiense.

Best times to visit

While Rome’s main attractions get busier as the day goes on, Garbatella offers a quiet break in the afternoon.

Best days to visit

Expect weekends to be busier with the local community out and about, which may or may not be what you want based on personal preference.

Best months to visit

Garbatella is fun to explore any time of year, but spring and fall have the mildest weather.

Special events

Summer brings several festivals to Garbatella, from the Garbatella Jazz Festival to the Outsider Garbatella Film Fest, both held near the start of the season.