Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere

The Basics

The piazza’s western flank is dominated by the ornate Santa Maria in Trastevere church. The octagonal raised fountain in the center of the square, restyled by baroque master architect Carlo Fontana in 1692, is a popular neighborhood gathering spot. Lined with sidewalk restaurants and cafés, the square offers excellent people watching.

Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere is closed to traffic, and many guided walking and cycling tours pass through this atmospheric square and neighborhood. Trastevere and the nearby Jewish Ghetto are famous for their excellent cuisine, so consider taking a street-food tour to discover the local specialties. Alternatively, tour by night to mix with young Romans out for an evening on the town.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The nightlife in Trastevere centers around nearby Piazza Trilussa but spills over into the more staid Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere late into the night.

• The square is pedestrian only and generally filled with street musicians and artists, so a good stop if traveling with young children.

• Trastevere is considered one of the best neighborhoods in Rome for dining and wine tastings, and Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere is home to excellent restaurants and wine bars.

• Wide and flat, the square is easy to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller.

How to Get There

Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere is along the east bank of the Tiber River, south of Vatican City. Cross the Ponte Sisto on foot, or take tram 8 from the center of Rome across the Ponte Garibaldi, just north of Tiber Island.

When to Get There

To savor the authentic neighborhood feel of Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, stroll through the square or stop for a meal during the day. If Trastevere’s famous nightlife interests you, make an evening out of it and visit after dinner.

Santa Maria in Trastevere

Founded around AD 350, the Romanesque Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches in Rome. The facade has a 16th-century portico designed by Carlo Fontana, and both the interior and exterior of the church are covered with golden 12th- and 13th-century mosaics.

Ways to explore

Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere is closed to traffic, and many guided walking and cycling tours pass through this atmospheric square and neighborhood to give visitors a taste of the city. Trastevere and the nearby Jewish Ghetto (Ghetto Ebraico di Roma) are famous for their excellent cuisine, so consider taking a street food tour to discover local specialties, from cacio e pepe to pizza bianca and gelato. Opt for a night tour to mix with young Romans out for an evening on the town.

Accessibility

The square is wide and flat, and easy to navigate with wheelchairs and strollers.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, water bottle, cash for cafés

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, modest clothing if you’re planning on entering the Basilica of Santa Maria.

Not allowed

Disruptive public behavior, selfie sticks discouraged

Amenities

Steps for sitting, historic fountain, nearby cafés and shops

Address

Piazza di Santa Maria is across the Tiber River (Fiume Tevere) from many of Rome’s most famous attractions, but it’s still easy enough to get to on a tour or via public transit.

Driving

Driving to Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere is not recommended: It’s in a restricted traffic zone (ZTL) and parking is severely limited. If you can leave the car behind, do so.

Public transportation

The most convenient way to reach Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere is by tram 8, which connects Piazza Venezia to Trastevere. Get off at the Belli or Trastevere/Mastai stops.

Best times to visit

Evening can be rather lovely, as that’s when golden hour lights up the basilica, the city lights start popping on, and the square fills with people milling about.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. If you want to see the basilica while you’re here, avoid Mass times—typically around 8:30am and 5:30pm.

Best months to visit

Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer pleasant weather and smaller crowds. Summer nights are lovely, too.

Special events

Though not relegated to the square, July’s Festa dei Noantri is a big deal in Trastevere, with processions, folk music, and performances parading down the streets.