Description: The Teatro Marcello was built in 13 BC at the end of the Roman Republic. It was commissioned by Julius Caesar and Augustus for Marcus Marcellus, the nephew of Augustus. This area shows much evidence of Augustus' building ambition and dedication to his sister.* Read on at Portico d'Ottavia* This theater could hold between 11,000 to 20,00 visitors and be built out of tuff and travertine. The theater was left unused after the 4th century and used for its raw materials to build the bridge which now connects Tiber Island to the mainland. In the 400s and Early Middle Ages, it transformed into a residential area and even a small fortress for noble families of Rome. It was passed down between Noble Italian families including the Orsini. You can also find a hint of fascism where Mussolini erected a small plaque, towards the left of the structure. Today there are still apartments in the upper floors of the structure.

Description: One of my personal favorites in Rome, mainly for the fact of how it has remained intact, and if you look up you can still see ancient frescoes that decorated this incredible structure, their colors still as bright as ever. This is another structure commissioned by Augustus, dedicated to his beloved sister Octavia, around 27 BC. The large open meeting area was unfortunately burned down, but then restored by Emperor Domitian later in 80 AD, then Septimius Severus in 203 AD. It was then further damaged by an earthquake. This enclosure also held once a library and meeting areas for politicians. However, during the Middle Ages, the area became the official Roman fish market, giving the name to the adjoined church Sant'Angelo in Pescheria. Today there are apartments attached to the back structure.

Description: A pop-up Museum by the Jewish Community of Rome, it is hard to say the hours as unfortunately, they do not have online communication. However, every time I stopped by the last few years they were open. Using an ancient building in the Portico area, they offer a free exhibition, usually focused on the history of the ghetto and the Roman families affected by the Holocaust. A truly moving and beautiful exhibition the volunteers are more than happy to explain the stories further and speak with visitors of all languages!

Description: Literally a hole-in-the-wall restaurant it can be easily missed, but some of the most authentic and welcoming Roman food! It feels truly as if you have wandered into an old apartment and the family is preparing dinner for you. Very simple, the walls are lined with notes by previous visitors. The menu is handwritten, choosing the pasta you prefer and the sauce. They are open lunch or dinner but closed from 3 to 8PM.

Monday: 12:30 - 11:00
Tuesday: 12:30 - 11:00
Wednesday: 12:30 - 11:00
Thursday: 12:30 - 11:00
Friday: 12:30 - 11:00
Saturday: 12:30 - 11:00

Description: Tiber Island has always been a symbol of Rome, tied for a long time to the idea of healing and health. This originated in ancient times when a plague was in Rome. Followers of the Asclepius cult (a God of healing) went to Greece and took a serpent from his temple, as they arrived at Rome the serpent lept from the boat and swam to the island, signifying to the followers to build a temple of healing there. Since then the sick of Rome were sent to the Island. Today there is a church to St. Bartholomew which honors martyrs of war around the globe and a hospital. It is said you are only truly Roman if you are born here. A beautiful spot to walk around after dinner, during the summer you will also find a small market and film festival on the banks of the Island.