Description: Giselda can be your starting point no matter what time of day you want to do this tour. Starting from their amazing fresh warm cornetti and other pastries in the morning, their incredible pizza al taglio for lunch (if it is being served my favorite is one with peppers and light onion!) up until a spritz and light aperitivo.
They are fairly new to Trastevere and have never disappointed!
Description: Take your time wandering around the little streets leading up to this beautiful piazza, and go ahead and have a look inside!
From outside this church is impressive because you can see 4 distinct historical art styles. There are tomb stones from Ancient Rome inside the front porch area, a Byzantine facade and mosaics, Medieval bell tower and renaissance lower facade (white with statues of saints).
This in fact is one of the oldest churches of Rome, with foundations as far back as 340 AD., most of what is still seen is from the 1100's. It was actually built on the site of an Ancient Roman "veterans home".
The beautiful golden mosaics inside date back to the 12 and 13th centuries, and represent various stages of the life of the Virgin Mary.
The mosaics found on the facade actually represent all women, a motif commonly found in Egyptian Coptic art.
Description: Before wandering more and seeing some more of the beautiful corners of Trastevere, grab a gelato!
For this tour I chose Fior di Luna, as it is on the way, but of course you can always search Fata Morgana and Gelateria delle Valle!
Fior di Luna makes incredible natural flavors that are quite creamy. My favorite is always the ones with Cinnamon (cannella in italian).
Description: Take a hop over Viale Trastevere to see the quieter, often less touristy side. Though all these streets are worth a walk around, a good point of reference is the Santa Cecilia Church.
The structure you see was built in the 5th century, but the church has its foundations as far back as the 3rd. It is devoted to the young Cecilia, a martyr executed by Marcus Aurelius. Her body and relics were in the catacombs outside of Rome and were later moved to this church.
One of the most beautiful aspects of the church apart from its courtyard is the baroque statue of Cecilia.
Description: After Santa Cecilia, take your time and explore this quiet corner of Rome, but when you are ready for a bite to eat, head over to Roma Sparita for the best Cacio Pepe!
They are open for a lunch block and dinner.