I was sitting in front of Santa Maria in Trastevere recently to finish my Fior di Luna gelato con calma.
It’s seriously not the worst.
From its cosmati floors:
To the tip-top of its burnished gold altar.
I wanted to revisit the church after reading a short story about a woman’s love affair with a statue in Santa Maria in Trastevere in Rome Tales (City Tales)
(one of the best books about Rome).
I couldn’t find the statue, but there was plenty to marvel at.
It’s been too long since I stopped by Trastevere’s lovely church.
I usually spend my time walking through Trastevere’s streets rather than exploring its interiors.
Which is not quuuuuuite as over the top as the Ara Coeli, but sparkles with its own grandeur.
Even the entry way is dotted with bits of Roman history.
Just make sure you finish that gelato before you walk inside.
No wine allowed either, but thanks for asking.
Santa Maria in Trastevere
Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere
00153 Roma, Italy (Trastevere)
Open: Everyday from 7:30 am to 9 pm.
Natalie,
I recently discovered and am enjoying your blog. It is similar in style to mine. My wife and I are considering Rome as our destination next year and your 1st person accounts are useful to me in getting a sense of place.
You might enjoy my posts about previous trips to Italy, especially Lucca, at this link http://joesretirementblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Italy
Joe
Gorgeous photos. I love Santa Maria in Trastevere.
That piazza itself is definitely one of those places that makes you think “Wow, I can’t believe I’m here.”
Totally agree! The piazza is one of my favorite places, that always makes me pause to appreciate the scene
Can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone in and still look up and down as though it’s the first time I’ve seen that cosmati floor or mosaic ceiling. Love your stunning capture of it! ❤️
We just got back from Rome yesterday and I am HEARTBROKEN. We left 33 degrees C temperatures, the most incredible food I’ve ever tasted, beautiful architecture and friendly, hospitable society, and returned to cold, rainy Bournemouth in England. We stayed a 5-minute walk from Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere and I adored it. I adored the church itself, the fountain, the fantastically uneven cobblestones (present around most of Rome) and the night life. Every night, from just before 8pm, there are musicians, spray-paint artists, fire-dancers, singers and market stalls, all entertaining and selling to the masses. It’s vibrant and chaotic and a beautiful place to take your passagiata after a great dinner (we frequented Mama! Eat on Via San Cosimato). I miss everything about Rome and I haven’t even been home for 24 hours!!