Lungo Il Tevere Roma – Un Fiume Di Cultura (Along The Tiber Rome – A Cultural River)
While trying to figure out what my article should inform people about, I came up with several titles like ‘Why you should visit Rome’ or ‘Where to go in Rome’. However, I knew that if anyone searched on the Internet trying to find similar information there would be a wide range and variety of articles and posts instantly appearing on their screen concerning these issues. So, I decided that an article like that would be pointless.
Thus, I started reminiscing the first time I travelled to Rome. I was instantly mesmerized by the beauty of the city and the respectfulness of its monuments; monuments that appeared everywhere around my eyes. I remember clearly walking on the streets like a lost person, with the camera attached to my hand, which contributed to my constantly taking photos like every other typical tourist. However, the next time I visited the city I briefly stopped by my favorite places, to relive in short my memories from last time, but apart from that I didn’t want to go to any other tourist attractions anymore. I only wanted to explore and see with my own eyes what the Italian people are used to doing during the summer time and their ways of having a good time. And so, I went to Trastevere.
Trastevere, is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Rome, often reffered to as Rome’s favorite neighbourhood. It is located south of the Vatican, accompanied by a stone footbridge called "Ponte Sisto" (built in 1474), connecting it to the city center. Being a welcoming and beautiful neighbourhood, Trastevere is a known tourist destination, with lots of traditional restaurants, like the famous Luppolo Station, local bars, such as Il Maritozzaro, cafeterias and shops, where tourists love to hang out and walk through the narrow medieval streets (vicoli), holding an ice–cream in their hands. There are plenty of monuments to visit in the vicinity like Santa Maria, Santa Cecilia and the Ponte Sisto itself so it’s only rational that a picturesque distinct of the city of Rome like that would be famous among tourists.
However, what most people don’t know, is that every summer, at the beginning of June the temporary stands that line the Tiber River near Trastevere begin being built and "La festa lungo il tevere" (The festival along the Tiber) begins.
When And Where
The festival takes place every summer from the beginning of June until the beginning of September at 8:30 every night till 2 or 3 in the morning. It is held alongside the Tiber river from Ponte Sisto bridge to Ponte Garibaldi, with entrances at these two bridges and also at Ponte Sublico and Ponti Cestio. The distance from the center is at about 30 minutes, with public transportation being really convenient, as there are late night buses to ease your way and transfer you back to the city.
What To Do
The festival has a cultural approach, so it offers its attenders the opportunity to have access to various cultural events and performances, while having fun, watching street performances, street theatre, classical concerts, music performances by bands and solo artists, dancing performances and a variety of many other spectacles that can satisfy anyone no matter what their preferences are.
Moreover, there are plenty of restaurants with tables by the river, bars to have a drink, shops with handcrafted items and game areas for people to have fun, relax and spend their time (and money) pleasantly.
For all the romantic souls out there, Trastevere is definitely your place to be. Imagine walking on a warm summer night by a lighted river, under the starry sky of the Mediterranean, with candle lights and warm orange street lights to mark your way, as you enjoy your delicious food and excellent Italian wine. Did I sound a little bit too exorbitant and weepy? Wait until you get there.
My last advice to you is, that when and if you visit Trastevere, to take a little bit our of your vacation time and board the boat on its way to Tiber Island. It might cost you a little more, but the experience will certainly gratify you. It’s one thing walking by the river and another passing through it.
For any other information that you may need concerning the festival you can visit its official website here: http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lungoiltevereroma.it%2F&h=1AQFt83bm
