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In the middle age Rome was obviously smaller than today and it was extended along the river Tevere, a very important communication route and source of water supply. We can still admire today what remains of the Castle of the Caetani family, dating from the 10th century. Unfortunately most of the medieval towers, buildings and castles were destroyed during the centuries or completely incorporated into new buildings during the Renaissance age. |
Leaving the Tiberina island it is possible to reach Piazza in Piscinula where it is still located Casa Mattei, a small palace dating from the 14th century owned by a noble Roman family and completely restored in the 20th century.
In the heart of the area called Trastevere people used to dance the ‘’ saltarello’’, a popular and typical dance from the nearby regions, dating from the 14th century, and the famous ”Festa de’ Noantri”, since the 1535, is still held and dedicated to the Madonna del Carmine.
The church of Santa Cecilia, located in the street taking the same name, has a beautiful example of a gothic tabernacle, masterpiece realized by Arnolfo di Cambio in 1293. Back to the Via dei Genovesi towards Piazza Sonnino with the famous Torre dell’Anguillara, better known as Dante Alighieri’s house, dating from the 13th century, nowadays it is the seat of a cultural institution promoting studies about the poet.
But the most famous and beautiful church, a real medieval jewel, is the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere, hosting some amazing samples of mosaics, such as the one representing the Coronation of the Virgin, realized in 1143 by Pietro Cavallini. In this church it is still admirable a painting dating from the 6 century A. D., representing the Madonna della Clemenza.
The church of San Crisogono, realized by willing of the Cardinal Giovanni da Crema, is again in the hearth of Trastevere.
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