Today the beaches along the river no longer exist and to stop the river
floods that drowned hundreds of people in their shabby houses, were built,
at the end of 19th century, the retaining walls that can be seen today.
Entire medioeval quarters and ancient palaces of historic interest were demolished at the end of 1800 to built some of the busy streets such as
Corso Vittorio Emanuele which you will cross when you get off the bus
to reach the island of Campo dei Fiori.

By the way, did you know that really few steps from the big piazza
of Campo dei Fiori, in Pompeo's Theatre area, (a small piazza very close
to the other, don't miss a delicious ice cream shop there!) Julius Caesar
was killed?

When you step out of the palazzetto main door and, turning on your right,
you will find yourself under the Farnese Arch, we suggest you to walk
a short distance until you reach the ancient Ponte Sisto (it takes its name from Pope Sisto IV who built it in 1400).

Cross the bridge and enjoy the beautiful sight of the bridges over the Tiber.
You will find yourself now in Trastevere.

The word Trastevere comes from the latin trans Tiberim and means
across the Tiber. Trastevere is Rome's most characteristic and lively area
and really the pulsing heart, along with Campo dei Fiori, of Rome by night.
Both are favourite destination to experience a true roman atmosphere.
Trastevere (but you will not read it in the guide's books!) was
the background for one of the most celebrated love story of the past:
that of Julius Caesar and Cleopatra, queen of Egypt.

Cleopatra was brought prisoner to Rome after Caesar had conquered Egypt.
He fell absolutely in love with her and built for her a residence
in Orti di Trastevere (Trastevere Gardens). Caesar lived in the Domus Publica (in ancient Rome official residence of the dictator), whose remains
can still be seen in the Forum, which is not far from Trastevere.

Thoroughly bewitched by her beauty he only had to walk half a mile
and cross the Fabricio bridge to visit her, escaping Calpurnia's vigilance,
his most jalous wife.

Caesar must have visited Cleopatra very often and Trastevere's
atmosphere must have been so glamorous even then that their
son Cesarione was for sure trasteverino (familiar name for the inhabitants
of Trastevere).

So follow mad in love Caesar footsteps to Trastevere and instead of a sweethearth (who is certainly walking by your side) find a cosy,
romantic place for the most fantastic pizza you ever had (see our list of restaurants, cafes, eating places in Trastevere).

This little hot piece news adds glamour to an area considered historically
and archeologically as one of Rome's most important and that you
will be able to easily visit while staying at the beautiful Farnesi apartment.