Duane McLaughlin November 28, 2023

Exploring Isola Tiberina or Tiber Island

Experience the charm of Isola Tiberina, Rome's enchanting river island in the vibrant Trastevere area.

Attraction Trastevere
Isola Tiberina, the picturesque island on the Tiber River in Rome
Photo by Wikipedia / joadl / Cc-by-sa-3.0-at

Introduction

Isola Tiberina, or Tiber Island, is a small island in the middle of the Tiber river in Rome. It has a rich history and a unique charm, as it is the only inhabited island in the river. In this article, you will learn about the origins of the island, its role as a medical center, its religious significance, and its main attractions. You will also find some practical tips for visiting this hidden gem of Rome.

Setting Expectations: Downsides and Time Considerations

Isola Tiberina is not a very large island, and it can be explored in less than an hour. However, it is worth spending some time to appreciate its beauty and history. The island is connected to the mainland by two bridges: Ponte Fabricio, which is the oldest bridge in Rome, and Ponte Cestio, which leads to the lively neighborhood of Trastevere. The island is also accessible by boat tours that offer a different perspective of the river and the city.

The main downside of visiting Isola Tiberina is that it can get crowded during peak seasons and festivals, especially in summer when the island hosts an open-air cinema and a variety of cultural events. The island is also popular among locals who like to relax by the river or enjoy a drink at one of the bars and restaurants on the island. If you are looking for a quiet and peaceful visit, you may want to avoid these times and opt for a morning or evening stroll instead.

Tips for your visit of Isola Tiberina

  • Visit the Basilica of San Bartolomeo This is the main church on the island, built on the site of an ancient temple dedicated to Aesculapius, the god of medicine. The church houses the relics of St. Bartholomew, one of the twelve apostles, as well as other martyrs and saints. The church also has a beautiful cloister and a museum that displays various artworks and objects related to the history of the island.
  • Explore the Hospital of Fatebenefratelli This is one of the oldest hospitals in Europe, founded in 1584 by the Order of St. John of God. The hospital still operates today, specializing in maternity and pediatric care. The hospital has a fascinating history, as it was used as a refuge for Jews during World War II, hiding them under the pretext of a fictitious disease called "Syndrome K". You can visit some parts of the hospital, such as the chapel, the pharmacy, and the garden.

Another tip for visiting Isola Tiberina is to enjoy its scenic views of the river and the city. You can walk along the banks of the island, where you will find benches, fountains, statues, and plaques that commemorate various events and personalities related to the island. You can also cross over to Trastevere or the Jewish Ghetto, two of the most characteristic and lively areas of Rome, where you will find plenty of shops, cafes, restaurants, and street art.

Practical Information

Opening Hours: The island is open 24/7, but some attractions may have different opening hours. The Basilica of San Bartolomeo is open from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm every day except Monday. The Hospital of Fatebenefratelli is open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm every day.

How to Get There: You can reach Isola Tiberina by public transportation or by foot. The nearest bus stops are Lungotevere De' Cenci (lines 23, 280) and Piazza Venezia (lines 40, 64). The nearest metro station is Colosseo (line B). You can also walk from nearby attractions such as Piazza Navona, Campo de' Fiori, or the Pantheon.

Price: There is no admission fee to enter the island or its bridges. However, some attractions may charge a small fee or ask for a donation. The Basilica of San Bartolomeo has a suggested donation of 2 euros, and the Hospital of Fatebenefratelli has a fee of 5 euros for the guided tour.

Crowds: The island can get crowded during peak seasons and festivals, especially in summer when the island hosts an open-air cinema and a variety of cultural events. The island is also popular among locals who like to relax by the river or enjoy a drink at one of the bars and restaurants on the island. If you are looking for a quiet and peaceful visit, you may want to avoid these times and opt for a morning or evening stroll instead.

Weather Considerations: The island can be visited all year round, but the best time to visit is spring or autumn, when the weather is mild and pleasant. In summer, the island can be hot and humid, but it also offers a refreshing breeze and a lively atmosphere. In winter, the island can be cold and windy, but it also offers a romantic and cozy vibe.

Photography: The island is a great spot for photography, as it offers scenic views of the river and the city. You can capture the ancient bridges, the charming buildings, the colorful flowers, and the sunset over the water. You can also take pictures of the various statues and plaques that adorn the island.

Accessibility: The island is accessible by wheelchair, as it has ramps and elevators on both bridges. However, some attractions may not be fully accessible, such as the Basilica of San Bartolomeo, which has stairs and narrow passages. The Hospital of Fatebenefratelli has an accessible entrance and elevator, but some parts of the tour may not be suitable for wheelchair users.

Facilities: The island has some facilities for visitors, such as public restrooms, drinking fountains, benches, trash cans, and signs. There are also several bars and restaurants on the island, where you can enjoy a snack or a meal with a view of the river.

Tours: You can join a guided tour of the island and its attractions, such as the Hospital of Fatebenefratelli, which offers tours every day at 10:00 am, 11:30 am, 3:00 pm, and 4:30 pm. You can also join a boat tour that takes you around the island and other landmarks along the river.

Bringing Children: The island is children friendly, as it has plenty of space for them to run around and play. They will also enjoy seeing the boats on the river, the ducks and geese on the banks, and the cats that live on the island. The island also has some attractions that are suitable for children, such as the Basilica of San Bartolomeo, which has a treasure hunt game for kids.

Bringing Pets: The island is pet friendly, as long as you keep your pets on a leash and clean up after them. You can walk your pets along the banks of the island or take them to one of the bars or restaurants that allow pets.

These details are subject to change; please check the official website for the latest information

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the Tiber Island?

    The Tiber Island is the only river island in the part of the Tiber that runs through Rome. It is located in the southern bend of the Tiber, between the districts of Trastevere and Sant'Angelo. It has a boat-shaped appearance and a long history dating back to ancient times.

  • How did the Tiber Island form?

    According to legend, the Tiber Island formed when the Romans threw the body and belongings of the last king of Rome, Tarquinius Superbus, into the river after overthrowing him. The debris accumulated around his corpse and created an island. Another version of the legend says that the Romans threw the wheat and grain of the tyrant into the river, which became the foundation of the island.

  • What is the significance of the Tiber Island?

    The Tiber Island is significant for its religious and medical associations. In 293 BC, during a plague, the Romans built a temple to Aesculapius, the god of healing, on the island. They also brought a sacred snake from his sanctuary in Greece, which became a symbol of the island. The island has been a place of healing ever since, hosting several hospitals and churches over the centuries.

Must see

  • The Basilica of San Bartolomeo all'Isola

    This church was built in the 10th century on the site of the ancient temple of Aesculapius. It is dedicated to Saint Bartholomew, one of the twelve apostles, whose relics are kept here. The church has a Romanesque facade, a Gothic interior, and a beautiful cloister. It also houses a shrine to the martyrs of the 20th and 21st centuries, with relics from various countries and religions.

  • The Ponte Fabricio

    This bridge connects the Tiber Island to the left bank of the river. It is the oldest original bridge in Rome, built in 62 BC by Lucius Fabricius, a curator of the roads. The bridge has two arches and four pillars, decorated with the heads of Jupiter Ammon. It was also known as the Pons Judaeorum, because it led to the Jewish quarter of Rome.

  • The Fatebenefratelli Hospital

    This hospital occupies most of the island and was founded in 1584 by the Order of St. John of God, also known as Fatebenefratelli (do-good brothers). The hospital is still active today and specializes in cardiology and maternity care. It has a baroque facade and a courtyard with a fountain. It also preserves some ancient remains, such as a Roman ship's prow and a fragment of an inscription dedicated to Aesculapius.

  • The Ponte Cestio

    This bridge connects the Tiber Island to the right bank of the river, in Trastevere. It was originally built in 46 BC by Lucius Cestius, a praetor and tribune of the plebs. The bridge was rebuilt several times over the centuries, and only some parts of the original structure remain. The bridge has three arches and five pillars, adorned with marble plaques.

Lesser known stories and Interesting Facts

  • The island was formed from a tyrant's hay

    According to one legend, the island was formed when the Romans overthrew the last king of Rome, Tarquinius Superbus, and threw his belongings into the Tiber. The hay bales accumulated on the riverbed and created the island.

  • The island is shaped like a ship

    The Romans wanted to honor the god of medicine, Aesculapius, who came to Rome on a ship. They built a temple on the island and decorated it with a travertine prow and an obelisk as a mast. The island still resembles a ship today.

  • The island has a secret tunnel

    Underneath the island, there is a tunnel that connects the two sides of the river. It was built in the 17th century by Pope Innocent X to allow the passage of water during floods. The tunnel is closed to the public but can be seen from the bridges.

  • The island hosts an ancient hospital

    The Fatebenefratelli Hospital was founded in 1584 by the Order of St. John of God, also known as Fatebenefratelli (do-good brothers). The hospital is still active and specializes in cardiology and maternity. It also preserves a pharmacy museum and a chapel with frescoes.

  • The island has a connection with cinema

    The island has been featured in several movies, such as Roman Holiday, The Talented Mr. Ripley, and Angels and Demons. It also hosts an open-air cinema festival every summer, called Isola del Cinema, where visitors can watch films under the stars.

Historical Background

The history of the island dates back to ancient times, when it was considered a sacred place by the Romans. The first temple on the island was dedicated to Jupiter Jurarius, the god of oaths, in the 5th century BC. Later, in 293 BC, a plague struck Rome and the Senate decided to consult the Sibyl of Cumae, who advised them to build a temple to Aesculapius, the god of healing. A delegation was sent to Epidaurus, Greece, where the main sanctuary of Aesculapius was located. They brought back a sacred snake, which was believed to be an embodiment of the god. The snake escaped from the ship and swam to the island, indicating that it was the chosen site for the temple.

The temple of Aesculapius became a popular destination for pilgrims seeking cures for their ailments. The island also hosted a library, a botanical garden, and a snake farm. The cult of Aesculapius lasted until the 4th century AD, when Christianity replaced paganism. The temple was converted into a church dedicated to St. Bartholomew, one of the twelve apostles, whose relics were brought to Rome by Emperor Otto III in 998 AD. The church still stands on the island and is known as San Bartolomeo all'Isola.

In the Middle Ages, the island was fortified with walls and towers to defend it from invasions and floods. It also became a refuge for Jews who were persecuted in other parts of Rome. In 1555, Pope Paul IV confined the Jews to a ghetto on the right bank of the river, near the island. The Jews maintained a close relationship with the island, where they had their own cemetery and hospital.

In 1584, Pope Gregory XIII granted the island to the Order of St. John of God, who founded the Fatebenefratelli Hospital. The hospital was renowned for its care for the poor and sick, especially during epidemics such as cholera and plague. It also pioneered some medical innovations, such as blood transfusions and vaccinations. The hospital expanded over time and incorporated some of the ancient buildings on the island, such as the tower of Caetani and the house of Pierleoni.

In 1867, during the Italian unification process, Garibaldi's troops tried to capture Rome from the Papal States. They attacked the island from Trastevere, but were repelled by the papal troops and the hospital staff. The island was damaged by artillery fire and some of its monuments were destroyed. The island was finally annexed to the Kingdom of Italy in 1870, along with the rest of Rome.

In the 20th century, the island underwent some restoration and renovation works, such as the reconstruction of the travertine prow and the removal of some modern buildings. The island also became a cultural and tourist attraction, hosting festivals, concerts, exhibitions, and guided tours.

Nearby Restaurants

  • Sora Lella A traditional Roman restaurant that offers dishes such as carbonara, cacio e pepe, and saltimbocca. It is located in a historic building on the island and has a cozy atmosphere.
  • Trattoria Sora Pia A family-run restaurant that specializes in seafood and pizza. It has a terrace overlooking the river and the island. It is located on the right bank of the river, near the Ponte Cestio.
  • Antico Forno Roscioli A bakery and deli that sells bread, pastries, cheese, salami, and wine. It also has a restaurant area where you can enjoy salads, sandwiches, pasta, and desserts. It is located on the left bank of the river, near the Ponte Fabricio.

Nearby Attractions

  • The Jewish Ghetto A historic district that preserves the culture and heritage of the Roman Jewish community. You can visit the Synagogue, the Jewish Museum, and the Portico of Octavia.
  • Trastevere A charming neighborhood that is famous for its nightlife, restaurants, and art galleries. You can stroll along its narrow streets, admire its churches and fountains, and enjoy its lively atmosphere.
  • The Mouth of Truth A marble mask that is said to bite off the hand of a liar. It is located in the portico of the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, near the Circus Maximus.

Conclusion

Isola Tiberina is a unique place in Rome that combines history, culture, and nature. It is a perfect destination for those who want to discover a different side of the Eternal City and enjoy its beauty and charm. Whether you are looking for a relaxing walk, a cultural visit, or a delicious meal, you will find something to suit your taste on this island.