Garbatella District (Quartiere Garbatella)
The Basics
This former working-class residential area developed at the beginning of the 20th century has been revitalized over the past few decades, and is now considered one of the most interesting neighborhoods in Rome. Old-style trattorias, the landmark Palladium Theater, and faded ocher buildings encircling quiet courtyards give the area a vintage charm, while street art, the steel Settimia Spizzichino Bridge, and trendy bars and clubs that come to life after sundown are signs of Garbatella’s recent renaissance.
Join a walking or biking street art tour to see Garbatella’s colorful murals, or a food tour or cooking lesson for a glimpse into its proud food culture. The Gladiator School is a hands-on place for kids to learn about Roman history. Other highlights include the Centrale Montemartini, home to a vast collection of ancient statues, and the Catacombs of Commodilla, decorated with early Christian art.
Things to Know Before You Go
Architecture aficionados will appreciate the mix of 1930s fascist architecture and 1920s Barocchetto Romano—an architectural style that combines botanical and animal motifs with faux medieval and Renaissance flourishes.
Kids will love the vibrant street art scattered across the neighborhood.
If you’re looking for authentic Italian food and wine, Garbatella is considered one of the best neighborhoods in Rome for old-school cuisine.
How to Get There
Garbatella is located just south of the Roma Ostiense train station. The easiest way to get there is by metro—take line B to the Garbatella stop.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
Garbatella is fun to explore any time of the year, but spring and fall have the mildest weather.
Ponte Settimia Spizzichino
The striking contemporary bridge, made from curved white steel and cables, is named for Settimia Spizzichino, the only female Roman Jew to survive deportation to Auschwitz. She lived in Garbatella until her death in 2000.
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- Baths of Caracalla (Terme di Caracalla)
- Testaccio
- Protestant Cemetery of Rome (Cimitero Acottolico di Roma)
- Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls (Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura)
- Villa Celimontana
- Basilica of St. Stephen in the Round (Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo)
- Rome Basilica di Santi Giovanni e Paolo
- Case Romane del Celio
- Aventine Hill (Aventino)
- Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci)
- Arch of Constantine (Arco di Costantino)
- Circus Maximus (Circo Massimo)
- Caelian Hill (Celio)
- Palatine Hill (Palatino)
- Basilica of St. John Lateran (Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano)