San Giovanni & Testaccio

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Detail of mosaics in 12th century apse at Basilica di San Clemente.

Overview

Encompassing two of Rome's seven hills, this sweeping, multifaceted area offers everything from dramatic basilicas and medieval churches to ancient ruins, colourful markets and popular clubs. Its best-known drawcards are the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano and Terme di Caracalla, but there are heavenly views to be had on the Aventino and Villa Celimontana is a lovely, tranquil park. Down by the river, Testaccio is a trendy district known for its nose-to-tail Roman cuisine and weekend clubbing.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Baths of Caracalla - Ancient Roman Ruins. Rome, Italy.

    Terme di Caracalla

    San Giovanni & Testaccio

    The remains of the emperor Caracalla’s vast baths complex are among Rome’s most awe-inspiring ruins. Inaugurated in AD 212, the original 10-hectare site,…

  • Basilica di San Clemente in Santa Maria dei Servi Church in the Valdimonte Quarter of Siena, Tuscany, Italy

    Basilica di San Clemente

    San Giovanni & Testaccio

    Nowhere better illustrates the various stages of Rome's turbulent past than this fascinating multilayered church. The ground-level 12th-century basilica…

  • The Cimitero Acattolico ("Non-Catholic Cemetery") of Rome. It is the final resting place of non-Catholics including but not exclusive to Protestants or British people

    Cimitero Acattolico per gli Stranieri

    San Giovanni & Testaccio

    Despite the roads that surround it, Rome’s 'non-Catholic' cemetery is a verdant oasis of peace. An air of Grand Tour romance hangs over the site where up…

  • Interior of Basilica di Santa Sabina, Aventine and Testaccio.

    Basilica di Santa Sabina

    San Giovanni & Testaccio

    This solemn basilica, one of Rome's most beautiful early Christian churches, was founded by Peter of Illyria around AD 422. It was enlarged in the 9th…

  • Statue in garden of Villa Celimontana (previously known as Villa Mattei) on the Caelian Hill in Rome, best known for its gardens.

    Villa Celimontana

    San Giovanni & Testaccio

    With its grassy banks and colourful flower beds, this leafy park is a wonderful place to escape the crowds and enjoy a summer picnic. At its centre is a…

  • Porta San Paolo

    Porta San Paolo

    San Giovanni & Testaccio

    Built after the barbarians’ invasion of Rome, the remarkably well-preserved Porta San Paolo once served as a southern gate in the 3rd-century Aurelian…

  • A tranquil stretch of Rome's Roseto Comunale.

    Roseto Comunale

    San Giovanni & Testaccio

    Stretched out on the slopes of the Aventine Hill, this idyllic garden boasts more than 1100 of the rarest roses, coaxed into life each spring by a team of…

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Plan with a local

Articles

Latest stories from San Giovanni & Testaccio

Food

How to live like a Local in Rome

Feb 16, 2018 • 5 min read

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