Hidden Trastevere Walking Tour: Secrets & Splendors of Villa Farnesina | Private

Trastevere has always had a compelling reputation. The name Trastevere comes from the Latin trans Tiberim literally meaning “beyond the Tiber“. And that Trastevere sits a world apart from the rest of Rome becomes perfectly apparent the moment you step across the river.

To the untrained eye, Trastevere calls to mind bustling bars, trattorias and narrow medieval streets. However, when wandering Trastevere it really pays to have a local guide. They can help you uncover the hidden treasures of this intriguing neighbourhood. A neighbourhood nestled beside the River Tiber from the foothills of the Janiculum Hill to the shadows of the Vatican.

Begin your journey into Rome’s hidden past at the Crypt of the Confraternity of Prayer and Death

Step inside one of Rome’s most evocative and little-known sites: the Oratory and Crypt of the Confraternity of Prayer and Death. Founded in the 16th century to bury the abandoned and the poor, this brotherhood created a sanctuary where art, faith, and mortality intertwine. Beneath the oratory lies a macabre yet mesmerizing crypt decorated with skulls, bones, and symbolic motifs—an unforgettable reminder of the city’s ancient traditions. Still overlooked by most visitors, Orazione e Morte remains one of Rome’s most atmospheric and genuinely hidden treasures.

Discover the Raphael Frescoes at Villa Farnesina

Many people have heard of Trastevere, but few have heard of its most prized treasure: Villa Farnesina. This sixteenth century palace is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Among its collection are frescoes by Raphael, which rival his artworks in the Vatican’s Raphael Rooms, and scenes of the life and times of Alexander the Great painted by Il Sodoma. Villa Farnesina was once a private home. Fortunately, its doors are now open for you to come and explore.

Your guide can recommend an authentic wine bar or restaurant

Trastevere is home to some of Rome’s finest food. We seek out the best of it on our Trastevere food tour. But after a day indulging on Renaissance art, you might not have the energy to explore Trastevere’s culinary hideouts. That’s why our expert local guide will be more than happy to recommend you a restaurant or trattoria where you can relax and wind down after a day of sightseeing.