Fodor's Expert Review Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere

At the very heart of the Trastevere rione (district) lies this beautiful piazza, with its elegant raised fountain and sidewalk cafés. The centerpiece is the 12th-century church of Santa Maria in Trastevere, first consecrated in the 4th century. Across countless generations, this piazza has seen the comings and goings of residents and travelers, as well as intellectuals and artists, who today often lounge on the steps of the fountain or eat lunch at an outdoor table at Sabatini's. At night, the piazza is the center of Trastevere's action, with street festivals, musicians, and the occasional mime vying for attention from the many people taking the evening air.