Would like to visit this church for the Bernini statue. Wondering how best to get to this part of Trastavere from Centro Storico side of the river.

Any suggestions?

It's a fairly easy walk. Love exploring the streets of Trastevere.

Robdaddy, the most straightforward way of getting to the church is to cross over on the Ponte Garibaldi. Walk down the Viale di Trastevere past the Piazza Mastai and hang a left on Via S. Francesco a Ripa. This will bring you to a rather unassuming piazza, Piazza S. Francesco d'Assisi, and that is where you will find the church. The statue you are seeking (which will take your breath away!) is to the left of the altar in a little side chapel. There are chairs there, and you can sit as long as you like.

While in the church, ask the sacristan (not the most accomodating fellow) to let you see the cell St. Francis used while he stayed in Rome. It's upstairs, past a huge glass case containing some amazing reliquaries. The chapel is very elaborate but it has the "pillow" the Saint used--a large rock!

My thanks to you all, esp. dln and grinisa...just what I needed to know!

We leave 2 weeks from today and I am really pumped up about our first trip to Italy. Thanks again.