The Tiber Island

The Isola Tiberina (the Tiber Island) is one of the most evocative locations in Rome.
It is a very small island, some say the smallest inhabited island in the world, emerging from the waters of the river Tiber.

It is little more than 330 yards long and no more than 100 yards wide; it is linked to the banks of the Tiber by two bridges: the Ponte Cestio and the Ponte Fabricio.
The Island is connected to the cult of Aesculapius, the god of medicine. This explains the ever present link between this island and medical care.

Legend has it that, during a plague, a ship was sent from Epidaurus, in Greece, where the Temple of Aesculapius was located. One of the serpents sacred to the god was being carried to Rome and, when the ship reached this point of the river, the snake leapt onto the island, which, since then, has been dedicated to the god and to medical practice.
In 289 B.C., a temple was dedicated to Aesculapius here, which was destroyed during the middle ages. It stood at the south end of the island, on the spot that is today occupied by the church of Saint Bartholomew.

The medical tradition that started then has not abated with time. During the middle ages, the island became a hospice run by monks, who still do so to this day. The island is, in fact, home to the “Fatebenefratelli” hospital, instituted in 1584 and still in operation today.

Today, the Tiber Island is one of the most romantic locations of the city, providing splendid views of the river. In summer, it comes to life and is lit up by the “Estate Romana” (Roman Summer) festivals.

In its small restaurant areas, you can dine or enjoy an aperitif, while admiring the ancient architecture of the island or of the bridge. It is a highly evocative place, always very lively and providing a wealth of very interesting places, like the Basilica of Saint Bartholomew. The island also hosts various festivals the whole year round, such as the “Isola del Cinema” and the “L’isola che c’è”.

Photo 1 Roma-isola tiberina11 by Mac9  licensed under CC BY 2.0