Monte Testaccio Rome Italy
An ancient Roman landfill transformed into a unique archaeological site and a vibrant culinary hub in Rome.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds at market
Monte Testaccio Rome Italy
Best Time
Fewer crowds at market
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An ancient Roman landfill transformed into a unique archaeological site and a vibrant culinary hub in Rome.
"Testaccio offers a taste of real Rome, from its ancient amphorae hill to its incredible food scene."
Check Access for Monte Testaccio
Monte Testaccio itself may be closed; look for guided tours or special openings.
Visit Mercato Testaccio Early
The market closes around 3:30 PM on Saturdays and is closed on Sundays.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Amphora Hill
Monte Testaccio
An artificial hill composed of millions of broken Roman amphorae, a testament to ancient trade and waste management.
Testaccio Market
Via Beniamino Franklin
A bustling local market offering delicious street food, fresh produce, and artisanal products.
Ancient Tunnels
Beneath Monte Testaccio
Explore historic underground spaces once used for wine storage, now housing unique restaurants.
Planning Your Visit
Monte Testaccio: A Hidden Gem
Exploring the Testaccio Neighborhood
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Access for Monte Testaccio
Monte Testaccio itself may be closed; look for guided tours or special openings.
Visit Mercato Testaccio Early
The market closes around 3:30 PM on Saturdays and is closed on Sundays.
A shoutout to the Testaccio neighborhood
Try Roman Specialties
Sample 'quinto quarto' dishes or try Trapizzino and Supli.
Explore the Tunnels
Dine in restaurants located in the ancient underground wine cellars.
Visiting Monte Testaccio
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Access for Monte Testaccio
Monte Testaccio itself may be closed; look for guided tours or special openings.
Visit Mercato Testaccio Early
The market closes around 3:30 PM on Saturdays and is closed on Sundays.
Try Roman Specialties
Sample 'quinto quarto' dishes or try Trapizzino and Supli.
Explore the Tunnels
Dine in restaurants located in the ancient underground wine cellars.
Walkable to Trastevere
Testaccio is a pleasant walk to Trastevere and other central areas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Testaccio is celebrated for its authentic Roman culinary scene, particularly its embrace of traditional 'quinto quarto' dishes and the vibrant Mercato Testaccio. Visitors appreciate the neighborhood's local feel and the unique dining experiences offered in ancient tunnels. However, access to Monte Testaccio itself can be inconsistent, and some find the neighborhood slightly removed from the main tourist hubs.
"I think this neighborhood is like a glimpse into the lives of people living in Rome. I loved it because it was like really getting to know the locals."
betül sayın
"Gates closed at the house on the path. It takes you to someone's house. No information on how to make the elusive reservation. Save yourself some time and go somewhere else."
mala maska
"Its closed, there is information on gate that only pre-booking allowed to visit, but i dont know how to book it. Very unclear rules, no information, no website, waste od time."
Katarzyna P.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Monte Testaccio is located in the Testaccio neighborhood. You can reach it via public transport, including buses that go towards the city center. It's also a walkable distance from Trastevere.
Yes, several bus lines serve the Testaccio area, making it accessible. While it might be a bit further from the absolute city center, it's well-connected.
Testaccio is about a 15-minute walk towards the Colosseum area, and also easily walkable to Trastevere.
The Testaccio market is centrally located within the neighborhood and easily reachable on foot from most parts of Testaccio. Buses also serve the area.
The nearest metro station is Piramide (Line B), which is a short walk from Monte Testaccio and the Testaccio market.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Monte Testaccio itself is not always open to the public and may require booking a guided tour for access. It's best to check for current availability and tour options.
Historically, Monte Testaccio has had limited access and can be closed. There isn't a fixed public opening schedule, so verify before your visit.
No, entry to the Mercato Testaccio is free. You only pay for the food and goods you purchase.
The market typically closes around 3:30 PM on Saturdays and is closed on Sundays.
Yes, some of the ancient tunnels beneath Monte Testaccio have been converted into restaurants and are accessible when dining there.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Testaccio is renowned for its authentic Roman cuisine, particularly the 'quinto quarto' (offal dishes like head, tail, and organs). You can also find great Trapizzino and Supli.
Consider trattorias like 'Trattoria Der Pallaro' for a traditional, home-style meal. For street food, Mercato Testaccio offers diverse options like Trapizzino and Supli.
Yes, some restaurants are located within the historic underground tunnels beneath Monte Testaccio, offering a unique dining experience.
You should try dishes featuring the 'fifth quarter' of cattle if you're adventurous. Also, don't miss Trapizzino and Supli from the market.
Restaurants in Testaccio often offer a more local and authentic feel, with some, like CasaMora, praised for their amazing dinners.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic view is of the hill itself, showcasing its unique composition of amphorae. Look for vantage points that capture the scale of the mound.
Yes, the vibrant stalls and diverse food offerings at Mercato Testaccio make for excellent, colorful photographs.
Early morning or late afternoon light can provide softer, more dramatic lighting for photographing the hill.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas like the market and streets. However, always be respectful of private businesses and individuals.
A versatile camera, whether a smartphone or a DSLR, will work well. Consider a wide-angle lens to capture the expanse of the hill.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
foodie Travelers
History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Archaeology of Monte Testaccio
The hill's formation is a testament to Roman efficiency; broken amphorae were not simply discarded but were deliberately broken into smaller pieces and layered with lime to prevent decomposition and odor. This meticulous process created a stable, albeit unusual, geological feature. While the hill itself is not always open for public exploration, its existence highlights a unique aspect of Roman urban planning and resource management.
Beneath Monte Testaccio lie ancient tunnels, or more accurately, chambers, that were once used for storing wine. Today, some of these atmospheric underground spaces have been transformed into restaurants, offering a unique dining experience steeped in history.
Culinary Delights of Testaccio
Mercato Testaccio is a modern covered market that has become a hub for local food lovers. Here, you can find a wide array of stalls selling everything from fresh produce and meats to artisanal cheeses and prepared foods. Popular vendors include those offering Trapizzino (a triangular pizza pocket filled with Roman stews) and Supli (fried rice balls with a mozzarella center).
Beyond the market, Testaccio boasts numerous traditional restaurants. 'Trattoria Der Pallaro' is often cited for its grandmother-cooked meals and set menus, offering a truly authentic, no-frills Roman dining experience.
Social
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