The Rome IndexIsola Tiberina (Tiber Island)
The only island in the Tiber — 2,000 years of healing, and a pleasant summer spot.
What it is
A small island in the middle of the Tiber between Trastevere and the Jewish Ghetto, connected to the banks by Rome's oldest bridges. The Romans built a temple to the god of medicine here in 291 BC; a hospital has occupied the same ground ever since — today it's the Fatebenefratelli, still operational.
Visiting
Walk across the Pons Fabricius bridge (62 BC, still standing, still in use) for the shortest crossing to any ancient monument in Rome. The island itself takes 15 minutes to circle — the churches of San Bartolomeo and San Giovanni Calibita are both worth a look inside.
Summer
The island hosts an outdoor cinema and music events through the summer under the Isola del Cinema festival — a good evening option in July and August.