Located in the middle of the Tiber, right in the middle of Trastevere and the Jewish Ghetto in Rome, Isola Tiberina is a small island shaped like a boat. It’s only 270 meters long and 67 meters wide and it’s usually overlooked by tourists as just a shortcut to cross the Tiber thanks to the bridges located on each side but it’s actually very worth exploring.
Let’s discover something more about Isola Tiberina and why this destination should be part of your itinerary in Rome!
The Legends of Isola Tiberina: Stories of Creation and Transformation
There are many different stories surrounding the creation of the Island, all involving the last king of Rome, Tarquinius Superbus.
According to one legend, Isola Tiberina was created in 509 BC when Lucio Tarquinio Superbo was ousted by the people who threw his grain supply in the Tiber, forming the Island. Another legend says that his body was thrown into the Tiber and that, throughout the years, a lot of sand and dirt formed around it, creating Isola Tiberina.
Because of all the negative stories surrounding the creation of the island, it was mainly used to condemn criminals.
Temple of Aesculapius: the ancient healing Sanctuary on Isola Tiberina
The common narrative of the Island being a negative place quickly changed when a temple was built on the island. The Temple of Aesculapius, built in honor of Aesculapius, the Greek god of medicine and healing, was built in 293 BC when the great plague hit Rome. This temple was probably built on Isola Tiberina because it was isolated from the rest of the city, making it easier to contain the plague epidemic.
Legend has it that the Roman Senate had sent a delegation to find a statue of Aesculapius to Epidaurus and that, because of their religious beliefs, they put a snake on board the ship. Apparently, this snake slithered off the boat as they were navigating through the Tiber, disappearing on Isola Tiberina. They interpreted this as the sign they needed to build the temple of the Island.
Because of this, they also chose to shape the Island like a boat in the 1st century, in honor of the legend.
The modern and historic landmarks on Isola Tiberina
Nowadays the Island is still considered a place of medicine and healing and it’s, in fact, the location of hospital Fatebenefratelli. This hospital was built in the 16th century and it takes up most of the island, along with San Bartolomeo church. This church was apparently built in the 10th century and it’s one of the most tranquil spots in the city of Rome. It’s also one of the most interesting aspects of the island, as it houses frescoes by Antonio Carracci, a baroque painter, and a lot of relics of saints and martyrs.
Conclusion
Isola Tiberina surely is one of the most interesting places in Rome and it’s unfortunate that it’s still very overlooked by locals and tourists. It’s also one of the best places to watch the sunset over the Eternal City, creating a magical atmosphere, especially during the Summer season. Make sure to add Isola Tiberina to your itinerary of the city of Rome and, if you want to have the best trip, book a tour with us!
