This former working-class residential area developed at the beginning of the 20th century has been revitalized over the past few decades, and is now considered one of the most interesting neighborhoods in Rome. Old-style trattorias, the landmark Palladium Theater, and faded ocher buildings encircling quiet courtyards give the area a vintage charm, while street art, the steel Settimia Spizzichino Bridge, and trendy bars and clubs that come to life after sundown are signs of Garbatella’s recent renaissance.
Join a walking or biking street art tour to see Garbatella’s colorful murals, or a food tour or cooking lesson for a glimpse into its proud food culture. The Gladiator School is a hands-on place for kids to learn about Roman history. Other highlights include the Centrale Montemartini, home to a vast collection of ancient statues, and the Catacombs of Commodilla, decorated with early Christian art.
Architecture aficionados will appreciate the mix of 1930s fascist architecture and 1920s Barocchetto Romano—an architectural style that combines botanical and animal motifs with faux medieval and Renaissance flourishes.
Kids will love the vibrant street art scattered across the neighborhood.
If you’re looking for authentic Italian food and wine, Garbatella is considered one of the best neighborhoods in Rome for old-school cuisine.
Garbatella is located just south of the Roma Ostiense train station. The easiest way to get there is by metro—take line B to the Garbatella stop.
Garbatella is fun to explore any time of the year, but spring and fall have the mildest weather.
The striking contemporary bridge, made from curved white steel and cables, is named for Settimia Spizzichino, the only female Roman Jew to survive deportation to Auschwitz. She lived in Garbatella until her death in 2000.
