Piazza di San Cosimato
The basics
Since the early 20th century, Piazza San Cosimato has been home to Trastevere’s modest but lively outdoor food market six mornings a week. Though smaller than other popular outdoor markets in the city, the San Cosimato market has a dedicated following; some of the vendor families have occupied a stall at the market since its early days, handing it down through generations. Shoppers can purchase local produce, fresh fish and meat, and artisan cheeses and cured meats. To learn more about the traditions of outdoor markets in Rome and the history of the San Cosimato market, join a food tour of Trastevere or a guided tour of the city’s most historic markets. Food tours are usually on foot, though you can also explore the Trastevere neighborhood with bike and Segway tours.
Things to know before you go
- Rome’s food markets are generally open in the mornings six days a week, and close on Sundays.
- Gourmands will especially enjoy visiting Trastevere’s San Cosimato market and exploring the surrounding neighborhood’s restaurants and cafès.
- Handling the produce and other food on display is frowned upon in Italian markets; ask for assistance from the vendor to bag your selections.
- Most of Trastevere is paved with cobblestones and has no sidewalks, so those with strollers and wheelchairs should be cautious.
How to get there
Piazza San Cosimo is in the center of the Trastevere quarter along the east bank of the Tiber River. Walk across Ponte Sisto or take the 8 tram across the Ponte Garibaldi, just north of Tiber Island, to reach the neighborhood.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The market in Piazza San Cosimato is held each morning from Monday to Saturday. On summer evenings, the square is home to an outdoor cinema and is ringed with lively cafès and restaurants.
Highlights in Trastevere
This bohemian neighborhood has more than just a vibrant food scene. Artistic treasures include Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of Rome’s oldest churches (from AD 340) and home to spectacular Byzantine mosaics. Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere is the heart of the neighborhood, and locals and tourists gather around its central 15th-century fountain to bask in the sun and listen to street musicians in the square. Other nearby sights include the Santa Cecilia in Trastevere church, dating from the fifth century, and the lavish Villa Farnesina, decorated by frescoes attributed to Raphael.
- Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere
- Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere (Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere)
- Fontana dell'Acqua Paola
- Trastevere
- Piazza Trilussa
- Rome Corsini Palace (Palazzo Corsini)
- Villa Farnesina
- Janiculum Hill (Gianicolo)
- Doria Pamphilj Gallery (Galleria Doria Pamphilj)
- San Carlo ai Catinari Church (Chiesa di San Carlo ai Catinari)
- Via Giulia
- Piazza Farnese
- Jewish Museum of Rome (Museo Ebraico di Roma)
- Ponte Sisto
- Tiber Island (Isola Tiberina)