Testaccio

Testaccio is a district in Rome built around an artificial hill formed from millions of fragments of Roman amphorae, standing about 115 feet (35 meters) above street level. The neighborhood spreads toward the Tiber River, with residential buildings, a public market, and squares surrounding the hill that together shape the character of the place.

The district developed from a commercial port during the 19th century into a working-class neighborhood as Rome industrialized. Its character was shaped by the nearby slaughterhouse, which employed many residents and defined the area's identity for generations.

The former slaughterhouse area now holds MACRO museum, where you can see contemporary art exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year. The space has become a center for artists and visitors interested in modern creative expression and local artistic initiatives.

You can reach the neighborhood using metro line B at Piramide station, several bus lines, and a cycling path along the Tiber River. It is most easily accessible from the city center, and most destinations within the neighborhood are walkable.

The public market displays archaeological remains beneath glass floors, allowing you to see ancient Roman ruins while shopping. This blend of daily life and historical discovery is unusual to encounter in a city neighborhood.