Tiber Island (Isola Tiberina)

The Basics

Tiber Island is situated in the Tiber River in Rome, just south of the Centro Storico between the former Jewish ghetto on the east bank and Trastevere on the west bank. There are two historic pedestrian bridges that connect the island to the river banks: Ponte Cestio and Ponte Fabricio, one of the oldest bridges in the city. The island, which has had a strong connection with medicine since antiquity, is where ailing Romans were often sent for treatment or quarantine. Today, one of Rome's main hospitals is still located here, as is the historic Church of San Bartolomeo all'Isola.

Tiber Island is often included in Rome walking or Segway tours that cover the Jewish ghetto or Trastevere. You can also explore the island during a hop-on-hop-off river cruise, a bus tour of Rome highlights (including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican), or a private tour that’s paired with the Basilica of St. Nicholas, whose underground excavations have uncovered ancient Roman temples dating back to the 5th century BC.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Guided tours of Tiber Island include a fair amount of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.

• The island, which measures only 885 feet by 220 feet (about 4.5 acres), is easy to explore as part of a small-group tour that also covers Trastevere or the Jewish ghetto.

• Trastevere and the Jewish ghetto are both known for their culinary scenes, so a food tour that includes a stroll through Tiber Island is a fun, family-friendly way to explore the area at large.

How to Get There

Tiber Island, located in the Tiber River, is accessible by pedestrian bridge either from Trastevere or the Jewish ghetto.

When to Get There

As part of the Estate Romana, a series of outdoor summer events (including concerts and open-air markets) held along the Tiber River, the island hosts a film festival in the warmer months (June to September).

The Origin Story of Tiber Island

According to folklore, when the much-maligned tyrant Lucius Tarquinius Superbus died in 510 BC, his body was tossed into the Tiber River; silt built up over his corpse and eventually formed the mass that’s now Tiber Island.

Ways to explore

Tiber Island is often included in Rome walking or Segway tours that cover the Jewish Ghetto (Ghetto Ebraico di Roma) or Trastevere. You can also explore the island during a hop-on-hop-off river cruise, a bus tour of Rome highlights (including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican), or a private tour that pairs the island with the Basilica of St. Nicholas, where underground excavations have uncovered ancient Roman temples dating back to the fifth century BC. Trastevere and the Jewish quarter are both known for their culinary scenes, and some food tours include a stroll through Tiber Island.

Accessibility

The island is wheelchair accessible, but some shops and restaurants may not be.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Water, camera, sunscreen

What to wear

Weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable shoes

Not allowed

While the rules vary by tour, some do not allow pets or drones.

Amenities

Cafés, shops, restaurants

Address

Tiber Island is situated in the Tiber River, just south of the Historic Center of Rome (Centro Storico di Roma) between the former Jewish neighborhood on the east bank and Trastevere on the west bank.

Driving

Two historic bridges connect the island to the river banks: Ponte Cestio and Ponte Fabricio. Only Ponte Cestio is open to vehicular traffic.

Public transportation

The best way to get to the island is by joining a tour or taking public transportation. Bus lines 23 and 280 stop just south of the island near Ponte Cestio, while bus N8 stops just to the north.

Best times to visit

Visit early in the morning if you want to avoid crowds and the heat of the day.

Best days to visit

Visit on a Sunday to attend Mass at Basilica di San Bartolomeo all’Isola.

Best months to visit

The best months to visit Rome are April to June or September to November, when temperatures are neither too hot nor too cold; you’ll also miss the peak summer crowds.

Special events

The island hosts a series of outdoor summer events, including concerts and open-air markets, as well as a film festival in the warmer months of June to September.