Garbatella – an Urban Zone of Rome

Garbatella is an urban zone of Rome, located in the Municipio VIII of Roma comune, in the Ostiense quarter of Rome.

The population of Garbatella counts nearly 45.000

History

Garbatella was found within the late 1920s on an domain bearing the same title lying on a slope adjoining to the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. The older section of the area is separated into extend units (Italian: lotto), each of them made of several buildings gathered together around a common yard: this plan was borrowed from the English “Garden City” movement. This kind of building agglomeration, in Rococo style, comprises of a common garden area which serves as an casual meeting point for all the families that live on the estate.

The area extended quickly and by 1930 it had the highest populace density in Rome

Graffiti

The areas of Garbatella and Ostiense introduce its visitors the Roman underground culture. Even without being an expert in the field of art, local street art can hardly be underestimated.

Walking through the streets of Garbatella, you will see the works of modern street graffiti artists Blu (on Via del Porto Fluviale) and Borondo, “Wall of Fame” by Roman artist JB Rock (on Via dei Magazzini Generali), which is a 60-meter-long wall on which he portrayed his idols (including Jimmy Hendrix, Barack Obama, Uma Thurman, Frida Kale, Yoko Ono), The Black and White power of the magnificent Lex & Sten (on Via dei Magazzini Generali), illustrations by Agostino Iacurci (on Via Libetta) and many others.

Bridge Settimia Spizzichino

The amazing bridge Settimia Spizzichino is presently opening up a modern artery into the historic neighborhood connecting it to the studenty Via Ostiense and rousing a modern wave of hip venues

However, this bridge has a rich history. Settimia Spizzichino, who died in Rome aged 79, was the only survivor of a band of 50 Jewish women deported from Rome’s Old Ghetto to the death camps of Auschwitz, in Poland, by the Nazis in 1943. On October 16, 1943, the Nazis rounded up 1022 Jews in Rome’s Jewish Ghetto neighborhood, where her family lived.

Settimia managed to stay alive, and on September 11, 1945, she arrived home where she found her father and two sisters who had survived the death camps. However, at that time, she weighed less than five stone.

In November 1995, a documentary film was made in which survivors described their stories. When Settimia entered the women’s camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau, she said: “Looking at the camp right from this spot, I feel once again my fears and my anguish. These emotions cannot be described or filmed. Those are things that no book or screen can ever portray. I will never forgive.”

Settimia Spizzichino published her memoirs Gli anni rubati (The Stolen Years), with Isa Di Nepi, in 1996.

Real also about Trastevere Neighborhood.

Where to Eat

There are definitely many amazing places with Italian dishes that you have to visit, if you are in Garbatella!

Eataly

One of the most popular spots to visit in Garbatella is Eataly, located on Piazzale XII Ottobre 1492. Eataly is a famous multi-level complex with a gourmet food market, top floor restaurant, workshop area for tastings, and simply a place, where you can try local delicacies and purchase foods as souvenirs.

• Working hours: 9 am to 12 am
• Several other farmers’ markets are also located in the area of Garbatella. I recommend you to read about the best farmers’ markets in Rome

Le Bistrot

Le Bistrot offers an alternative culinary experience since 1987. There you can try one of their vegetarian dishes that are made of raw materials. Also, this place offers Mediterranean dishes cooked in a creative way (like almond and olive lasagne). In addition, the atmosphere of the bistrot is friendly and cozy.

• Address: Via delle Sette Chiese, 160
• Tel.: +39 06 512 8991

I Tre Fratelli

I Tre Fratelli was founded in 1996 by three brothers. The restaurant offers Italian and Middle Eastern specialties. Moreover, there you can try one of the best pizzas in Rome, cooked in a wood oven. This place is definitely huge since it covers an area of 500 square meters by a large garden that can accommodate up to 150 guests.

• Address: Piazza Giovanni da Triora, 154
• Tel.: +39 06 5110604

Osteria dei Pazzi

The Osteria dei Pazzi was opened in May, 2009, and soon became one of the most famous restaurants in Rome. The concept of the place is to cook a traditional Roman cuisine that would serve reinterpretations of the classics. The staff of the osteria creates artisan bread, pasta and delicious desserts. Moreover, the atmosphere is truly traditional and cozy.

• Address: 22/24 Via Enrico Cravero, 154,
• Tel.: +39 06 97613866

Hostaria Stellina

Hostaria Stellina is one of the best places in Garbatella where to come for Roman pizza or aperitivo. Moreover, there you can try tasty seafood dishes with fresh fish since hostaria collaborates with the Anzio Cooperative of fishermen. The hostaria offers a rich variety of wines and handcrafted beers.

• Address: Piazza Augusto Albini, 35/36
• Tel.: +39 06/51606283

Author: Kate Zusmann

I have lived in the Eternal City for the past 12 years. They say every angle of Rome has its history, and I'm here to tell you about the most intriguing historical facts and city legends. :)