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As you move to the Sta. Maria in Trastevere area, the more lively corner of Trastevere, you will see more people around, more shops and restaurants. The church itself definitely is a must-see, it is claimed to be the oldest Christian place of worship in Rome and was constructed over the site where according to legend, a fountain of oil is said to have appeared on the day of Christ's birth. Nowadays Trastevere keeps its peculiarity thanks to its narrow streets covered by sampietrini, surrounded by original and fascinating medieval popular houses. At night the lovely streets are crowded by both Italians and foreigners because of the many pubs and restaurants.
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This area of Rome is as old as Rome itself - it was inhabited by artisans in ancient times. The name Trastevere literally means "at the other side of the Tiber", referring to the river that streams through the city, from which it becomes clear that the name was invented by someone in the centre of Rome. It has always been outside the city walls, and thus developed separately from the city proper. 
