Rome Off the Beaten Tracks

 Built in the 19th century to house the workers of the nearby industrial zone of Ostiense, today Testaccio is changing rapidly. From district dormitory it is slowly turning into a popular residential area. Located across the river from parts of Trastevere it gives a good idea of real Roman life, and its numerous clubs offer a vibrant night life. Full of restaurants, of varying prices, it is situated near Rome's old slaughter house, which is now home to the MACRO museum of contemporary art. Life gravitates around its main square and the new market that offers everything you could possible need, from food to flowers, at good prices. Near the historic centre, and well connected by public transport, Testaccio is good value for money. This large complex was once part of Rome’s old slaughterhouse designed by Italian architect Gioacchino Ersoch. Today it hosts social and cultural events and is dedicated to a spirit of fair trade, renewable energy and sustainability. It is best known for its summer music festivals and year-round organic food markets and car boot salesThis is one of the sites of the municipal museum of contemporary art (the other is in Via Nizza in the Salario district). Housed in the city’s old abattoir, MACROTestaccio holds cutting-edge contemporary art exhibitions and also contains La Pelanda, an art centre with studios and workshops. Tues-Sun 14.00-20.00.  Also known as Monte Testaccio, there is a man-made mound of ancient, broken Roman amphorae has provided valuable insights into the economy of Imperial Rome. Its role as an ancient Roman dump ceased around 260 AD and it was later used by the popes for Good Friday ceremonies to symbolise the hill of Golgotha in Jerusalem. In Testaccio there is also an open hair market  to experience the genuine homemade tradtional Roman cuisine dishes prepared with great care by the vendors of the many street food stands of the market. You will taste the delicious hand- cut ham and mozzarella di bufala balls from Enzo and Lina’s stand, the exquisite famed “panini” with boiled beef meet (alla picchiapò) and “trippa alla romana” from Sergios’s “Mordi and Vai” stand , the tasty Sicilian “cannoli” from “ Dess’ Art” of Costanza Fortuna and, for wine lovers, a glass of homemade genuine Italian wine from the popular Orazio’s stand is a must! After a brunch you can visit the nearby Pyramid of Caius Caestius.The pyramid was built about 18–12 BC as a  tomb for Gaius Cestius, a magistrate and member of one of the four great religious corporation  in Rome, the  Seètemviri Epulonum It is of brick-faced concrete covered with slabs of white marble standing on a travertine  foundation. The pyramid measures 100 Roman fee t(29.6 m) square at the base and stands 125 Roman feet (37 m) . In the interior is the burial chamber, a simple barrel vaulted rectangular cavity measuring 5.95 metres long, 4.10 m wide and 4.80 m high. When opened in 1660, the chamber was found to be decorated with frescoes, which were recorded by Pietro Santo Barbi . Only scant traces of these frescoes survive, and no trace of any other contents. The tomb had been sealed when it was built, with no exterior entrance, but had been plundered at some time thereafter, probably during antiquity. Until the end of restoration works in 2015, it was not possible for visitors to access the interior,[2] except by special permission typically only granted to scholars. Since the beginning of May 2015, the pyramid is open to the public every second and fourth Saturday each month. Visitors must arrange their visit in advance. For more info and reservation about the tour you can contact me at pincicarla4@gmail,com or call,3483940697