Testaccio

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Testaccio is the 20th rione (district) of Rome, Italy, located in the city center within Municipio I. It gets its name from Monte Testaccio, a hill made from broken ancient amphorae. The rione’s coat of arms shows an amphora.

In ancient times, Testaccio was a hub for Tiber trade. The broken clay vessels piled up to form Monte Testaccio, which today provides important clues about everyday Roman life. Before 1870 the area was mainly farmland and pasture, prone to floods and malaria. The region between Monte Testaccio and the city walls, known as Prati di Testaccio, was a popular recreation ground for Romans.

After 1870, the area near Via Ostiense became an industrial zone with housing for workers. The first town plan in 1873 chose this flat land for industry because of easy transport by river and rail. Although part of Ripa until 1921, Testaccio developed a strong local identity and had a rough reputation due to harbor activity.

Notable facts include a 1884 municipal survey that found Testaccio had the highest alcohol consumption in the country. In the 1980s and 1990s it became associated with the Testaccini, a faction linked to the Banda della Magliana.

Testaccio is considered the cradle of AS Roma, with Campo Testaccio serving as the club’s home stadium from 1929 to 1940. In modern times the area became known for its butchers and food markets, and it has undergone gentrification while remaining a place with strong culinary traditions. Today it attracts many visitors for its food scene and historic character.

The rione is bordered by San Saba to the east, Portuense to the west and north, and Ostiense to the south, with the Tiber River forming part of its boundary. Much of the area’s streets are named after explorers, scientists and engineers. It also hosts libraries such as the Enzo Tortora Public Library and the Biblioteca della Scuola Popolare di Musica Testaccio.