Roma: Isola Tiberina

On Sunday (May 26th), I went for a walk on the Tiber Island, the island located in the middle of the Tiber with a shape that resembles a boat. It is located in "Rione Ripa" and is connected to the mainland by "Ponte Cestio" (from the side of Trastevere) and the "Ponte Fabricio" (the side of the Ghetto). From the side of Portaportese people can see the bridge called "broken bridge": that is what remains of a Roman bridge broken (even several times) by the fury of the "blond Tiber", the infamous river of Rome and that, although he did this end, does not leave indifferent the people who pass by here. Coming from the bridge Cestius, there is on the right of the Basilica of St. Bartholomew on the Island: it definitely deserves a visit. From the side of the "bow" (the side of the island towards the Garibaldi bridge - the bridge of the tramway) there is the Fatebenefratelli hospital: the structure was founded in the Middle Ages as a "xenodochio", to accommodate pilgrims, the poor and the sick. Often, I stop to look at this hospital as it is surrounded and hidden in the vegetation which clear and hides the chaos of the city for the patients. Just before the bridge Fabricio there is the small Church of St. John Calibita: I think the smaller churches, in some ways, are almost always the prettiest. The thing that strikes me most of this island of Rome is the amount of people who, during the sunny days of summer, bring along the banks for sunbathing as if they were at sea: the sun of Rome and the Tiber Island are a winning combination for everyone! In summer it is one of the best places to spend warm evenings: there you can find "the island of cinema", from the side of "stern" (or "of the broken bridge", if you prefer) and there are also several outdoor pub, so you can spend your night outdoor in the centre of Rome! I personally think that going through this island / boat I find it one of the best ways to cross the Tiber staying in a simply outstanding historical climate (let's face it: the Romans are always the Romans). Try it and let me know your opinions. Now I launch a challenge to you: do you know that, in the stone of the island, is carved the Rod of Asclepius (the symbol of medicine)? According to the story told by Livy, in 229 BC The Romans went to Epidaurus, where once stood the largest sanctuary of Asclepius, god of medicine, to ask the oracle how to end a plague that was thrown over the city. The priests of the god handed over to the Romans a sacred snake which, as the ship arrived in the port Tiberino, jumped into the water and crawled to the island, hiding in the dense vegetation. Here, I challenge you to find it! Let me know! [On flickr you can find the set with all the pictures I took when I visited the island]