Hi, I’m Gianluca.
I studied cultural anthropology, and I’ve always been fascinated by the different ways people live, move, and experience a place.
Rome is not only my city – it’s the environment I love observing, understanding, and sharing through these small stories.
Together with my wife Connie, we host travellers in our small hotel near the Vatican, where we enjoy meeting people from all over the world and exchanging perspectives – just as I do here in the blog.
If you ever feel like saying hello while exploring Rome, you’ll find us on our terrace as well, where every morning we serve breakfast with a view.
Gianluca
The Tiber Island: Ancient History Located not distant from QuodLibet Bed and Breakfast, Tiber Island (Isola Tiberina) has a rich and storied past. The only island in the Tiber River, it has played a significant role in Rome’s history, serving both practical and symbolic functions.
The Role of Tiber Island in Ancient Rome
In ancient Rome, Tiber Island was associated with healing and medicine. According to legend, the island was transformed into a sanctuary of Aesculapius, the Greek god of medicine, in 293 BC after a plague hit Rome. The Romans, seeking a cure, consulted the Delphic Oracle, which instructed them to build a temple to Aesculapius on the island. A snake, symbol of the god, was said to have slithered off the ship that brought the deity’s statue, signalling the location of the future temple.
Aesculapius: God of Medicine
Aesculapius was a revered figure in Roman and Greek mythology. The rod of Aesculapius—a staff entwined by a single serpent—remains a symbol of medicine today. His legend emphasizes healing, and the Tiber Island sanctuary became a place where the sick could seek refuge and recovery.
Foundation Myths of Rome and the Island
Though the island’s direct role in the founding of Rome is debated, it is linked to some of the city’s earliest histories. Given its position between Trastevere and the Jewish Ghetto, Tiber Island was strategically important as a crossing point and played a crucial role in the city’s infrastructure.
Tiber Island Today
Today, Tiber Island is home to Fatebenefratelli Hospital, continuing its long tradition of healing. The island is also a place for cultural events, particularly during the Isola del Cinema summer film festival. Visitors can stroll across the Ponte Fabricio, the oldest bridge in Rome still in use, which connects the island to the Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere.
How to Reach Tiber Island from QuodLibet
From QuodLibet Bed and Breakfast, the island is easily accessible via a short bus or metro ride. It offers a fascinating blend of history, legend, and modern use, making it a must-see for those exploring Rome’s hidden gems.
