Trastevere (across the Tiber) has been growing as a more popular part of Rome at the right bank of the Tiber river connected with the left side by Ponte Sisto and other bridges. In ancient Roman time it was the area inhabited by foreigners and outsiders, including thousands of Jews. Now it is not just one of historic part of Rome with it's churches and museums but also a residential area with small, artisan shops,boutiques, art galleries, bars, the famous trattorias, and restaurants. If you face Ponte Sisto and walk left along the river, from Viale Trastevere you reach the Vatican, walking right you will reach Tiber Island and then after crossing Ponte Palatino come to the center of Rome: Capitoline Hill and Roman Forum. The heart of Trastevere is Piazza Santa Maria di Trastevere with it's magnificent basilica of the same name, the fountain in the middle of the piazza, shops, cafes, and restaurants. Santa Maria in Trastevere believed to be one of the first churches in Rome, and the first dedicated to Mary. Completed in 1140s the basilica is medieval in style and containing the glowing beautiful mosaics in traditions of Constantinopol dated by 12th and 13th century. On the way to Vatican near porta Settimiana (1490) is Villa Farnesina, built in 1500 as a country villa for Agostino Chigi, banker and businessman, and later sold to the Farnese family. It is not the outside that will take your breath away but the inside with the rooms decorated by frescos of Raphael from Greek and Roman mythology. Across the street from villa Farnesina is the Palazzo Corsini owned by the Riario family. In 17th century it became a home of Queen Christina of Sweden. Behind Palazzo Corsini is the located botanical garden.