Where the Tiber flows through Rome, there is a single island in its southern bend. Technically, Tiber Island is an eyot with an agglomeration of ancient fluvial silt and detritus. To Romans, it is th site of the oldest settlement in the area. As Rome grew across its seven hills, the island become first an isolation ward for the chronically sick, and then a place of healing and even cure. Today the church there is called St Bartholomew’s after its primary relics, and is enclosed by a massive basilica. Photo by: Sgommapiuma

The more you interest Tiber Island, the more you will be intrigued by small details. The pedestrian Ponte Fabricio, Rome’s oldest surviving bridge, connects it to the Campo Martio. Two four-faced Janus herms are mounted on its parapet – Janus is usually two-faced, looking both ways, and four-faced images guarded only the most important intersection. Look under the perimeter stairway at the downstream end to see the 1st century marble decoration of the island. Tiber Island is like one widespread commitment to its real meaning. Photo by: hops_76

When to go: Year-round. Population: 1 (officially the resident priest of St Bartholomew’s). How to get there: By car, from Trastevere via the restored 46 BC Ponte Cesito, to one of about 30 parking spaces near the piazza; or on foot, from the Piazza Monte Savello, near the Ghetto, via Ponte Fabricio. Photo by: Mailbags

Photo by: MUrsch