Testaccio: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Rome's Food Traditions

Rome’s history is incredibly long and fascinating, and so is its culinary tradition. Testaccio, today a busy and lively borough, never lost its authentic character. It’s the perfect place to explore both history and cuisine on a self-guided audio tour.

Since Roman times, the area has been a market place. Testaccio is also famous for another reason: here was born the local culinary tradition of the so-called Quinto quarto, or five quarters – referring to the habit of cooking and eating offal – due to the presence of the old slaughterhouse. Today, the borough honours its origins being the heart of the most genuine Roman food scene.

You can experience it browsing around the market stalls, dining in some of the best traditional restaurants in the city, grabbing delicious street food or having a drink in an up-to-date venue. I’ll show you my favourite spots while pointing out the milestones of the local history and some examples of the contemporary artistic soul of the borough.