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The Fifth Quarter: Eating Through Roman History

2.9 km116 min8 stops

What awaits you on this Red Thread tour

Forget the tourist traps. This is a journey into the real stomach of Rome. We'll trace the story of food from the empire's massive supply chains to the working-class kitchens of Testaccio, a neighborhood built on a mountain of ancient history. Discover how a 2,000-year-old landfill created Rome's most authentic dishes, and learn to taste the city's past in its vibrant present. This isn't just a food tour; it's an edible history lesson.

Itinerary

1

TOUR START

Forno del Ghetto

A historic Jewish bakery representing one of Rome's oldest and most resilient culinary traditions, 'cucina ebraico-romanesca'.

Forno del Ghetto

Pic by JSFarman on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.31 km • 5 min
2

STOP 2

Ponte Fabricio

The oldest Roman bridge still in use, a vital artery for moving goods and a testament to the logistical genius of the Roman Empire's food system.

Ponte Fabricio

Pic by Stefano Cocino on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

1.26 km • 21 min
3

STOP 3

Piazza di San Cosimato Market

A living neighborhood market that echoes the ancient Roman 'macella', showcasing the daily, social reality of how Romans have shopped for centuries.

Piazza di San Cosimato Market

Pic by Dieterdreist on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

1.80 km • 30 min
4

STOP 4

Nuovo Mercato di Testaccio

The heart of the tour: a modern market built directly over the archaeological remains of the ancient Roman Emporium, the city's main commercial port.

Nuovo Mercato di Testaccio

Pic by trolvag on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

0.05 km • 1 min
5

STOP 5

Mordi e Vai

A legendary market stall famous for its sandwiches filled with 'quinto quarto' (the fifth quarter), the offal-based cuisine at the heart of Testaccio's identity.

Mordi e Vai

Pic by AndrewRm on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

0.47 km • 8 min
6

STOP 6

Monte Testaccio

An artificial hill made entirely of discarded ancient Roman amphorae, a staggering physical testament to the scale of consumption in the Roman Empire.

0.96 km • 16 min
7

STOP 7

Mattatoio di Testaccio

The former city slaughterhouse, whose construction in the 19th century cemented Testaccio's identity as the meat-processing district and gave rise to 'quinto quarto' cuisine.

Mattatoio di Testaccio

Pic by Dieterdreist on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.91 km • 15 min
8

END

Flavio al Velavevodetto

A celebrated trattoria built into Monte Testaccio, where you can eat classic Roman dishes while surrounded by the visible shards of ancient amphorae.

Where the tour takes place

Starting point and rough tour area – the exact route unfolds in the app.

Good to know

  • Ideal for Foodies, history buffs, and curious travelers who want to get beyond the Colosseum and taste the real Rome.
  • Best time Mornings, to experience the markets in full swing. Avoid Mondays as many stalls and restaurants are closed.
  • What to Bring Comfortable shoes are essential for this walking-heavy tour. Also, bring a water bottle and an appetite!
  • Book Ahead If you plan to eat at the final stop, Flavio al Velavevodetto, booking a table several days in advance is highly recommended.
  • Market Etiquette When visiting the markets, it's polite to ask before touching produce. A simple 'Posso?' ('May I?') goes a long way.
  • Cash is King While many places accept cards, smaller market stalls like Mordi e Vai often prefer or only accept cash. It's good to have some euros on hand.
  • Your voucher You can redeem your voucher for two years from purchase. Once redeemed, you have 14 days of access and can enjoy the tour as often as you like during that time.

Your guide

Marco Bianchi
Audio sample
0:000:00

Marco Bianchi

  • Foodways & Culinary Identity
  • Northern Italy

Culinary guide and passionate host. Shows how food connects identity, migration, and memories.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the tour after buying?

You see your voucher code right after payment – and you also receive it at the email address you entered at checkout. Redeem that code in the Red Thread app; that's where the tour starts.

When does my access start?

Only when you redeem the code in the app, not at purchase. From redemption you have 14 days of access to the tour.

Do I need the Red Thread app?

Yes. The free Red Thread app turns your tour into a vivid experience: with audio, a map, and thoughtful prompts, it guides you from place to place in an engaging and entertaining way. It's available free for iOS and Android.

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