Antico Porto Fluviale di Roma (cd "Emporium")

I'm pleased to add this highly interesting site to Maps, and of course I'm accompanying it with my FIRST review, pending its permanent opening and increased accessibility. A small, anonymous gate on the parapet overlooking the river at Via Gessi marks the entrance to the Emporium, the ancient river port of Testaccio. It's located on the left bank of the Tiber and is now partially hidden by the river walls and large plane trees. In fact, its extent is unknown, as this part is under investigation but extended beyond, well beyond the former slaughterhouse. It was built in the 1st century AD and for centuries was a key point for trade and supplies to Rome, replacing the older Portus Tiberinus, which was located in the area of ​​today's Piazza Bocca della Verità, near the Forum Boarium. The port consisted of a long quay made of travertine slabs (still visible and very unique) that led to two rows of warehouses overlooking a covered corridor. The upper floor housed the administrative offices. Goods arrived here from all over the Mediterranean: after being unloaded at Ostia and Porto, they were taken to the Emporium and then distributed to the city's markets. These consisted primarily of wine, wheat, garum (a fish sauce widely used at the time), and, above all, oil. After a period of great activity, especially under Emperor Trajan in the 2nd century AD, the port began to decline in importance and was abandoned in the 4th century. Over time, it was filled in, used as a burial site in the Middle Ages, and finally completely forgotten. Only since the late 19th century, however, have its traces been rediscovered thanks to the construction of the embankments, but then debris covered everything. In 1952, they were again investigated and recovered, but once again covered by debris. Only since 1974 have efforts been made to reconstruct the history of this important ancient Roman port. It is, of course, closely linked to other structures in the area (Porticus Minucia, the Testaccio market) and beyond (the ports of Claudius and Trajan in Fiumicino). This spectacular site is accessible thanks to the opening hours of the Special Superintendency of Rome, and further enhancements are underway. If you have the opportunity—many associations offer guided tours—don't miss it. Need some useful information? Then leave a like and check out other reviews of Rome and beyond.

WHY DID IT DISAPPEAR FROM GOOGLE MAPS?

There are places that seem destined to vanish. First from collective memory, then even from digital maps. This is the case of the ancient Emporium of Testaccio, a precious fragment of Republican Rome that was recently temporarily removed from Google Maps along with other sites.
This is why it's worth revisiting them, bringing them back to light, giving them back their voice and space.

WHERE IT IS LOCATED:

The Emporium - Porto Fluviale di Testaccio site is located in the historic center of Rome, Rione XX (Testaccio).
The ruins are located on the left bank of the Tiber and can be admired even when they are inaccessible, looking out from the Ponte Sublicio.

This stretch of the river is bordered by the Ponte Sublicio (inaugurated in 1917) and the Ponte Testaccio (inaugurated in 1948).

HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE:

This area, dating back to the Republican era, was a warehouse that was part of the ancient river port of Testaccio (2nd century BC).

Built to meet the growing needs of the city, due to its expansion and population growth, it played an important role in the development of commercial activities. Its use certainly continued until the end of the Western Roman Empire (5th century AD).

It was subsequently buried and used for a period as a burial site, before being completely abandoned.

The discovery was made between 1868 and 1870, during work to renovate the riverbanks. It concerns a section of approximately 150 meters, divided into two levels: the first used for the storage of goods and the second used primarily for administrative offices.

FUN FACT: DID YOU KNOW THAT...?

The nearby Monte dei Cocci (Monte Testaccio) is made up of a considerable number of broken amphorae, many of which came from the Emporium itself.

A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE:

Since 2019, I have photographed this place several times, observing it change with the seasons, the light, and, more rarely, the river floods.

These testimonies speak louder than words.

It is a small sign that captures the imagination of an entire era.

DISCOVERING HIDDEN ROME:

This is one of those places you discover by walking slowly, letting your curiosity guide you.
Even though it isn't yet a museum, it is a witness that tells an ancient story.
If you enjoyed reading this, I invite you to discover my other reviews.

Not sure when it’s open, but you can see some from the street and get the idea of how it was used. A short stop on your walk along the river.