Ripa Grande

Not much of Rome's history as a port remains today- some prints and photographs exist in addition to the terrace and steps in front of the long façade of San Michele. Ripa Grande, or the Great Embankment, was the port of arrival for goods coming from the Mediterranean, and it, more than anything else, influenced life in Trastevere.

This quarter was rapidly urbanized thanks to the intense business stimulated by the port. One of the greatest 18th century architects, Fernando Fuga, was responsible for the last series of reconstructions here.
The port continued to function normally until the end of the 19th century, when the banks of the Tiber needed shoring up and trade and business life ceased. The ruins which were uncovered at this time, on the other side of Pons Sublicius, belonged to the Pope's dockyard, built by Carlo Fontana for Pope Clement XI, and probably designed by Bernini.