THE TIBER ISLAND

According to a well-known legend, the Tiber Island was formed from the body of King Tarquin the Proud (Re Tarquinio il Superbo), who was thrown into the River Tiber by the enraged citizens of the city, in an act of revenge for his tyrannical rule.

Another legend sustains that the island was formed when the Tarquini family threw their belongings into the river, causing the build-up of sediment and debris. Over time and after a series of several man-made constructions on the site, a veritable island was formed.
Following a terrible plague in 230 B.C., the Sacred Serpent – symbol of Esculapio, God of Medicine and protector of the city – sought refuge on the island. A temple dedicated to the God Esculapio was subsequently constructed by the city’s citizens and during the restoration of St. Bartholomew’s church, traces of the the Temple were found.
According to legend and because of the shape of the island, it is believed that the outer perimeter was built in the form of a warship, with an obelisk serving as the main mast. St. Bartholemew’s church was constructed above the columns of Esculapio’s Temple and it is said that where the Fatebenefratelli Hopital now stands, traces of the obelisk – which served as the mast for the ship – can be found.
The hospital was subsequently built during the Renaissance period by a catholic religious order and today is managed by the Brotherhood of Fatebenefratelli.
Today, L’Isola Tiberina – The Tiber Island – is a World Heritage Site.