Tiberina

Tiberina is a term that commonly refers to Isola Tiberina, a small island in the Tiber River within Rome, Italy. The island lies in the central stretch of the river and is connected to the city by two bridges, Ponte Fabricio and Ponte Cestio. Its position between historic Rome’s districts makes it a distinctive feature of the urban landscape.

Historically, Isola Tiberina has been associated with healing and medicine. An ancient sanctuary to Asclepius, the god of healing, is reputed to have stood on the island, contributing to its long-standing reputation as a site linked to care and medical practice. Over the centuries, the island’s healing association persisted, shaping its role in the city’s religious and social life.

In the modern era, the island houses the Ospedale di San Giovanni Calibita, a hospital operated by the Catholic religious order Fatebenefratelli since the late 16th century. The hospital remains a notable landmark on the river, appreciated for both its medical function and its historic architecture. The island also contains the Church of San Bartolomeo all’Isola, one of Rome’s oldest churches, which has undergone various renovations over time.

In contemporary usage, Tiberina can function as an adjective relating to the Tiber River or the island itself. The term appears in historical and literary contexts to denote things associated with the Tiber, reflecting the enduring connection between the river and the site’s cultural heritage.