the tiber island is the only island on the tiber river as it runs through rome.

the island has historically been associated with medicine and healing. the island was once the location of a temple of aesculapius, the greek god of medicine and healing.

tiber island is linked to the rest of rome by two bridges. the ponte fabrico is the only original roman bridge still standing over the tiber. the ponte cestio connects the island to trastevere.

its boat shape was emphasized further when the island was faced with travertine to resemble a ships prow. Aesculapius's caduceus with an entwining snake is still visible on the travertine prow.