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Viewpoint · Roma, Lazio
Aventino
Quiet hill above the Circo Massimo with the Giardino degli Aranci, overlooking the dome of São Pedro, and the famous keyhole of the Order of Malta.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Aventino
The Aventino is the southernmost of Roma's seven hills, just above the Circo Massimo and the Tiber. Today it is a calm residential neighborhood of stately houses, gardens and old churches, away from the bustle of the center. A short climb leads to three worthwhile spots.
The first is the Giardino degli Aranci, officially Parco Savello, an orange-grove garden within the old walls of a medieval fortress. At the end of the avenue there is a terrace with views over the Tiber, Trastevere and the dome of the Basílica de São Pedro. Beside it stands the Basilica di Santa Sabina, from the 5th century, with marble columns and a carved wooden door that is one of the oldest in Christendom.
A little further on is the Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, designed in 1765 by Giovan Battista Piranesi. In the gate of the Villa del Priorato di Malta, the headquarters of the Order of Malta, there is a famous keyhole: looking through it frames the dome of São Pedro down a tree-lined avenue. There is often a queue to peep through.
The Aventino pairs well with the Circo Massimo below, with the Bocca della Verità and with the Testaccio neighborhood on the other side of the hill.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1 to 1.5 hours for the garden, Santa Sabina and the keyhole.
Best time
In the late afternoon, when the light tends to hit the dome of São Pedro as seen from the terrace. Early in the morning the line for the keyhole is usually shorter. The garden closes at dusk, at times that vary with the season.
How to get there
From Circo Massimo metro station (line B), walk up via Clivo dei Publicii in 10 to 15 minutes. From the Bocca della Verità you go up via Clivo di Rocca Savella, a paved ramp.
Tip
Entrance to the Giardino degli Aranci and the Basilica di Santa Sabina is free. For the photo through the keyhole, rest your phone against the metal opening. Then head down to Testaccio for lunch or dinner.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Aventino
Where is the keyhole with a view of St Peter's?
On the gate of the Villa del Priorato di Malta, in the Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, atop the Aventine, a few minutes' walk from the Giardino degli Aranci.
Is the Giardino degli Aranci paid?
No. Entrance is free, and the garden is open every day, with hours that vary by season.
How to climb the Aventine?
On foot from the Circo Massimo metro station (line B) via Clivo dei Publicii, or from the Bocca della Verità via Clivo di Rocca Savella. It's a 10–15 minute uphill walk.
What else to see on the Aventine?
The Basilica di Santa Sabina, from the 5th century, with its carved wooden door, and the garden terrace view over the Tiber and St Peter's dome.