The Aventine Keyhole and the Garden of Oranges: A Quiet Look at Rome from Above

Set high on the quiet slopes of the Aventine Hill, the Aventine Keyhole and the Garden of Oranges offer a peaceful and unusual perspective of Rome. Just a short walk from the bustle of the city centre, these two spots are perfect for travellers seeking something a little more hidden. They make for an ideal addition to any itinerary of things to do in Rome.

The Aventine Keyhole

The Aventine Keyhole is found in the door of the Priory of the Knights of Malta, a small sovereign territory within Rome. The door looks fairly ordinary at first, but peering through the keyhole reveals a carefully framed view of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, perfectly aligned between the hedges of the priory garden.

This unique view was designed in the eighteenth century by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, an artist and architect who reshaped the square and the priory’s entrance. The perspective plays a clever trick on the eye, making the dome appear much closer than it is. It is often said that through this one keyhole, you see three countries at once: Malta (the priory grounds), Italy, and Vatican City.

The keyhole is free to visit and open at all hours, though there is usually a small queue. For a quieter experience, go early in the morning or near sunset, when the light is softer and the crowds thinner. Photographs can be difficult to capture due to the lighting, so it is often best to simply enjoy the moment.

The Garden of Oranges

A short walk from the keyhole is the Garden of Oranges, known in Italian as Parco Savello. This public garden was created in the 1930s on the grounds of a former medieval fortress. Rows of bitter orange trees give the garden its name and fill the air with a light citrus scent in the winter months, when the fruit is ripe.

The garden’s terrace is one of the best viewpoints in Rome. From here, you can see across the rooftops to the dome of St. Peter’s, the River Tiber, the Trastevere district, and the distant hills. It is especially popular at sunset, when golden light fills the sky and the city glows below.

The garden is laid out symmetrically, with gravel paths, benches, and a few shaded areas. There are no cafés or playgrounds, but it is a pleasant place to sit and take a break from the city. Entry is free, and it is open from early morning until sunset throughout the year.

How to Get There

The Aventine Hill is easily reached from central Rome. The nearest metro station is Circo Massimo (Line B), followed by a short uphill walk past the city’s rose garden. Several bus lines also stop nearby. The Garden of Oranges is just before the keyhole, and both can be seen within a short visit. A taxi from the centre is also a convenient option, especially if time is limited.

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Interested in visiting more of Italy? Take a look at our tour covering Italy’s highlights, Rome, Florence, and Venice.

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What Else to See Nearby

The area around the Aventine Hill is full of interesting places worth a visit:

• Basilica of Santa Sabina, one of Rome’s oldest churches, located next to the garden
• The Rose Garden, especially beautiful in spring
• Circus Maximus, the ancient Roman chariot racing stadium
• The Pyramid of Cestius, an unexpected monument from the first century AD
• The Protestant Cemetery, resting place of poets like Keats and Shelley

You can also continue your walk towards Trastevere, the Baths of Caracalla, or Tiber Island, depending on your plans.

A Different Way to See Rome

The Aventine Keyhole and the Garden of Oranges offer a quieter and more thoughtful side of Rome. These places are not grand in size, but they leave a lasting impression. Whether you are looking for a beautiful view, a place to rest, or simply a chance to see the city from a different angle, they are both well worth including on your list of things to do in Rome.