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

Tucked away on the peaceful Aventine Hill, far from the buzz of Rome’s historic center, the Aventine Keyhole and the Garden of Oranges offer a calm, curious, and quietly spectacular way to experience the city. These two attractions are easy to visit together and make a great addition to your list of unexpected things to do in Rome.

What is the Aventine Keyhole?

At first glance, it is just a small hole in an old green door. But this keyhole, set in the gate of the Priory of the Knights of Malta, holds one of the city’s most famous hidden views. When you peer through it, the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica appears perfectly framed by garden hedges, centered in the distance and glowing in the Roman light.

The view is no accident. It was designed in the 18th century by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, a Venetian artist, architect, and engraver who reimagined the entire square in front of the Priory. The keyhole scene creates a “telescoped” illusion, drawing the eye from the green of the garden to the dome far beyond, linking three nations in one glance: the Order of Malta (the territory), Italy (the city), and the Vatican (the dome).

Visiting the Keyhole

You will find the Aventine Keyhole at Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta 3. It is free to visit, and you can go anytime. There is usually a short queue, especially during the day, since only one person can look through it at a time. Try to arrive early in the morning for softer light and fewer people, or around sunset for an atmospheric glow.

While the view is unforgettable, taking a photo through the keyhole can be tricky. The lighting can be harsh, and phone cameras may struggle with focus. Some visitors say the magic is best experienced in person.

What is the Garden of Oranges?

Just a few steps from the Keyhole is the Garden of Oranges, known locally as Parco Savello. This public park sits on the grounds of a medieval fortress once owned by the Savelli family. Today, the fortress walls remain, enclosing rows of bitter orange trees that scent the air and cast shade across the paved paths.

The garden’s terrace offers one of the best panoramic views in Rome. From here, you can see the rooftops of Trastevere, the dome of St. Peter’s, the Tiber River, the Altar of the Fatherland, and Janiculum Hill in the distance. It is especially popular at sunset when the city glows and street musicians often fill the space with music.

What Else Is Nearby?

The Aventine Hill is one of the quietest and most elegant areas in the city. While visiting the Keyhole and the garden, consider stopping by:

• The Basilica of Santa Sabina, one of the oldest churches in Rome, right next to the garden
• Rome’s Rose Garden, which you pass on the way up from Circo Massimo
• Circus Maximus, located at the base of the hill
• The Pyramid of Cestius and the Protestant Cemetery, a short walk away and home to the graves of Keats and Shelley

How to Get There

The closest metro stop is Circo Massimo on Line B. From there, it is a short walk uphill, passing the rose garden and the Garden of Oranges before reaching the Keyhole. Several bus routes stop nearby, and the area is also reachable by tram. If you prefer walking, it is about a 25-minute stroll from Piazza Venezia.

Tips for Visiting

• Entry to both the keyhole and the Garden of Oranges is free
• The garden is open daily from early morning until sunset
• There are no cafés inside, so bring water or a snack if needed
• The garden has benches but no tables or playgrounds
• Keep an eye on children near the terrace edge

A Peaceful Pause in the City

The Aventine Keyhole and the Garden of Oranges offer a different kind of Roman experience. Here, the noise fades away, the views stretch on for miles, and everything feels just a little more quiet and poetic. For a moment of calm with a remarkable view, this is one of the most rewarding things to do in Rome.