Ever had a travel moment that felt straight out of a dream?
Aventina, the iconic keyhole in Rome Italy.
That’s exactly what happens when you first peer through the unassuming keyhole on Aventine Hill in Rome.
While this “secret” spot has gained popularity in recent years thanks to social media, it still remains far less crowded than Rome’s major attractions like the Colosseum or Vatican Museums.
Plus, there’s something mysteriously appealing about this view belonging to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta – an organization with nearly a thousand years of history and its own sovereignty.
In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know about visiting this magical keyhole – from its fascinating history and exact location to the best times to visit and how to capture that perfect photo.!
What Exactly Is the Aventine Keyhole?
The Aventine Keyhole isn’t actually a tourist attraction by design – it’s simply the keyhole of a large green door belonging to the Priory of the Knights of Malta, located on Aventine Hill in Rome.
At this door begins the Villa del Priorato di Malta, which hosts the Sovereign Military Order of Malta’s diplomatic base in Rome.
When you peek through this ordinary-looking keyhole, what you see is extraordinary: a perfectly aligned view down a hedge-lined garden path that perfectly frames St. Peter’s Basilica’s dome in the distance.
The perspective creates an almost magical tunnel effect with the dome appearing much closer than it actually is.
What makes this view particularly special from a geopolitical perspective is that you’re actually looking through three sovereign territories at once! You’re standing in Italy, looking through property belonging to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (which has extraterritorial status similar to an embassy), and viewing the Vatican City in the distance. It’s three countries in one glance!
The Fascinating History Behind the Knights of Malta Keyhole
The story behind this famous keyhole involves one of the world’s most ancient religious orders.
The Sovereign Military Order of Malta (officially the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes, and of Malta) dates back to around 1048, originally founded to provide care for poor and sick pilgrims to the Holy Land.
The Order established its presence on Aventine Hill in the 14th century, though the current villa and gardens were redesigned in the 1760s by the renowned architect Giovanni Battista Piranesi.
Interestingly, Piranesi only completed one architectural work in his lifetime, and this was it – the church of Santa Maria del Priorato and the surrounding gardens.
One of history’s most fascinating questions about the keyhole view is whether it was intentionally designed or simply a happy accident.
While some romantic tales suggest Piranesi deliberately created this perfect alignment, most historians believe it was a fortunate coincidence.
Either way, it’s a masterclass in perspective and framing.
Aventine Hill itself has deep historical significance as one of Rome’s seven hills.
In ancient times, it was where the plebeians (common people) would retreat during secessions from the patrician class.
It later became home to temples dedicated to Diana and Minerva. There’s something poetic about this hill, slightly removed from Rome’s center, now hosting one of the city’s most sought-after secret views.
How to Find the Secret Keyhole of Aventine Hill
Finding the famous keyhole is part of the adventure, as it’s located in a residential area somewhat removed from Rome’s main tourist center.
The exact address is Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, 3, on Aventine Hill (Colle Aventino).
From central Rome, you have several public transportation options.
Take Metro Line B to Circo Massimo for the easiest access. Then it’s a short 10–15 minute uphill walk: head down Via di Valle Murcia, turn right at Via di Santa Sabina, and go straight to Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta.
If you’re coming from Trastevere or other parts of Rome, buses 75, 81, 118, and 160 all stop relatively close to Aventine Hill. Just ask the driver to let you know when you’re near “Giardino degli Aranci” (the Orange Garden), which is very close to the keyhole.
I got slightly lost my first time looking for the keyhole, so here are some landmarks to confirm you’re in the right place: You’ll know you’ve found the correct location when you see a beautiful square designed by Piranesi with decorative obelisks and a distinctive pattern on the ground.
Look for a large, unadorned green door in a high wall – if there’s a small line of people waiting to look through it, you’ve definitely found it!
Best Times to Visit Rome’s Famous Keyhole
Timing your visit to the Aventine Keyhole can significantly impact your experience.
From my multiple visits, I’ve found early morning (around 8-9 AM) to be ideal for several reasons. First, the morning light beautifully illuminates St. Peter’s dome, creating a stunning visual effect. Second, you’ll encounter far fewer tourists than during midday or afternoon hours.
If early mornings aren’t your thing, consider visiting around sunset. The golden hour casts a magical glow on the basilica, though be aware that this is also when many tour groups discover the spot.
Weekdays are definitely preferable to weekends, particularly Monday through Thursday when tourism in Rome generally dips slightly.
I once visited on a Tuesday morning in October and had only one person ahead of me, while my Saturday afternoon visit in July involved a 20-minute wait.
One insider tip: many tour groups visit the nearby Orange Garden around mid-morning and then head to the keyhole, so arriving before 10 AM or after 3 PM helps you avoid these scheduled groups.
\And if you’re visiting during Catholic holidays, be aware that viewing might be affected by special activities at either the Priory or the Vatican.
Other Hidden Gems to Explore Near Aventine Hill
While the keyhole is undoubtedly spectacular, Aventine Hill offers several other wonderful attractions that many visitors miss.
After checking out the famous keyhole, I always make time for the Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci), just a two-minute walk away.
This beautiful public park offers some of the best panoramic views of Rome, especially at sunset. The garden gets its name from the bitter orange trees that fill it with fragrance in spring.
Just across from the Orange Garden is the Basilica of Santa Sabina, one of Rome’s oldest and most beautiful churches. Dating back to the 5th century, it retains much of its original structure and features an incredible wooden door with early Christian carvings.
If you’re visiting between May and June, don’t miss the Municipal Rose Garden (Roseto Comunale) on the slopes of Aventine Hill. It showcases over 1,100 varieties of roses from around the world, with the added bonus of fantastic views over the Circus Maximus and Palatine Hill.
For food options, I recommend stopping at “Le Bistrot” on Via di Santa Melania for excellent coffee and pastries, or “Da Gianni” on Via Marmorata for authentic Roman cuisine. Both are local favorites rather than tourist traps.
A perfect half-day itinerary would be: morning visit to the keyhole, followed by Santa Sabina, then coffee at a local café, the Orange Garden for midday views, and finally the Rose Garden (if in season) before heading down to explore the ancient sites of Circus Maximus and the Baths of Caracalla nearby.
Visitor Etiquette and Practical Tips
Respecting the Aventine Keyhole site is crucial for ensuring everyone has a positive experience and for preserving this special place. First and foremost, remember that while the keyhole has become a tourist attraction, it’s still the entrance to the headquarters of a sovereign entity and religious order. The knights actually use this door, so maintaining a respectful demeanor is important.
When visiting, keep your voice down and form an orderly line. I’ve witnessed some visitors trying to skip ahead, which creates unnecessary tension.
The typical time spent at the keyhole should be brief – about 15-30 seconds to look and perhaps another 30 seconds if taking photos, especially if others are waiting.
Never try to insert anything into the keyhole or touch the door unnecessarily. Not only is this disrespectful, but it could potentially damage this historical site.
The good news is that there’s no entrance fee to look through the keyhole, as it’s simply on a public square.
However, be aware that you cannot enter the villa itself unless during special open house days, which are rare and usually announced by the Order of Malta.
Regarding accessibility, reaching the keyhole does involve walking uphill and navigating some steps if coming from certain directions.
If mobility is a concern, taking a taxi directly to Piazza Cavalieri di Malta is your best option.
As for visiting hours, since the keyhole is on a public square, it’s technically accessible 24/7. However, for safety and better visibility, I recommend visiting during daylight hours, roughly between 8 AM and 8 PM (later in summer).
The area is generally safe, but as with any less-frequented tourist spot in Rome, being aware of your surroundings is always wise.
Why It’s Worth It
In a city overflowing with world-famous attractions like the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and Trevi Fountain, you might wonder if hunting down a simple keyhole is truly worth your precious vacation time.
What makes this experience so special is its perfect combination of simplicity and wonder.
Unlike many of Rome’s major attractions that require hours of waiting in line, purchasing tickets in advance, or navigating overwhelming crowds, the Aventine Keyhole offers a moment of pure magic with minimal hassle.
The keyhole view also offers something increasingly rare in our social media age: genuine surprise. While photos can capture the general idea, they simply can’t replicate the actual experience of placing your eye to the keyhole and seeing the perfect alignment unfold before you.
Is it worth climbing a hill and potentially waiting in a short line to look through a keyhole for less than a minute? Without question. Some experiences defy logical value calculations, and this is certainly one of them.
In my travel journal, it’s marked simply as “the moment Rome made perfect sense to me” – and I can’t think of a better endorsement than
Final Thought And Navigation Tip O Aventine Keyhole
Finding the famous Aventine Keyhole is part of the adventure, as it’s tucked away in a quiet residential area of Rome that many tourists never discover. The entrance to the Villa del Priorato di Malta, located on Aventine Hill, is through a large green door at number 3 on Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta.
From Central Rome (Step by Step):
- By Metro: Take Metro Line B (the blue line) to the Circo Massimo station. When exiting the station, orient yourself so you’re facing the large grassy area of Circus Maximus.
- The Walk: From Circo Massimo station, walk south along Via del Circo Massimo with the ancient racetrack on your right. After about 300 meters, turn left onto Via di Valle Murcia.
- The Climb: Follow Via di Valle Murcia as it begins to ascend Aventine Hill.
- The Final Approach: Continue on Via di Santa Sabina past the Basilica of Santa Sabina on your right. Shortly after the basilica, you’ll arrive at Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta on your left – a small decorative square with distinctive patterned pavement designed by Piranesi.
- The Door: Look for a large, unassuming green door in the wall that surrounds the square. If there’s a line of people taking turns looking through a keyhole, you’ve found it!
Total walking time from Circo Massimo station: approximately 12-15 minutes.
Alternative Routes:
- From Trastevere: Take bus 75 to the “Aventino – Albentina” stop, then walk about 5 minutes to the piazza.
- From Colosseum: Take bus 160 to “Piazza Albania” and walk about 7 minutes uphill.
- From Testaccio: It’s a pleasant 15-minute walk up via Marmorata, then right onto Via di Santa Sabina.