Aventine Hill Hill

The Aventine Hill is one of Rome’s seven historic hills, located on the southern side of the ancient city on the Tiber’s west bank. It is known for its mix of medieval and early Christian monuments, gardened terraces and vantage points.

Notable visitor highlights are early Christian churches and monastic complexes, the peaceful Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden) with long sightlines across the city, and the famed keyhole view at the Priory of the Knights of Malta. The hill’s streets are quieter than the central forum area and are popular for short walks and views.

The Aventine has been occupied since antiquity and served a variety of residential, religious and defensive roles through the Roman and medieval periods; several churches and cloistered institutions date from the early Christian and medieval eras. Many of the existing buildings reflect rebuilding and monastic patronage in the Middle Ages.

Geographically the Aventine sits immediately south of the Roman Forum and Circus Maximus on the Tiber’s west bank, within central Rome and easily reachable on foot from other central historical sites.

• Keyhole view: The keyhole in the Priorato dei Cavalieri di Malta provides a deliberately framed view of St Peter’s Basilica and is a popular short visit for photographers.
• Best viewpoint / time: The Giardino degli Aranci on the south slope is known for good sunset views and easy access from surrounding Roman neighborhoods.

What to See#

• Santa Sabina: A well-preserved early medieval basilica founded in the 5th century, notable for its plain classical exterior and fine early Christian wood and stone work.
• Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden): Public garden on the Aventine ridge offering one of the city’s best panoramic views; formal orange trees and terraces overlook the Tiber and St Peter’s in the distance.
• Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta (Knights of Malta keyhole): The priory gate with the famous keyhole view maintained by the Knights of Malta, which frames St Peter’s Basilica at the end of a long sightline.

From central Rome take Metro B to Circo Massimo station - the Aventine Hill is a short walk uphill (around 10-15 minutes) from the station via Via di San Gregorio/Via Santa Sabina. You can also reach it on foot from the Roman Forum/Colosseum area in about 10-20 minutes; driving within the historic centre is possible but limited by ZTL restrictions.

• Visit the famous keyhole at the Priory of the Knights of Malta (Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta) early in the morning to avoid queues and capture the framed view of St. Peter's without crowds.
• Combine a slot at the Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden) with sunset - the terrace on the Aventine offers one of Rome's best, relatively peaceful skyline views and is less busy just before dusk.
• Don't miss the Basilica of Santa Sabina on the hill - check opening times in the morning to see its early Christian interior and the original wooden doors that most quick visitors overlook.