Villa del Priorato di Malta Palace

Address: Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, Aventine Hill, Rome, Italy

Admission: Free to view from the public square (grounds and interiors are usually private)

The Villa del Priorato di Malta is the headquarters and landscaped property of the Knightly Order on Rome’s Aventine Hill. The site comprises a fortified entrance, ornamental gardens and the priory buildings associated with the order.

Its best known feature is the small keyhole in the priory gate that frames a centered view of St Peter’s Basilica across a tree-lined street, a composition that draws large numbers of visitors. The gardens and façade are also noted for their formal layout and historic architecture.

The property has been associated with the Sovereign Military Order of Malta for centuries and today combines ceremonial functions with a residence for the order’s representatives in Rome.

The priory sits on the Aventine Hill in central Rome, within easy walking distance of the Circus Maximus and other central archaeological sites.

• Order of Malta property: The priory on the Aventine Hill belongs to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and is known for its walled garden and historic gate on the Aventine.

What to See#

• Keyhole view: A small circular keyhole in the priory gate gives a precisely framed view of St Peter’s Basilica across the urban axis of Rome; this deliberate visual alignment is the site’s most famous feature.

The Villa del Priorato di Malta is on the Aventine Hill in Rome near the famous keyhole at the Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta. The closest metro is Circo Massimo (Line B), about a 10-15 minute walk uphill; it’s also a short walk from Piramide or the Testaccio area and served by several city buses. From central Rome the Aventine is easily reached on foot or by a short taxi ride.

• Go to the Aventine Hill keyhole (Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta) early morning or near sunset to avoid queues and see the perfectly framed view of St. Peter's Basilica through the gate.
• The famous keyhole view is accessible from the public road in front of the priory-don't expect to enter the priory gardens from that spot, but do combine the stop with a walk to the nearby Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) for a broader panorama of Rome.