Discover the enchanting Secret Key Hole in Rome on Aventine Hill

Buon giorno and welcome to Stefano's RomeCabs, your trusted guide to Rome's treasures, offering premier private day tours by car and convenient airport transfers. Rome is a city teeming with ancient wonders and hidden gems, but few experiences are as enchanting—and as secretive—as peeking through a keyhole on the beautiful Aventine Hill

Have you ever felt the irresistible urge to peek through a keyhole?

In Rome, this simple act unveils a view so unique that it has captured the hearts of travelers from around the world. Bring your camera, because behind this secret door, a stunning visual surprise awaits you.

The Keyhole on Aventine Hill: A Hidden Gem Worth Finding

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On top of Aventine Hill lies a small yet charming square called the Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta (Piazza of the Knights of Malta), designed in 1765 by the renowned Italian architect Giovanni Battista Piranesi.

While this square itself is beautiful, the true magic is hidden behind an ornate wooden door set into a tall, grand wall. This seemingly ordinary door leads to the garden of the Priory of the Knights of Malta, a private estate protected from the public.

However, it’s not the door itself that draws visitors, but the small, perfectly positioned keyhole in its center. As you press your eye against the keyhole, you’ll witness a mesmerizing view: the majestic dome of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, framed beautifully by the garden’s manicured hedges.

It's a moment that seems straight out of a fairytale: a glimpse of one of Rome's most iconic landmarks, seen through a keyhole. This rare and perfectly aligned view creates a sense of wonder that transports you to another world.

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Peek Through Three Countries in One Glimpse

What makes this experience even more incredible is that as you peek through the keyhole, you're technically gazing through three different nations! Here’s how:

The Sovereign Order of the Knights of Malta: You’re standing on the grounds of this independent entity, which enjoys extraterritorial privileges, making it a unique “country within a country” in the heart of Rome.
Italy: Beyond the keyhole, you’re peering across the city of Rome itself, the capital of Italy.
Vatican City: In the distance, your eyes will rest on the iconic dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, located within Vatican City—an entirely separate, sovereign state.

Few places in the world offer such an extraordinary perspective, where one glance takes you through three distinct nations, each layered in history and culture.

Travel Tip: Capture the Moment

To make the most of this unforgettable experience, don’t forget your camera! St. Peter’s Dome, framed by the keyhole’s circular opening, is a moment you'll want to capture forever. If you're lucky, the lighting may cast a magical glow over the basilica, making for an even more stunning photograph.

Aventine Hill: More to Explore

The keyhole isn't the only attraction on Aventine Hill. This peaceful neighborhood offers several other sights that make it worth a visit during your stay in Rome:

The Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci):

Just a short stroll from the keyhole, this garden provides a breathtaking panoramic view of Rome’s skyline. It's an idyllic spot to relax, especially at sunset when the city is bathed in golden light.

The Rose Garden (Roseto Comunale di Roma):

If you're visiting in May, don't miss the opportunity to wander through the vibrant and fragrant Rose Garden, where thousands of rose varieties bloom in a riot of color.
These two gardens, along with the keyhole, make Aventine Hill a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of Rome’s busy streets.

Make Aventine Hill a Part of Your Rome Tours

Tour Tip: If you booked a day tour from Rome such as our Tour Rome as Romans Do or Rome Shore Excursion from Civitavecchia, you will have the opportunity to visit Aventine Hill where you can also visit the the famous Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci).

Why not make your journey to Rome even more special? You may also upgrade your Fiumicino Transfer to Rome into a VIP Transfer and Rome Tour and request to stop at the Key Hole on Aventine Hill. It's a delightful way to experience Rome on your arrival, and reaching Aventine Hill by car is much easier than on foot or public transportation.

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Why This Keyhole Experience Should Be on Your Must-See List

In a city known for its grand attractions like the Colosseum and the Vatican, it's the smaller, more off-the-beaten-path experiences—like peeking through a hidden keyhole on Aventine Hill—that can leave the biggest impact. This enchanting view offers a glimpse into Rome’s multifaceted history, art, and architecture, all wrapped up in one unforgettable moment.

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