The Aventine Keyhole Rome: Secret Spot with Address, Tips & Best Time to Visit

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There are monuments in Rome you simply can’t miss: the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, St. Peter’s Basilica… But the Eternal City also hides a few secret gems that only curious travelers discover. The Aventine Keyhole in Rome, tucked away on the Aventine Hill, is one of them.

Picture this: you walk up to a big green door, wait a few minutes in a small line, and then press your eye against the famous keyhole on Aventine Hill. And there it is, surprise! A perfect alignment of Saint Peter's dome, framed by a lush garden path. With a single glance, you can see three countries: Italy, the Knights of Malta territory, and the Vatican. Not bad for a hidden keyhole view, right?

In this guide, I’ll share all the practical information you need to find the Aventine Keyhole in Rome (address, how to get there, transport options), the best time to go, how to take a great photo, and what else to see nearby on Aventine Hill. It’s a quirky little spot that’s absolutely worth the detour on your Rome itinerary.

What is the Aventine Keyhole in Rome?

The Aventine Keyhole is one of those quirky little secrets that Rome loves to keep hidden. At first, it looks like nothing more than a large green door at the top of Aventine Hill. But lean closer, peek through the famous keyhole, and you’ll discover one of the most unique views in the world.

Through that tiny circle, your eyes fall perfectly in line with the dome of Saint Peter's basilica in Vatican City. Framing the view are the gardens of the Knights of Malta, a sovereign territory of their own, with the rooftops of Rome stretching out in the background.

That means you’re looking at three countries all at once:

• Italy, since you’re standing in Rome.
• Vatican City, with its unmistakable dome of Saint Peter's.
• The Sovereign Order of Malta, because the keyhole belongs to their priory.

And this isn’t just a lucky coincidence, it’s intentional. The perspective was carefully designed so that the dome appears perfectly framed, like a natural telescope. That’s why the Aventine Hill Keyhole view is so striking and has fascinated travelers for decades.

It might only be a “small keyhole in Rome,” but trust me: the feeling when you press your eye against it and suddenly see St. Peter’s framed by hedges and secret gardens is nothing short of magical.

Where is the Aventine Keyhole in Rome?

You’ll find the Aventine Keyhole on the Aventine Hill, one of Rome’s legendary seven hills. This part of the city feels completely different from the hustle and bustle of Piazza Navona or the Trevi Fountain. Instead, it’s a peaceful residential neighborhood with tree-lined streets, elegant villas, and ancient churches. A real hidden corner of calm in the capital.

The exact Aventine Keyhole address to type into Google Maps or your GPS is:

• Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, 3, 00153 Rome.

The square itself, Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta (Square of the Knights of Malta), looks fairly simple at first glance. But it’s loaded with history and symbols. It was designed in the 18th century by the architect Giovanni Battista Piranesi, and if you look closely, you’ll notice details inspired by military motifs and mysterious esoteric references.

Right in the middle of this square stands the massive green door of the Priory of the Knights of Malta. And hidden in its keyhole is the world-famous view of Saint Peter's dome.

Don’t worry about missing the spot, there’s almost always a small line of curious visitors waiting to peek through the Aventine Hill Keyhole. And if you happen to come when it’s quiet, that imposing green door is hard to miss anyway.

👉 So, if you’re wondering where the Aventine Keyhole is in Rome, just remember this: it’s on Aventine Hill, in front of the Priory of the Knights of Malta, at Piazza Cavalieri di Malta.

How to Get to the Aventine Keyhole in Rome

The good news is that the Aventine Keyhole is really easy to reach, whether you’re already wandering around Rome city center or starting from further away. Here are your main options:

By Metro

Take metro line B and get off at Circo Massimo station. From there, it’s about a 10–15 minute walk (roughly 800 meters) to Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta. 

The walk also brings you past the Circus Maximus, the ancient arena for chariot races, before you climb up to Aventine Hill.

By Bus

Several bus lines stop near Aventine Hill. 

You can hop on lines 23, 81, 180, 628, or N10 and get off at the Aventino stop. From there, it’s just a short stroll to the big green door hiding the keyhole.

On Foot

If you enjoy walking, this is a great option too. 

From the Colosseum, the Aventine Hill Keyhole is only about a 20-minute walk (1.5 km). Along the way, you’ll pass the Circus Maximus and the city’s Rose Garden before making your way up the hill at an easy pace.

Tip: If you’ve got a Roma Pass or another Rome sightseeing pass that includes public transport, all the metro and bus routes mentioned above are covered, so you won’t need to worry about buying separate tickets.

👉 Whether you go by metro, bus, or on foot, reaching the Aventine Keyhole in Rome is simple. And the bonus? The spot is close to other highlights like the Colosseum, Circus Maximus, and even Trastevere if you feel like extending your walk.

The History of the Aventine Keyhole

Behind this small and unassuming keyhole lies a long story filled with religion, knighthood, and symbolism. And that’s part of what makes the Aventine Keyhole in Rome so fascinating.

The Priory of the Knights of Malta

The green door with the famous keyhole belongs to the Priory of the Sovereign Order of Malta. This religious and military order, one of the oldest in the world, dates back to the 11th century and the time of the Crusades. Its members, known as the Knights of Malta, were tasked with helping and protecting pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land.

Even today, the Order of Malta has a special status. It issues its own passports, has license plates, and even maintains embassies around the world. In many ways, it functions like a microstate, just like the Vatican. And right here in Rome, on their territory on the Aventine Hill, you’ll find the famous keyhole.

The Work of Piranesi

But why does the Aventine Hill Keyhole line up so perfectly with the dome of St. Peter’s ? That’s no accident.

In the 18th century, the architect and engraver Giovanni Battista Piranesi redesigned the Piazza Cavalieri di Malta and the priory. His project included heavy use of military and esoteric symbolism, mixing obelisks, trophies, and references to Freemasonry.

Legend has it that he intentionally created the perfect alignment between the garden, the keyhole, and the dome of the Vatican. Was it meant as a tribute to Rome’s spiritual power? Or simply a stroke of architectural genius? The mystery remains.

A Well-Kept Secret… Until Today

For centuries, the Aventine Keyhole remained a local secret. Only residents of the neighborhood and a few adventurous travelers knew about this unusual perspective.

It wasn’t until the 2000s that it became a true tourist curiosity, drawing hundreds of visitors each day.

Today, the little line of people outside the green door is proof of its popularity, but the spot hasn’t lost its magic. Behind that tiny opening lies centuries of history, where architecture and symbolism come together to create a one-of-a-kind experience.

What Can You See Through the Aventine Keyhole?

So, what exactly do you see when you press your eye to the Aventine Keyhole in Rome? Get ready to be amazed, because that tiny circle of metal offers one of the most unusual and photogenic views in the entire city.

The Dome of Saint Peter's Basilica

This is the star of the show. Perfectly centered in the line of sight, the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City appears as if you could almost reach out and touch it. The clever perspective makes it look surprisingly close, even though it’s actually across the Tiber River.

The Gardens of the Knights of Malta

Before your eyes reach the dome, they travel down a long, perfectly trimmed path of hedges and cypress trees. These gardens belong to the Sovereign Order of Malta, an independent territory right in the heart of Rome. You can’t normally visit them, but through the keyhole, you get a rare, exclusive glimpse.

The Rooftops of Rome

And in the background, behind the basilica, you can spot the ochre rooftops and monuments of the Eternal City. It’s this layering, hedges, dome, and Roman skyline that makes the Aventine Hill Keyhole view so unique.

Visiting the Aventine Keyhole in Practice: Useful Tips

Now that you know what you’ll see through the Aventine Keyhole in Rome, here are some practical tips to make the most of your visit.

Opening Hours and Accessibility

Good news: the Aventine Keyhole is accessible at any time of day, and it’s completely free. You can come in the morning, afternoon, evening, or even at night if you want a different experience.

👉 Insider tip: the light at sunrise or sunset makes this amazing view even more magical.

The Waiting Line

Let’s be honest: this spot used to be a well-kept secret, but today there’s often a small line. Usually, you’ll wait around 5–10 minutes, with maybe a dozen or so people in front of you. Nothing compared to the long queues at the Vatican Museums!

If you’d like to avoid the crowds, come early in the morning or after 9:00 pm, you might even have the view all to yourself.

Photo Tips

The big question: how do you take a good photo through the Aventine Hill Keyhole?

• With a modern smartphone: no problem, the autofocus does most of the work for you.
• With a DSLR or mirrorless camera: it’s a bit trickier.
  • Switch to manual mode.
  • Focus on the dome of St. Peter’s (not on the keyhole itself).
  • Place your lens as close as possible to the hole to avoid reflections.

Pro Tip: some travelers take several shots, check the result, and then jump back in line to try again. But honestly, even a quick snap with your phone usually turns out amazing.

What to See and Do Near the Aventine Keyhole Rome

Peeking through the Aventine Keyhole only takes a few minutes, but the real bonus is that you’re already on Aventine Hill, a peaceful neighborhood packed with hidden treasures.

Here are 7 places I recommend visiting near Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta:

• The Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) : Just steps from the keyhole, this charming park offers a stunning panoramic view of Rome. In spring, the orange trees fill the air with fragrance, and at sunset, it becomes one of the most romantic spots in the city.
• The Basilica of Santa Sabina : Right next to the Orange Garden, this 5th-century church is one of the oldest in Rome. Inside, you’ll find a wooden door carved in late antiquity, an incredible piece of early Christian history.
• Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta : This is the square where you’ll find the Aventine Hill Keyhole itself. Designed in 1765 by the architect Piranesi, it’s filled with military and esoteric symbolism. Take a moment to admire its obelisks and mysterious decorations.
• Circus Maximus : Walking down from Aventine Hill, you’ll arrive at the vast open space of the Circus Maximus. Once the site of thrilling chariot races with up to 250,000 spectators, today it’s a peaceful park where you can stroll, picnic, and imagine the roar of the ancient crowds.
• The Rose Garden of Rome (Roseto Comunale) :Right next to the Circus Maximus, this municipal rose garden is home to more than 1,100 varieties of roses. It’s especially beautiful in spring and offers a colorful, tranquil escape in the heart of the city.
• The Pyramid of Cestius : About a 10-minute walk away, you’ll come across a real Roman pyramid. Built in the 1st century BC as the tomb of a magistrate, it stands 36 meters tall and feels wonderfully out of place among the modern buildings around it.
• The Testaccio Neighborhood : If all this exploring makes you hungry, head to nearby Testaccio. This authentic Roman district is famous for its trattorias and its lively covered market. It’s the perfect place to taste a traditional carbonara or sip a glass of local wine, far from the tourist traps.

FAQ About the Aventine Keyhole in Rome

Is the Aventine Keyhole free to visit?

Yes! The good news is that it’s completely free. You don’t need a ticket. Just walk up and take a look through the Aventine Hill Keyhole, day or night.

Can you visit the Priory of the Knights of Malta behind the door?

No, unfortunately not. The grounds belong to the Sovereign Order of Malta and are not open to the public. The only glimpse you’ll get of their gardens is the one offered through the keyhole.

What’s the best time to visit the Aventine Keyhole?

Early in the morning or after 9:00 pm. That way, you’ll avoid the line and enjoy beautiful light on St. Peter’s dome. Sunset is especially magical.

Why do people say you see three countries through the Aventine Keyhole?

Because it’s true! You’re standing in Italy, looking at the gardens of the Sovereign Order of Malta, with the dome of St. Peter’s in Vatican City in the background. Three territories in a single glance.

Is the Aventine Keyhole suitable for a family visit?

Absolutely. Kids love the idea of “spying” through a keyhole, and adults find the view just as magical. Just keep in mind that the keyhole is quite high, small children may need a lift to see through it.

How much time should you plan for the Aventine Keyhole?

No more than 10–15 minutes. But I highly recommend spending extra time on Aventine Hill to explore the Orange Garden, the Basilica of Santa Sabina, and other nearby gems.