Il Colle Aventino ed i Cavalieri di Malta
Discover the Aventine with a tour by bike, Vespa, scooter or with a comfortable electric tuk tuk in Rome: breathtaking views, history and relaxation in the heart of the eternal city
What you need to know about The Aventine Hill and the Knights of Malta.
The Aventine is one of Rome’s seven hills, known for its tranquil atmosphere, picturesque streets and breathtaking views.
Giardino degli Aranci: This park offers a serene space with orange trees and a beautiful terrace offering spectacular views of St. Peter’s Basilica and much of Rome’s historic center.
Knights of Malta Keyhole: This famous keyhole, located in Knights of Malta Square, offers a perfectly framed view of St. Peter’s Basilica through the garden path of the Knights of Malta Villa.
Church of Santa Sabina: An ancient 5th-century basilica, it is one of the best-preserved churches in Rome, famous for its mosaics and tranquil atmosphere.
Basilica of St. Anselm: Known for its peaceful setting, this basilica has a beautiful cloister and is an ideal place for quiet reflection.
Ancient Temples: Near the Aventine, you will find the Temples of Hercules and Portunus, located in the Forum Boarium near the Tiber, which add historical charm to the area.
Circus Maximus: At the base of the Aventine is the ancient chariot racing stadium, offering another link to Rome’s ancient history.
The Aventine is truly one of the most fascinating areas of Rome, with a unique combination of history, tranquility and breathtaking views. Here is more information about some of the sights and curiosities:
History of the Aventine: It is one of Rome’s seven legendary hills and has played a symbolic role in the city’s history. In ancient Rome, the Aventine was known to be the popular quarter and housed temples dedicated to deities such as Diana, Ceres, and Libera, protectors of the people and the plebs.
Romantic Walk: The narrow streets of the Aventine, such as Via di Santa Sabina and Via di Sant’Anselmo, are perfect for a romantic stroll. Art nouveau buildings, secret gardens and a calm atmosphere make the area ideal for couples looking for a picturesque spot.
The Municipal Rose Garden: At the foot of the Aventine Hill, near the Circus Maximus, is Rome’s Municipal Rose Garden. It is open only in spring and early summer and is home to thousands of varieties of roses from around the world. The garden is particularly picturesque and is a favorite among Rome residents and tourists.
Temple of Juno Regina and other sacred sites: In addition to the best-known temples, there are remains of lesser-known temples on the Aventine, such as the Temple of Juno Regina. The hill has always had a deep religious significance, and walking through the area one can feel a mystical atmosphere.
Architecture and the charm of the Villas: The Aventine is also known for its private villas, which have belonged to wealthy Roman families for centuries. One of the most fascinating is Villa del Priorato di Malta, which houses the famous keyhole, but there are also many other villas whose facades can be admired.
Cestia Pyramid and St. Paul’s Gate: At the base of the Aventine Hill, near the Testaccio district, is the Cestia Pyramid, an actual Egyptian-style pyramid built in the first century B.C. as a tomb for Gaius Cestius, a wealthy Roman magistrate. This unique monument is flanked by the St. Paul’s Gate, one of the ancient gates of the Aurelian Wall.
Festivals and Events: The Aventine occasionally hosts cultural events, such as classical music concerts in the Church of St. Sabina or art events in the Orange Garden, especially during the summer.
The Night View: At night, the Aventine is magical. The view from the Orange Garden at sunset or at night, with the city lights shining, is a unique experience and allows you to see Rome in all its glory.
Curiosities
The Keyhole Mystery: The Knights of Malta keyhole is one of the most unique attractions in Rome. Through this tiny hole, you can see a perfect shot of the dome of St. Peter’s, framed by the garden. This effect is not accidental: it was designed so as to create this spectacular view, combining symbolic elements related to the spirituality and history of the Knights of Malta.
The Ghost of the Aventine: A mysterious ghost is said to appear at night among the streets of the Aventine: it is the spirit of an ancient guardian who, according to legend, protects the hill. Some say they have heard a whisper or seen a figure wrapped in a cloak. Although probably just a legend, the mysterious charm of the hill makes the story intriguing.
The Name “Aventine: There are several theories about the origin of the name “Aventine.” Some historians believe it comes from the Latin “aves,” meaning “birds,” since Romulus is said to have observed flights of birds from the Aventine to interpret the signs of the gods during the founding of Rome. Others think it may derive from King Aventine, a mythological figure who is said to have been buried here.
The Street of Secret Terraces: Little known to tourists, Via di Santa Sabina is known for its hidden terraces. Some of the buildings have gardens and private terraces overlooking spectacular views of Rome, but these are accessible only to residents and guests, making the Aventine a fascinating and almost exclusive place.
The Mithraeum of Santa Prisca: Beneath the Church of Santa Prisca on the Aventine is one of the best-preserved mithraea in Rome, dedicated to the cult of Mithras, a mystery deity popular with Roman soldiers. The Mithraeum of Santa Prisca is adorned with beautiful frescoes and bas-reliefs that tell the stages of initiation into the cult and the story of the god Mithras. It is a unique place to immerse yourself in one of the most mysterious aspects of ancient Rome.
Home to Embassies and Religious Communities: The Aventine is home to several foreign embassies and religious communities, such as the Benedictine community at Sant’Anselmo. This makes it a cosmopolitan and even more fascinating area, where different cultures coexist in a neighborhood of strong spirituality.
The Sound of the Bells of Sant’Anselmo: Every Sunday morning, a melody emanates from the bells of the Basilica of Sant’Anselmo, calling out to the faithful. The basilica is also famous for the Gregorian chants of the Benedictine monks, who perform an evocative sung liturgy each evening, creating a mystical atmosphere that enchants anyone who hears it.
The Mysterious Pine Cones: Scattered around the Aventine, especially in the area of Santa Sabina, are symbols of pine cones carved on columns and arches. The pine cone in Christian art represents resurrection and immortality, but some argue that it also has esoteric meanings related to the pineal gland, considered in antiquity to be the “third eye.”
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