A hill made for slow walks

The Aventine Hill reveals itself on foot, among quiet streets, villas and panoramic viewpoints. In a small space it packs some of the most beautiful and secret spots in Rome. Here's what you can't miss.

The Giardino degli Aranci (Parco Savello)

The best-loved stop is the Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden), a terraced garden planted with orange trees that overlooks the Tiber and a breathtaking view all the way to the dome of St Peter's. It's the perfect place for a romantic pause and for photos, especially at sunset. We've given it its own guide: the Giardino degli Aranci.

The Keyhole of the Knights of Malta

A few steps away, in Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, sits one of Rome's most famous "secrets": the Keyhole (buco della serratura) in the great door of the Villa del Priorato di Malta. Peer through it and the dome of St Peter's appears perfectly framed by a hedge of laurel. The effect is magical and not to be missed. We've given it its own guide: the Keyhole.

Want to explore the Aventine at your own pace, with zero logistics to worry about?

My Rome Driver takes you to the most romantic side of Rome with a private driver and waits for you between stops. Fixed price, door to door.

Check availability and get a quote

Reply within 30 minutes · Fixed price · Free cancellation up to 24h before

The Basilica of Santa Sabina

The Basilica of Santa Sabina is one of the best-preserved early Christian churches in Rome (5th century): a luminous, solemn interior marked out by ancient columns that conveys all the purity of Christianity's origins. Don't miss the celebrated carved wooden doors from the 5th century, featuring one of the oldest depictions of the Crucifixion. Beside it, the garden offers another lovely viewpoint.

Sant'Alessio and the rose garden

Round out your visit with:

  • The Basilica dei Santi Bonifacio e Alessio (Sant'Alessio), with its courtyard and the story of the saint.
  • The Roseto Comunale (Rome's Rose Garden), on the slopes of the Aventine facing Circus Maximus: a spectacular rose garden, open mainly in spring during the bloom.

How to plan your visit

In 1–1.5 hours you'll see the best of it:

  1. The Giardino degli Aranci (view and orange trees)
  2. The Keyhole (in Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta)
  3. The Basilica of Santa Sabina (and its wooden doors)
  4. Sant'Alessio and, in season, the Roseto

Frequently asked questions

What is there to see on the Aventine? The Giardino degli Aranci, the Keyhole of the Knights of Malta, the Basilica of Santa Sabina with its 5th-century wooden doors, Sant'Alessio and the Roseto Comunale (in spring).

What makes Santa Sabina special? It's one of the best-preserved early Christian basilicas in Rome, with a solemn interior and the celebrated 5th-century wooden doors, which include one of the oldest depictions of the Crucifixion.

When is the Roseto open? The Roseto Comunale opens mainly in spring, during the rose bloom. Hours change every year: check the City of Rome website.

Are all the attractions free? Yes: the Giardino degli Aranci, the Keyhole, the churches and (in season) the Roseto are all free. The Aventine is a public hill.

How much time do I need to see everything? About 1–1.5 hours for the main stops, taking it slow and snapping a few photos, especially at sunset.

Read also

Book a driver for the Aventine Hill

Fixed price · ZTL access · Door to door

Article #388 · Category: Neighborhoods · Updated: May 2026