A short walk up from the Circus Maximus, where the Roman's held their popular chariot races starting in the 6th century BC.,with the last race held in 549 AD, lies Aventine Hill.
Aventine hill is a charming place that remains peaceful despite being right in the center of bustling Rome. Aventine offers art, history, nature, and spectacular views, all in majestic ways that will have you telling your friends it's a must do for them when they visit Rome.
 
The Keyhole
 
The keyhole is the surprise of Aventine Hill. Because I get so excited about surprises, I always go there first, anxious to share this wonderful phenomenon with friends and family!
Let me explain. When you walk up the hill from Circus Maximus on Via di Santa Sabina, at the end of the road you will find yourself in the Piazza of the Knights of Malta (Piazza dei Cavelieri di Malta).
Depending on the time of year you are visiting, you may immediately realize what to do- clued by a line of people. Sometimes you will find only a few, Italians and foreigners alike, awaiting their turn to glance through the keyhole in an otherwise ordinary large green wooden door.
I personally didn't know what I was doing or what to expect when I first looked through the keyhole, but I'll tell you so you can already be looking forward to it. When you look through the keyhole you see a perfect view of St. Peter's Basilica in the distance.
The view through the keyhole was designed in 1765 by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, a famous Italian architect. Take a look and don't be ashamed to wait in line again for another peek!
 
The Knights of Malta
 
The Piazza of the Knights of Malta is named after the Knights of Malta who own the property on the other side of the wooden green door.
They are one of the last remaining orders of knights from the Crusades. So, when you are looking through the keyhole you are standing on the independent territory of the Knights of Malta, looking out across Rome (Italy), and viewing St. Peter's in the distance which is inside Vatican City!
 
 
Basilica of Santa Sabina
 
Walking back down Via di Santa Sabina from the Piazza, you will soon see the ancient Basilica of Santa Sabina, the foundations of which were laid during the rule of Pope Celestino 1st (422-432).
The building was completed in the next decade, and has maintained its original architectural style.
Impressive things to note inside the Santa Sabina are the elaborate marble-inlay wall decorations and the columns with their capitals, which were taken from a second century building. Although many changes have occurred, the original dedication in Latin from the 5th century remains, as do the beautiful cypress wood doors, which depict 18 carved panels illustrating biblical events, including one of the earliest Crucifixion scenes in existence.
Santa Sabina is open from 7:30-12:30 & from 3:30-5:30pm.
 
Giardino degli Aranci
 
The Garden of Oranges sits charmingly behind the Basilica of Santa Sabina. Legend says that Spanish Saint Dominic planted the first orange tree in Rome here, and named it accordingly.
The grassy areas in the Garden or Oranges are full of orange trees, where you will find a nice resting spot in the shade. The walkway leads you to a terrace with a spectacular panorama of Rome. The garden can be a tranquil place to rest or read a book, and if you come during the nearby elementary school's recess time, you'll have a live football match to sit back and enjoy!