Aventine Keyhole (Il Buco della Serratura)

A mysterious peek at St. Peter’s through a secret garden gate.

📍 Location: Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, 3
⏰ Opening Hours: 24 hours (public street)
💸 Entrance Fee: Free
🕓 Suggested Visit Time: 10–15 minutes
🔗 Info: https://www.turismoroma.it/en/places/knights-malta-keyhole
🗺️ Map: View on Google Maps

About the Aventine Keyhole

Why We Love It:
On the Aventine Hill, look through the grand keyhole—aligning perfectly with St. Peter’s dome, lush gardens, and a line of cypress trees. One of Rome’s most unusual photo-ops.

Roman Guides Insider Tip:
Go early morning or around sunset to avoid crowds of Instagrammers and enjoy the vista in soft light.

Local Secret:
Climb a little further up to Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden) for sweeping Rome views.

Did You Know?

The garden belongs to the Knights of Malta, a 900-year-old order.
No need to knock—the view is always there!

Nearby Recommendations

Orange Garden – 2 min walk
Santa Sabina – Ancient Aventine basilica
Gelateria La Romana – Best in Testaccio (15 min walk)

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