Villa del Priorato di Malta, Palace headquarters of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta on Aventine Hill, Rome, Italy
This residence on Aventine Hill serves the Sovereign Military Order of Malta as a diplomatic headquarters and priory seat in Rome. The complex includes an inner courtyard, landscaped gardens, and a church whose exterior facade displays fine stonework and geometric ornamentation.
The current complex took shape in the 18th century when Giovanni Battista Piranesi redesigned the entrance, church, and parts of the interior, creating an example of baroque architecture. The Knights of Malta had maintained a presence on this hill since medieval times, and the site reached its present form after several renovations.
The estate's name refers to the Knights of Malta, whose members still carry out diplomatic duties here and attend services in the adjoining church. Visitors can view the complex's facade from outside and notice the symbolic decorations reflecting the Order's Christian mission.
The residence can only be visited with prior registration through the Order's official channels, as it continues to serve diplomatic purposes. The view through the keyhole at the entrance is freely accessible and can be enjoyed at any time of day, especially in early morning or late afternoon.
Through the keyhole in the entrance gate, visitors can see the dome of Saint Peter's Basilica in a straight line running through the estate's garden avenue and crossing three sovereign territories. This perspective did not occur by chance but was deliberately arranged during the garden's redesign.
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