Aventine Keyhole

This keyhole sits in a green wooden door at the end of a dead-end street and belongs to the Priory of the Knights of Malta. Through the small opening, visitors see the dome of St. Peter's Basilica framed by a trimmed garden path that runs in a straight line toward the basilica.

The site changed from a fortified palace in the 10th century to a Benedictine monastery and later passed to the Templars. For several centuries now, the grounds have been under the administration of the sovereign Order of Malta.

The church of Santa Maria del Priorato nearby displays nautical motifs and Masonic emblems in its architecture. These symbols recall the long connection between the Aventine and maritime life in Rome.

Take Metro Line B to Circo Massimo station, then walk uphill on the Aventine to Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta. Expect a line of people waiting for their turn at the keyhole, especially in the late afternoon and evening.

Looking through the keyhole, three territories align one after another: the Knights of Malta property, Italian sovereign territory, and Vatican City with the dome of St. Peter's. This chance alignment creates an optical effect that makes the dome appear closer than it actually is.

Location: Rome

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Address: Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, 4, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

Phone: +39065779193

Website: https://orderofmalta.int/it/governo/basilica-san-pietro-dal-buco-della-serratura

GPS coordinates: 41.88293,12.47841

Latest update: December 10, 2025 10:23