Aventine

Welcome to the Aventine Hill, the southernmost of Rome's legendary seven hills and arguably its most serene and exclusive enclave. While the nearby Palatine and Capitoline hills are often crowded with the echoes of empire and…

As we begin our climb, we encounter the Roseto Comunale, Rome's public Rose Garden. Located on the site of a former Jewish cemetery—a history acknowledged by the garden's layout in the shape of a menorah—this spot offers a…

We have reached the Giardino degli Aranci, or the Parco Savello, one of Rome's most beloved and romantic spots. This walled garden, designed in the 1930s by Raffaele de Vico, is celebrated for its neatly trimmed orange trees and…

Just steps away from the Orange Garden stands the Basilica of Santa Sabina, perhaps the most perfectly preserved early Christian basilica in Rome. Built between 422 and 432 AD, it retains the simple, noble proportions of the…

As you explore the interior of Santa Sabina, look for a small, dark, circular stone resting on a pedestal near the entrance. This is the 'Lapis Diaboli,' or the Devil’s Stone, and it is the subject of a fascinating local legend. …

A short walk further along the crest of the hill brings us to the Church of Santi Alessio e Bonifacio. This complex is often even quieter than Santa Sabina, offering a truly secluded experience. …

We have arrived at the Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, designed by the famous architect and engraver Giovanni Battista Piranesi in 1765. The square is a masterpiece of Neoclassical design, filled with obelisks and military…

Our journey across the Aventine Hill comes to a close here at the edge of the heights. We have walked in the footsteps of Remus, breathed the scent of a thousand roses, and looked through a keyhole into the heart of the Vatican. …