Peep Through The Aventine Keyhole For A Magic Roman View

You are likely to be somewhat familiar with Rome and her sights: you've probably seen them on postcards and in books, magazines, films, television shows and documentaries your whole life, as have most of us. It is one of the most famous, beautiful and heavily documented cities in the entire world, with a long, rich and fascinating history.

If you have found a vacation rental in Rome and are visiting the city, there are probably many things you want to see and do and it is one of those places where even the most seasoned and cosmopolitan travellers will find themselves wanting to swing by the touristy spots.

However, if the lines and crowds grow wearisome, there are some lesser-known destinations and attractions that you might consider as well. One of these is the Aventine Keyhole.

The Aventine Hill, the southernmost of Rome's seven hills, is a quiet and elegant residential area that is ringed with very important churches and monasteries and is located far away from the throngs of tourists. This is where you will find the Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta and, through the keyhole of a non-descript looking door, an incredible view over Rome, with the magnificent dome of St Peters at its centre.

This doorway leads to the Priory of the Knights of Malta, the legendary crusader knights and religious order and the gardens that can be seen through the door can be visited by appointment but most content themselves with just a peep. Whether the perfect alignment of the keyhole to offer a pretty view of the garden and out across the Vatican was a happy coincidence or a planned treat is uncertain but, either way, it one of the best views you will probably ever spy through a keyhole.

Through it, you're actually seeing across three countries: the autonomous property of the Knights of Malta, Italy and the Vatican. While crowds aren't really a problem, enough people have cottoned on to this little gem that you'll probably only have enough time to press your camera against the hole and get a picture of the dome of St. Peters through the shrubbery tunnel before others will be angling to take your place and do the same.

Of course, there are many other places to take in the wonderful views of Rome. Wandering the hills of the city will make for many photo opportunities and incredible memories. With a city like Rome, you must always keep your eyes open or you could miss something incredible.