The Aventine at a glance: where, for whom, when
The Aventine (Aventino) is one of Rome's seven hills, south of the Palatine, between the Circus Maximus and the Tiber. In antiquity it was the district of the common people and their temples; today it is one of the calmest and greenest residential neighbourhoods in the city. It suits anyone who wants to catch their breath between big sights: couples, families, walkers, and lovers of good views and free places.
Almost everything is visited on foot, on a gentle climb, within less than a kilometre. Allow three hours for the full circuit. The best moment is late afternoon, when the sun sinks over Rome, but the keyhole is easier to look through early in the morning, before the groups arrive.
The Circus Maximus and the rose garden, at the foot of the hill
The natural starting point is Circo Massimo metro station (line B). Right opposite lies the esplanade of the Circus Maximus, the largest stadium of ancient Rome, free to enter all year round. All that is left is the grassy track and the remains of a medieval tower, but, facing the Palatine, it is a fine place to grasp the scale of the ancient city. The 40-minute virtual reality visit costs €12 (reduced €10).
On the hillside opposite, the Rome Rose Garden (Via di Valle Murcia 6) opens only in spring: in 2026, from 11 April to 14 June, every day from 8:30am to 7:30pm, free entry. It occupies the former Jewish cemetery of Rome (1645-1934). Outside that period the gate is closed: carry on uphill.
At the foot of the hill, the Campagna Amica market at the Circus Maximus is a farmers' market that can fit into the walk; see its page for days and hours before planning.
The Basilica of Santa Sabina
The climb via Clivo di Rocca Savella leads to the Basilica of Santa Sabina, a 5th-century church that has kept its bright nave with twenty-four columns and its carved cypress-wood door, one of the oldest depictions of the Crucifixion. Entry is free: Tuesday to Saturday 8:00am-7:00pm, Sunday and Monday noon-7:00pm, except during services. Modest dress is expected.
The Orange Garden and the keyhole
Right next door, the Orange Garden (Parco Savello) is the finest terrace on the Aventine. From October to February it opens from 7:00am to 6:00pm; it closes later in summer (until 9:00pm from April to August). Entry is free. Umbrella pines and orange trees surround a viewpoint from which you can see the Tiber, Trastevere and, in the distance, St Peter's Basilica.
Three hundred metres away, on the Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta designed by Piranesi, the gate of the Grand Priory hides a secret: look through its keyhole and you see the dome of St Peter's at the end of a green avenue. Queues are common in late afternoon and at weekends; come early in the morning or at lunchtime. Only the gate can be looked at: the Priory garden is not open to visitors.
The Mouth of Truth on the way down
To finish, walk down via Clivo di Rocca Savella and Via di Santa Sabina towards the Tiber. At the bottom, the Mouth of Truth, in the portico of the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, is the last logical stop; the neighbouring church and the two small ancient temples on the square are also worth a glance. Queues for the photo are long in the middle of the day: one more reason to finish early or late.
Where to eat and what to do next
The Aventine is residential: it has very few restaurants. For lunch, walk down to Testaccio, fifteen minutes away on foot, with its covered market and Roman trattorias. For another neighbourhood atmosphere, try Trastevere, across the Tiber, and to enjoy the views in the evening, read our guide to Rome at night.
Summary table: the stops on the Aventine
| Stop | What you see | Entry | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circus Maximus | Esplanade of the former stadium | Free; virtual visit €12 | Esplanade always open |
| Rome Rose Garden | 1,100 varieties of roses | Free | 11 April-14 June 2026, 8:30-19:30 |
| Basilica of Santa Sabina | 5th-century church, cypress door | Free | Tue.-Sat. 8:00-19:00, Sun.-Mon. 12:00-19:00 |
| Orange Garden | Viewpoint over Rome | Free | 7:00-18:00 (Oct.-Feb.) |
| Keyhole | View of St Peter's | Free | Square accessible at any time |
| Mouth of Truth | Ancient mask at Santa Maria in Cosmedin | See its page | See its page |
Prices and hours found in October 2026. The stops are less than ten minutes' walk from one another.
Getting to the Aventine
Circo Massimo station (metro B) is the most convenient for the Circus Maximus and the rose garden; Piramide station is another option, on the Testaccio side. The climb is on foot. For metro and bus tickets, read our guide to getting around Rome.
Going further
For a quiet place to sleep, our guide to where to stay in Rome compares the neighbourhoods; for a romantic stroll, read Rome for couples, which includes the Orange Garden at sunset.
