An Amazing View of The St Peter’s Basilica Through A Rome Keyhole

Did you ever try peeking through a keyhole? If not, then this is the best time to delve into the exotic view, especially take a camera along with you because you don’t want to miss the secret behind this door.

A peek-a-boo view from the spectacular place Aventine Hill in Rome is the most amazing view one couldn’t miss.  Being the small structure, the hill is the exotic Piazza of the Knights of Malta designed in 1765 by popular Italian architect Giovanni Battista Piranesi.

You might have seen the pictures of Taj Mahal from the front with the reflecting pool in the ground, a beautiful picture of Machu Picchu from the hill above the ruins. Every image of these iconic places differs slightly from the place where you are standing. What makes Rome Keyhole different is it has a fixed spot for the camera to get a clear shot. Just peek through the hole and you will see a beautiful garden that ends with bushes framing the dome of St. Peter’s in the distance.

What you are gazing at is the gardens of the Villa del Priorato Malta – properties of the popular Knights of Malta. With its uninviting door and sharp framed view of St Peter’s Basilica, it has become the tourist attraction in the city. It is quite common seeing visitors peeping through the door and many try to capture the perfect shot, but the view is the one that gives a memorable moment.

The view through the keyhole is absolutely exotic and left you to wonder what if it wasn’t planned this way? The St Peter’s gets fixed perfectly in the frame and the two domes come perfect in alignment. You must agree that during the construction someone noticed the view and plan the arches and keyholes for a purpose. The garden to the place can be viewed only by appointment. 

What Exactly is the Knights of Malta?

Knights of Malta or full name Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem is a Roman Catholic lay religious order traditionally of noble nature. They are what is left of the monastic order of the Knights Hospitallers which were created during the Crusades to save the pilgrims in the Holy Land. (17.1)

Piazza of the Knights of Malta

They are claimed to have diplomatic relations with over different international organizations. The SMOM (Sovereign Military Order of Malta) has jurisdiction over this area and another building in Rome. The SMOM has their coins, passports, and stamps. Their current objective is to provide humanitarian and medical aid to the people.

The Rome Keyhole lines up perfectly with the garden and domes. No one is able to say with certainty whether this was a planned show or it’s just a coincidence.