One of the many ways in which Rome is able to surprise you is its very particular way of being looked through the keyhole.

This one, which is perhaps the most famous keyhole in the world, is located on the highest part of the Aventine hill, between the Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden) and the villa of the Priory of Malta, therefore in the Circo Massimo area, but you never can't get there by chance. 

We are talking about the exciting view offered by the lock of the gate of the Priory of the Knights of Malta, by looking inside it.

The emotion that pervades the unaware tourist is taken not only by the everlasting charm of spying on something or someone, but also by the panoramic view that, peering inside, you can discover: the Dome of San Pietro in a new and different perspective, surrounded from the hedges of the eighteenth-century garden of the Priory.

Sunset is perhaps the best time for this visit, which, anyway, offers a unique sensation at all times of the day.

The area, very quiet and peaceful, really makes it a pleasant walk outside the big tourist paths of the capital. 

But did this keyhole appear by chance?

Many wonder about it, but the answer is obviously no.

Most likely, this keyhole whose optic is well calibrated in the direction of St. Peter, is the result of a brilliant idea by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, who in 1765, at the request of Cardinal Rezzonico, had the task of renovating the entrance creating, furthermore, a spectacular rococo square, sumptuously decorated with coats of arms and trophies.

The majestic entrance door to the square is the one from which, in fact, you can 'spy' on St. Peter in the distance.

Nearby the famous door there is the Municipal Rose Garden, a splendid garden swollen with nothing short of spectacular roses.

A little further on, however, is the famous Giardino degli Aranci, a park with a panoramic terrace that allows an unforgettable view of the Eternal City.