Aventine Hill – Your alternative for intimate wanderings in Rome

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May be not of the mightiest in Rome’s famous seven hills, yet Aventine Hill is no less beautiful than the others.

Aventine has the common aesthetics of Rome and beautiful views offered by the height of the hill, but its true charm lies in its less crowded places where you can have a more intimate experience in your wanderings of Rome.

Location

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Aventine Hill, one of Rome’s famous seven hills, is a serene and stylish resident area in its center and a place filled with Rome’s beauty at its outer surroundings.

Aventine Hill is another Hill apart from Capitoline and Palatine hills that are near the Tiber River. It is situated at the river’s eastern bank and at the southernmost part of a chain of hills.

Climate

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Summer can be quite hot in the whole of Rome, including Aventine Hill. While you may think you can handle its heat (more than the Romans who leaves the city by the way during the summer), the trapped heat in Rome’s stone structures as well as in its asphalt can hinder a great time. Nights can be also stifling, especially if your accommodation is not air conditioned.

The best recommended time to visit Rome is during the middle of autumn, which is from the latter half of September to October. Although there’s little rain during those times, it is not as heavy during late autumn and the beginning of winter.

Spring is another good time to visit, as it has almost similar weather with autumn, particularly the month of May, which is almost the same as October. However, March has a fickle climate changing in varied times, but it should start to be more stable during April, which may also come a bit chilly especially at night.

Transportation

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Rome has two airports: Ciampino and Fiumicino. Although Fiumicino is bigger in size, Ciampino has more flights connecting Rome to other places in Europe. Once in Rome, access to Aventine Hill is easy.

You can take a bus to Piazza Venezia going to Aventino. Located on Aventino’s southeastern corner is Roman gat Porta San Pauolo, a transportation hub to take you in different locations in the area.

ATTRACTION

The “Keyhole” – View of St. Peter’s Basilica

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Whether a lucky coincidence or an intended plot, the keyhole in the Piazza of the Knights of Malta, has gathered its own share of visitors. The piazza dates back to 1765 in which Giovanni Battista Piranesi is the Italian architect who designed the place.

It is considered a parking lot today, yet it turned to be a tourist attraction due to the stunning view of the St. Peter’s Basilica amidst a patch of Roam skyline. Usually, there’s a line here, but if you’re lucky, there will only be a few tourists around, so you will have more time to get that legendary photo op.

The three churches on top of the Aventine Hill

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If you’re in the piazza, you will see on the both sides of you are two churches: Basilica Ss. Santi Bonifacio e Alessio on the right and Sant’Anselmo on the left. While these two basilicas are majestic on their own right pulling tourists who happens to go to Aventine Hill, the real treat is the third basilica.

Basilica of Santa Sabina witness most of Rome’s history compared to other basilicas and holds remnants of the past dating back up to the 5th century. If you haven’t guessed yet, this basilica is the oldest major basilica of Rome.

While the architecture is simple, you will see the remains of the Temple of Juno, a 1300s mosaic tomb on the floor, 5th century doors of Cyprus with biblical scenes, and a crypt in which you can only access through the reservation.

Parco Savello

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Parco Savello, also known as “Garden of Oranges” or Giardino Degli Aranci in the tongue of locals, is a destination in Aventine Hill that is a must-see. The Orange Garden is just behind Santa Sabina and beside the walls Savelli Castle remains.

Located at the top of the hill, the garden is even perfect for the summer, where the height of the hill counters the stifling summer air and the large orange trees provide shade and cool air.

The fruits of the orange trees are bitter to the taste, yet it does not take away the charm the serene garden holds. Looking at the panoramic view of the glowing buildings and monuments in Rome, this would be a great way of ending the day.

http://laurenceourac.com/aventine-hill-your-alternative-for-intimate-wanderings-in-rome/

Images:
(1.) http://bestguidedtoursinrome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Best-Guided-Tours-in-Rome-Aventino-View.jpg
(2.) http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/monsaventinus/images/4/45/Rometopomap.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20071109135947
(3.) http://italyxp.com/sites/default/files/styles/xp_blog_full/public/mediaitalyxp/isola_tiberina_autumn_rome.jpg?itok=urB3IGpT
(4.) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/58/Roma_Ciampino.jpg
(5.) http://www.romecabs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Ste-Peter-Dome-Key-Hole-Aventine-Hill.jpg
(6.) http://alainelkanninterviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/dsc_0477_bearbeitet-1.jpg
(7.) http://www.loveartinrome.it/files/140527/orange_garden.jpg