THE
P RTAL
February 2019
Page 17
The Aventine Hill
Donato Tallo in Rome
R ome is
a city that is rich in history; it is renowned throughout the world for its architecture and
beauty and also for its stunning churches, chapels and museums. Yet Rome is also a very contemporary
and cosmopolitan city and one that is considered very fashionable and cultured. As with any modern city,
Rome can be busy and noisy, and visitors to Central Rome may be unaware of the many peaceful and tranquil
sites located only a stone’s throw away from the city centre.
The Aventine Hill is one such place; it is the most
southerly of the famous Seven Hills of Rome and is a
place of beauty and calm just outside the central area
of the city, where visitors can escape the cacophony
and business of the capital’s streets for a while.
The Aventine Hill has a rich history that is worth
exploring in detail; it is a site that was very important
in Roman mythology. Being an elevated site close
to the river Tiber and fairly close to the Coliseum,
it commands some very impressive views of Rome
from both the Giardino Storico di Sant’Alessio and
the Parco Savello which is famous for beautiful and
colourful orange trees that are almost ornamental in
appearance. Visitors to either of these two gardens
can admire stunning views of the eternal city where
St Peter’s Basilica and other famous Roman landmarks
can be seen.
Located next to the Parco Savello is the church of
Santa Sabina. It is at this church that the Holy Father
celebrates Mass on Ash Wednesday each year. The
church, which ranks as a minor basilica, is run by
the Dominicans and its beauty in simplicity is quite
amazing. The main doors of the basilica have been and
continue to be the subject of much historical analysis
as the top left door panel has an image on it that is
regarded as being one of the oldest and first depictions
of the crucifixion in artwork. Both the individual panel
and the door itself are a joy to behold.
The church of San Anselmo and the International
Benedictine College and Monastery are also located
on the Aventine Hill. San Anselmo is a beautiful
church where the monastic rhythm of the daily offices
is observed. The church has a large sanctuary and
some simple yet stunning windows.
Next door to San Anselmo there is a large piazza
and often an ice cream stall can be found there! More
important than the ice cream, there is the famous
Aventine Keyhole located on the Piazza dei Cavalieri
di Malta. Through the keyhole on the large green
doors, St Peter’s Basilica can be clearly seen through
a corridor of exquisitely maintained hedges owned by
the Sovereign Order of Malta.
Any visit to Rome would not be complete without
a visit to the Aventine Hill. The churches and gardens
are stunning and it is from here that the beautiful
A little further south from Santa Sabina is the basilica skyline of the city can really be explored. Being able
of Santi Bonifacio and Allessio which has several to appreciate the peace and tranquility of Rome in an
interesting side chapels and has both a light and airy area that is steeped in history and beauty is a fantastic
feel inside. The crypt has some amazing frescos and experience. The Aventine Hill is easily accessible
the church itself is said to have been founded between from central Rome by foot. Cars are also allowed on
the third and fourth centuries, although it has been the Aventine and the nearest metro station is Circo
restored many times.
Massimo.
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