Top Things to Do in Aventino

THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Aventino, Rome

Top Things to Do in Aventino

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What travelers are saying

  • Sheena
    Shrewsbury, UK31 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An absolutely sensational place! We visited on a sunny spring day. We didn’t bother with the audio guide…lots of explicatory panels is English and Italian. Really beautiful place - we spent 2 1/2 hours wandering around.
    Written March 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Steve Buckley
    London, UK6,327 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My wife and myself are currently holidaying in Rome staying at the Romanico Palace Hotel (Review to follow) and a good local friend took us on a drive to see of the sights we wouldn’t ordinarily see.

    One of these involved peeping through a Keyhole from which you can see St Peter’s Basilica! What was even more interesting was that it was a rainy evening and there was a queue of people in front of us - all of whom had walked some distance for the Keyhole experience!

    As was early evening - and a wet one at that - the view was not very clear so we’ll ensure we return to the Keyhole on a nice, sunny day (when our friend informs us the queue can be 50 yards long or more!) the next time we’re in Rome!!
    Written January 20, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Beverly Z
    Indian Harbour Beach, FL538 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I was looking for something different to do my last day in Rome and looked to see if there were any interesting cemeteries. I found this one and it was wonderful. It was a lovely day in late April, and the cemetery, with its cypress and pine trees, flowering plants, singing birds, and beautiful tombs, was the perfect get-away from the crowds of the most popular Rome sites. The cemetery isn't too large and the person at the gate (entrance is free but donations are suggested) was an American ex-pat when I was there. He was able to provide a lot of good information. The English poets Keats and Shelley are buried here. After seeing this cemetery for the first time, Shelley wrote, “It may make
    one in love with death to know that one should be buried in so sweet a place." The cemetery is a very short walk from the Piramide metro station.
    Written May 22, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JenK105
    Dublin, Ireland261 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    There was a small queue to get into see Bocca della Verita, but we loved it. Such a cool photo opportunity and we all came away with our hands 🙌🏼
    Written March 4, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Katja
    Lohja, Finland15 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was a beautiful escape from the busy city, quiet and serene. Loved to see all the different roses, there was a lot of space to walk between them and take a closer look without damaging them. Quite a lot of people, but it didn't feel crowded.
    Written May 20, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Considered Review
    Norwich, UK129 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Although the sports arena is long gone the footprint remains - a long flat oval with tiered sides. But just seeing the place sets off the imagination with wild images of furious crowds, flying hooves, and straining chariot wheels. History rarely gets this close. Enjoy.
    Written March 6, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • dapper777
    Monaco32,690 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Many years ago, we attended a wedding ceremony in this church.
    We wanted to know more about the basilica and, while we were around the Aventine, decided to visit it again.
    The church was built on the former house of Sabina, a rich woman who was converted by Seraphia, a Greek slave of hers, and who died in 114 during a persecution of the Christians. It is interesting to note that Seraphia is the name of the woman who wiped the face of Jesus and whom afterwards was known as Veronica ('vera icona' = true portrait).
    Probably it is the best preserved among the early Christian churches although it has been heavily restored over the years. It has a similar design to the great basilica of Sant'Apollinaire Nuovo in Ravenna, which was built later.
    The Basilica of Santa Sabina was built by Peter of Illyria during the reigns of Popes Celestine I and Sixtus III, as testified by the magnificent golden mosaic inscription opposite the apse.
    Peter of Illyria founded the church and the convent precisely where the house of the martyr stood.
    Sadly nearly all of the original mosaic decoration, which would have been as sumptuous as that of Ravenna's basilicas, has disappeared.
    The sole survivor is this important 5th-century dedicatory inscription.
    The lengthy Latin text, written in gold on a blue background, is flanked by two female figures who personify the Church of the Jews and the Church of the Gentiles (other groups, outsiders).
    Sabina was a rich matron of Avezzano in the region of Abruzzi, who lived in the 4th century, beheaded under the Emperor Vespasian, or perhaps Hadrian, because she had been converted to Christianity.
    As was the custom until late ancient times, the building was constructed with re-used materials, including 24 marble columns from the nearby temple of Juno Regina.
    The inside of the church, with a typical layout of the early Christian basilicas, is with three naves, divided by 24 re-used columns of Prokonnesian marble (from the Marmara island, Turkey) with perfectly matched Corinthian columns and bases.
    The original fifth-century apse mosaic was replaced in 1559 by a very similar fresco by Taddeo Zuccari.
    The imposing apse, crowned by a triumphal arch, is decorated with Christ among the apostles.
    The floor is covered with numerous tombstones: among them the fourteenth-century burial of the Master General of the Dominican order, Muñoz de Zamora (he was a Spanish Dominican friar who became the seventh Master General of the Dominican Order in 1285, and later a bishop) stands out. In fact, unlike the other tomb slabs present in the basilica, it is decorated in some parts with a mosaic.
    It is Rome's only surviving mosaic tomb, dating from around 1300.
    The portal is a magnificent door made of cypress wood dating back to the fifth century, surrounded by a marble door frame. This door, restored in later year, presents a number of scenes from the Old and New Testaments including what is believed to be one of the oldest representations of the Crucifixion.
    It was restored in 1836, but only 18 of the original 28 panels have survived.
    Its marble frame is made of 3rd-century marble spoils.
    Another interesting feature is a small, isolated column, set at a lower height in a niche. This unusual feature shows how much lower the floor of the previous structure would have been: this may have belonged to Santa Sabina’s original house or, in any case, another earlier Roman structure.
    A number of changes were made to the church over the years, including a restoration under Pope Leo III and a redecoration under the archpresbyter Eugenius II in 824-27.
    The interior is very bright, thanks to the row of large windows in the clerestory plus three in the apse and five in the facade.
    In the 9th century, it was enclosed in a fortification area.
    The interior was largely renovated by Domenico Fontana in 1587 and by Francesco Borromini in 1643.
    Of the Baroque reconstructions only the two lateral chapels with a quadrangular plan covered by a dome remain, dedicated to St. Hiacynth on the right, and St. Catherine of Siena on the left.
    The latter one is a lavish and ornate Baroque work: the architct was Giovanni Battista Contini and the patrons were a patrician Tuscan family, the Elci. This is the reason why it is called also 'Cappella d'Elci'.
    The upper part of the central nave, equipped with a modern coffered ceiling (1938), was once covered with mosaics; today, however, only the spaces between the arches are decorated with emblems in opus sectile, a popular Medieval Roman art technique where materials were cut and inlaid into walls and floors to make a picture or pattern.
    In 1874 the Municipality of Rome used the convent building as a hospital, on the occasion of a cholera epidemic that hit the city.
    This basilica is still surprising with its treasures.
    As recently as 2010, a seventh-century fresco was unveiled that appears to be a depiction of Jesus, Virgin Mary, and the apostles Peter and Paul.
    We would suggest to read some material and literature before the visit.
    It was a very interesting experience.
    So quiet, so serene, no crowds. Very close to a small park with a beautiful view of Rome. We loved the 'Mascherone' fountain nearby, too.
    Recommended.
    Written April 19, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sophie K
    Thessaloniki, Greece82 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It is something that you don't see everyday. Worth a visit 💕 you will see throw the door the Sant Peter.its a view breathtaking...
    Written March 13, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Morgan
    225 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must see. Wasn’t too crowded when we went which meant a breath of calm amidst a busy tourist area. Breathtaking views across Rome!
    Written February 24, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Trotter
    36 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This place was pure magic for us: we wanted to spend some time cooking with local ingredients instead of just going to restaurants: this was our gold mine. The vegetables are just inexplicably fresh and tasty; the fresh pastas are to die for…don’t even get me started on the half prepared dishes like artichokes, yumm!! A must see
    Written January 31, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LittleDan500
    Liverpool, UK306 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    First check to see if its open before visiting as it is temporarily closed at the moment apparently. You can still see it from outside and its a bizarre sight in Rome. There isn't much around the site.

    Bear in mind its a way out from the centre of Rome and if you decide to see it then maybe continue south to see the Basilica Papale San Paolo Fuori le Mura which is arguably more impressive.
    Written June 3, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • dapper777
    Monaco32,690 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Testaccio is a dynamic, trendy district of Rome that develops around the Monte dei Cocci, a hill created from the accumulation of discarded Roman amphorae. The caves, once used as warehouses, now house crowded bars and nightclubs, as well as traditional and innovative trattorias.
    Many menus offer specialties based on offal and intrails, a clear reference to the former slaughterhouse (Mattatoio), which is in the area, and which now houses two pavilions of the Macro Modern Art Museum located near Porta Pia, in the Salario-Nomentano district of Rome.
    In the lively local market it is possible to buy fresh agricultural produce and street food.
    The Testaccio district is one of the most popular areas of Rome and boasts a very ancient history.
    In Ancient Rome, merchant ships coming from markets throughout the Mediterranean docked on the banks of the Tiber. As evidence of every trade and transaction, some broken shards of amphora ("head" in Latin) remained there. Thus a real pile of over 35 meters of fragments and shards was created. It was soon referred to as Mons Testaceus, or "Monte dei Cocci": this is the origin of the name of the district which today, while retaining its popular character, has the most imaginative nuances of the capital.
    There are many monuments, churches, squares, buldings and spaces dedicated to culture and art in this area that are certainly worth a visit.
    .The main things to see in Testaccio.are: the Pyramid of Cestius, Porta San Paolo , the Non-Catholic Cemetery, the Monte dei Cocci, the New Testaccio Market, the church of Santa Maria Liberatrice and its square with its garden, the former slaughterhouse (Mattatoio) and Piazza Testaccio with its beautiful Fountain of Amphorae.
    Monte dei Cocci is a hill created by piling up the shards and fragments of amphorae and terracottas brought by Roman ships and destroyed: perfectly preserved. The mountain is accessible on foot, but only with a tourist guide.
    Recommended.
    Written November 30, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Chris318i
    Regensburg, Germany334 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The "Buco della serratura dell’Ordine di Malta" is definitely a special sight in Rome and a special sight in general. We were waiting for around half an hour to enjoy the special view on St. Peter. Not a must, but worth a visit when you are in the neighbourhood.
    Written March 4, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tom J
    London, UK1,622 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Piazza della Bocca della Verita feels like a real distance away from the Piazza dei Trevi or Piazza Navona, it is quiet, feels somewhat personal and not full of people. Located right next to the Bocca della Verita statue it is easily accessible from the Circus Maximus area and is closely located to the Tiber.

    Worth a stop if you have extra time but is not a must see!
    Written May 11, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Monsters
    12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful, small garden with nice view. It was crowdy, but still wanderful. Worthwile visiting it, especially if you do not want to wait too long to take a glimps through famous keyhole which is close to this garden.
    Written December 11, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.