The Aventine Hill, the well-kept secret of the Romans

Separated from Mount Palatine by the Circus Maximus, the Aventine Hill is sometimes overlooked by tourists, giving the more curious a more advantageous tranquillity. Quite residential and middle-class, the district bordered by the Tiber is home to some verdant, majestic and historic treasures that are not to be missed!

For a peaceful stay, staying on the Aventine hill, surrounded by the locals, is ideal! Its central position in the city and proximity to the most important tourist sites is a great way to avoid wasting time (and money) on transport.

To the east of the hill, in the Piazza of the Knights of Malta, which at first glance seems fairly straightforward, a permanent queue waits outside door number 3... Let's take a few minutes to queue up and discover the secret behind the keyhole through which the visitors all look.

The gateway from which this crowd is drawn is that of the Villa del Priorato di Malta, a religious enclosure formerly inhabited by the Knights Templar. One of the most original and spectacular views is therefore only visible to one person at a time! The majestic dome of St Peter's Basilica looms up in front of us, behind a long alley lined with verdant flora. A glimpse that promises a memorable experience, well worth the few minutes' wait.

Before discovering the Orangery Garden, a lunch break at the Apuleius restaurant with its refined service is most welcome. Italian and Mediterranean flavours at affordable prices, served in an elegant atmosphere and accompanied by a fine selection of local wines.

Address: Via del Tempio di Diana, 15, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

Times: 12.30 - 14.30 / 19.30 - 22.30 Tuesday to Saturday, 12.30 - 14.30 Sunday

The digestive stroll begins two streets further on, in the Orange Garden, or Parc Savello. The paths are fragrant with the scent of these large fruit trees, which provide pleasant shade on hot days. The belvedere at the end of the main thoroughfare offers a beautiful view of the Vatican and, more generally, of the entire city of Rome.

Let's take a few moments to settle down on the many benches in this garden, loved by tourists and locals alike, where the gentle pace of life is striking. Below us, the Tiber flows along the hillside, bringing a gentle coolness to the green oasis above.

The church of Santa Sabina in Rome, built in the 5th century, can be seen from the alleys lined with orange trees. With its striking vaulted façade and marble and granite columns, this paleo-Christian church, which has withstood Roman history, is well worth a visit. The luminosity afforded by the imposing windows makes the ancient architecture of the building, which has been remodelled over the years, shine.

Frescoes, mosaics and columns decorate the interior of this building, part of which dates back over a thousand years. The cypress wood door that closes the main entrance is one of the best-preserved original features, with frames depicting religious scenes, including the Crucifixion.

On the way back down the hill to the north, make sure you stop in front of the remains of the Circus Maximus. Until the 6th

century, this large grassy area was home to the world's largest chariot racing stadium. During the great Roman games, some 150,000 spectators would gather in the grandstands to cheer on the carriages along the 600-metre-long racecourse.

Stop off at Gelateria Maximo before setting off to conquer a new part of Rome. Cones or pots of homemade ice cream, with fruity, gourmet and refreshing flavours, are made every day just a stone's throw from the Circus Maximus.