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Curiosities
The Magic Keyhole
by Federica Gulizia
photo by Foggiano
Have you been told which is the most famous keyhole in Rome? Or have you even wondered why there is a famous keyhole? Drive up to the Aventine, the quiet and green hill on the left side of the Tiber. After having visited the early Christian churches which stand in the area, stop when you reach Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta.
Here two Carabinieri on duty will show you the Priory of the Knights of Malta, whose wooden door is tall and massive.
Now bring your head near it and spy through the keyhole, the scenery is extraordinary; the huge dome of St Peter's fits fully in the small hole! Beyond the door a long gravel path runs through the gardens, on both sides of which two rows of hedges seem to narrow the view in order to frame perfectly the faraway dome. It looks like a painting or a nice souvenir photo.
It was the Order of the Knights of Malta that, in 1765, commissioned the famous architect and painter Giovan Battista Piranesi to build the neo-classical fa?ade of the palace, as well as the impressive square itself that is rich in obelisks and military trophies. Full of symbols and references, only those who have the key to the understanding of this magical world should know that the keyhole was part of a perfect design. It is told that the whole hill symbolises a Templar ship, (sometimes setting sail towards the Holy Land and that the strange symbols on the obelisks are typical of the freemasonry world.
We?ll never comprehend the true meaning of these buildings that look out over Rome from this high hill, but thank Piranesi for the gift he left us: a keyhole in which anyone is able to look through without feeling guilty.
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