“There is a secret place in Rome” one traveler said to the other quietly. “We have to go! It is the most spectacular and unexpected sight. It is amazing! And the four legged traveler can come as well!” “Sure, sounds great” the second traveler responded.
They set off on a Sunday morning in October from the Forum heading in the direction of Circus Maximus, a large expanse of green that was once used for chariot racing and as a venue for various forms of entertainment for Etruscan Kings. “We need to go up that hill” the first traveler said while pointing towards Aventine Hill, one of Rome’s seven hills. “It’s not as large as it looks. No, really, it isn’t!”
The road climbed up past beautiful Roman homes and a blooming Rose garden. The three travelers stopped just past the rose garden to enjoy sweeping views of Rome. “It is beautiful” they said to each other; the four legged traveler sniffing nearby grass. The road continued passing Chiesa di Santa Sabina and finally arriving at the crest of the hill and the Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, home of the crusading order of the Knights of Malta.
“Here it is” the first traveler said to the second. “We are finally here. Right over there, that’s what we have been waiting to see. We need to look through the keyhole in the yellow gate.”
A few seconds later…..“Wow!” the second traveler said. “It is amazing!”
The above picture is from the Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta Web site.
The dome of the Vatican perfectly framed by the hedges…Go see it for yourself next time you are in Roma!
