View Article: Aventine Hill

	Aventine Hill
	written by Lesley Everett / 07.04.2004

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Hill

Aventine Hill, AKA Aventino

Ancient Image

Santa Sabina basilica, built in 425 in honor of a martyred Roman matron, has nearly maintained its original appearance and is often hailed as "the most beautiful church in all of Rome." It's perched atop the Aventine Hill next to Parco Savello and overlooks the entire city. The church is large and imposing, yet it's exterior is simple brick with a series of paned glass windows spanning the full length of the nave. The bell tower rises well above the basilica roof and is easily visible from the river or the Passeggiata di Giancolo- the view is most beautiful at sunset as the sky turns orange and gold around the dark outlines of the church. In ancient times, Santa Sabina was probably the most dominant and impressive feature of the Aventine.

The church itself is more elegant and harmonious than many in Rome- it showcases a set of 24 matching Corinthian columns lining the nave and a pair of meticulously carved cypress-wood doors in the portico. These carvings are one of the earliest depictions of the crucifixion in all Christian art.

Contemporary Image

The Aventine is now a quiet residential district with the comforting feel of a park. Colorful mansions with baroque facades and grandiose entryways dot the hill. The properties are gigantic by Roman real-estate standards, and most include shady gardens and imposing wrought-iron gates. The streets are quiet and serene, so the Aventine's a great place for walkers to escape the loud hum of vespas and chaotic traffic. Pricey Mercedes, BMWs, and sporty Coupers line the roads instead of the usual scooters and Smartcars. There's definitely a sense of wealth and prestige on the Aventine, much like Queen Anne hill in Seattle, but nothing is overly lavish and opulent.

Image Analysis

Photo of Santa Sabina

A Drawing of Santa Sabina from across the Tiber

The first image is a contemporary photo of Santa Sabina, taken from Parco Savello next door. The long row of paned windows which run the full length of the nave as well as the basilica's simple brick exterior are visible. Also, the picture shows the open, park-like atmosphere of the hill but does not include any mansions or evidence of the wealthy residents.

The second image is an old drawing of the Aventine with Santa Sabina proudly perched at the top. In ancient times, it was probably admired and revered as the crowning glory of the hill (the Aventine was also referred to as the "Sacred Mount"). In actuality, the hill is a bit bigger and the buildings on top are a bit smaller than shown, but the drawing does an excellent job at emphasizing Santa Sabina's prime location and noteworthy beauty atop the hill.

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