Italy has a number of mysteries and historical secrets; Rome itself is full of them, especially the papal secrecy surrounding Vatican City. But one of my favourite Roman mysteries is much more accessible and a lot more fun. The best part – it’s free.

The perfect time for this adventure is on a sunny afternoon – be sure to head out a couple of hours before sunset. Depart the Metro at the Circo Massimo stop, near the Circus Maximus. You can easily walk here from the Roman Forum or the Colosseum. Behind the Circus you’ll see a large hill – this is the Palatine Hill, one of Rome’s seven hills. Head up (this is a bit of exercise, but feel free to take your time, there is no hurry) the main road, which winds around a number of quiet neighbourhoods. You’ll probably not see many tourists, even in the height of summer.

After a bit, you will reach a point where vistas of the city open up to your right. Take time to explore these beautiful orange groves and church courtyards, where the gorgeous trees bathe in the afternoon light. Photo opportunity after photo opportunity will avail themselves to you.

Keep pressing forward until you come to somewhat of a ‘courtyard’ – normally you will find a couple of ‘carabinieri’ (police) will be hanging out, as they do here in Italy. In the middle of the courtyard on the right, you’ll find the Priory of the Knights of Malta, with a large green wooden door. Take a look through the open keyhole and this is what you’ll find:

Copyright by Andrew Hayes

Amazing, isn’t it? It is hard to capture on film the amazing view – the perfectly manicured hedges culminating in a picture postcard perfect framing of Saint Peter’s basilica. The authenticity of the view has been doubted, but one thing is sure: you’ll never know unless you go and check it out yourself.