The Aventine Hill is one of the seven original hills of ancient Rome. It is located to the southwest of the Capitoline Hill, overlooking the Tiber River, and is separated from the Palatine Hill by the valley occupied by the Circus Maximus.

In the earliest days of Rome, it was mainly a commercial district, frequented by travelers and merchants from across the Mediterranean. During the Republic, the plebeians were granted ownership of the hill, where they built their homes. From the Imperial period onward, however, it became an aristocratic district, hosting, among others, imperial residences.
In its later history, one should note the presence of the Templars, followed by the Knights of Malta, whose order is still established there.

Today, this quiet and residential (rather upscale) neighborhood is centered around the Piazza of the Knights of Malta. It houses several sanctuaries, the Basilica of Santa Sabina, and the Orange Garden.