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Home / Famous Catholic Churches in Rome /

Sant’Agnese in Agone

Written by: Kate Zusmann

Sant'Agnese in Agone Church in Rome
Opening Hours
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Recommended tour
Closest bus stops
Rinascimento1 min 65 m: 70 81 87
C.So Vittorio Emanuele/Navona3 min 149 m: 46 62 64 916
Closest subway stations
Termini46 min 2.3 km: A B B1
Lepanto35 min 1.7 km: A
Address Via di Santa Maria dell'Anima, 30/A, Roma
Website santagneseinagone.org

Sant’Agnese in Agone, or Saint Agnes in Agony, stands as a captivating marvel in the heart of Rome, epitomizing Baroque grandeur.

This iconic church, officially named after Saint Agnes, reflects the artistic brilliance of the era, boasting intricate architecture and a rich historical tapestry. Nestled in the famous Piazza Navona, Sant’Agnese in Agone invites visitors to delve into its captivating beauty, revealing stories of faith, architectural prowess, and the enduring legacy of Baroque art in the Eternal City.

Contents

Toggle
  • History of Sant’Agnese in Agone
    • The Sant’Agnes in Agone Crypt
  • What to See Inside Sant’Agnese in Agone?
  • Interesting Facts
  • Things to Know Before Visit Saint Agnes Church
    • Where is Sant’Agnese in Agone?
    • Who is Saint Agnes, and why is she associated with the church?
    • What is the significance of the Feast of Saint Agnes celebrated on January 21st?
    • How did the rivalry between Bernini and Borromini influence the Sant’Agnese in Agone church’s design?
  • Nearby Attractions

History of Sant’Agnese in Agone

Sant’Agnese in Agone is a Baroque masterpiece dedicated to Saint Agnes. Commissioned by Pope Innocent X Pamphili and designed by architects Girolamo Rainaldi and his son Carlo Rainaldi, construction began in 1652, marking the culmination of a vision to honor the young martyr. The church stands on the reputed site of Agnes’ martyrdom, contributing to its profound spiritual significance.

Sant'Agnese in Agone main Altar

Completed in 1670, Sant’Agnese in Agone boasts a striking façade designed by the acclaimed sculptor and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The intricately detailed sculpture of Saint Agnes herself, placed at the center, is a testament to Bernini’s unparalleled skill. The church’s interior, adorned with impressive frescoes and marble detailing, further exemplifies the grandeur of Roman Baroque architecture.

Dome interior of Sant Agnese in Agone church in Rome

 

Read also about the masterpieces of Borromini in Rome.

The Sant’Agnes in Agone Crypt

One of the most captivating features of Sant’Agnese in Agone lies beneath its sacred grounds — the crypts. Accessible to visitors, the crypts house the mortal remains of Saint Agnes, stored within a beautifully adorned sarcophagus. Pilgrims and art enthusiasts are drawn to these underground chambers, where the spiritual and historical dimensions intertwine.

Sant'Agnese in Agone underground crypt

Beneath the main altar lies the second crypt, the “Chapel of St. Agnes.” Here, visitors encounter an enchanting chamber adorned with precious marble and adorned with sculptures, creating a serene atmosphere for prayer and reflection.

Chapel of St Agnes

This sacred space serves as a poignant reminder of Saint Agnes’ enduring legacy and the rich history embedded in the depths of Sant’Agnese in Agone.

What to See Inside Sant’Agnese in Agone?

Sant’Agnese in Agone is a baroque masterpiece revealing layers of history and spirituality. Here’s what to look for inside:

  • Marvel at frescoes depicting religious themes, particularly in the dome, where the Glory of Saint Agnes radiates across the ceiling. The marble columns and intricate detailing add to the majestic atmosphere.
  • The main altar houses a sarcophagus containing Saint Agnes’ relics. The ornate design, with marble sculptures and gilded decor, underscores her revered status.
  • Unusually positioned beneath the organ above the main door, the tomb of Pope Innocent X, crafted by the sculptor Giovanni Battista Maini, rests in this elevated niche, providing a unique focal point.
    the tomb of Pope Innocent X crafted by the sculptor Giovanni Battista Maini in church Sant'Agnese in Agone Rome
  • Descend into the crypts to visit the Chapel of Saint Agnes, adorned with precious marble and sculptures, including The Ecstasy of Saint Agnes. Its serene ambiance fosters a reflective mood.
  • Intricate sculptures, like the Statue of Saint Cecilia by Ercole Ferrata, and other religious figures contribute to the immersive Baroque aesthetic, combining architectural grandeur with spiritual significance.
    sculptures Sant'Agnese in Agone Church in Rome
  • Appreciate the seamless blend of faith and history embodied in every detail, from the ornate frescoes and sculptures to the unique arrangement of relics and papal monuments.
    interior details Sant'Agnese in Agone Church in Rome

Interesting Facts

  1. The construction of Sant’Agnese in Agone showcased the rivalry between prominent Baroque architects Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Francesco Borromini. The initial design was awarded to Borromini, but Pope Innocent X later favored Bernini’s vision, leading to significant alterations in the final structure.
  2. Every year on January 21st, a festival known as the Feast of Saint Agnes is celebrated at the church. The highlight is the blessing of lambs, whose wool is later used to weave the palliums worn by archbishops.
  3. While Bernini’s influence is evident in the church’s façade, Borromini’s touch is still present in the adjacent buildings. The bell towers, attributed to Borromini, provide a fascinating contrast to the overall Baroque design.
  4. The sculptures on the church’s façade, depicting scenes from the life of Saint Agnes, carry intricate symbolic meanings. One sculpture, for instance, represents the flames that miraculously parted, saving Agnes from the fire during her attempted execution.
  5. The church’s dome, a striking feature, was added later by the architect Carlo Rainaldi after the death of both Bernini and Borromini. Its lantern, crowned with a dove statue, symbolizes the Holy Spirit.
  6. Inside the church, visitors can find frescoes by artists such as Ciro Ferri and Giovanni Lanfranco. One fresco in the dome depicts the ‘Glory of Saint Agnes’ with a unique feature – an optical illusion that makes the dove appear to move when viewers change their position.
  7. The church is said to have a concealed staircase leading to the Sisters of Saint Cecilia convent. This architectural secret adds an element of mystery to Sant’Agnese in Agone.

Things to Know Before Visit Saint Agnes Church

Where is Sant’Agnese in Agone?

Sant'Agnese in Agone is a Baroque church in Piazza Navona in Rome.

Who is Saint Agnes, and why is she associated with the church?

Saint Agnes was a Roman virgin and martyr known for her steadfast faith. The church is built on the site where she was martyred. It houses her relics, making it a significant pilgrimage site.

What is the significance of the Feast of Saint Agnes celebrated on January 21st?

The Feast of Saint Agnes is a centuries-old tradition marked by the blessing of lambs. The wool from these lambs is then used to weave palliums, which are bestowed upon archbishops as a symbol of authority.

How did the rivalry between Bernini and Borromini influence the Sant’Agnese in Agone church’s design?

The initial design by Francesco Borromini faced alterations due to Pope Innocent X's preference for Gian Lorenzo Bernini's vision. While Bernini's influence is prominent in the façade, Borromini's touch is seen in the adjacent structures and bell towers, showcasing their artistic rivalry.

Nearby Attractions

The Fountain of the Four Rivers
1 min 160 ft 50 m
Piazza Navona
2 min 260 ft 80 m
The Fountain of Neptune
2 min 360 ft 110 m
Fountain of the Moor
2 min 390 ft 120 m
Palazzo Altemps
5 min 850 ft 260 m
Basilica of Saint Augustine
5 min 890 ft 270 m
Fountain of the Pantheon
7 min 1180 ft 360 m
Pantheon
7 min 1180 ft 360 m
Campo de' Fiori
8 min 1250 ft 380 m
Galleria Spada
9 min 1480 ft 450 m

Author: Kate Zusmann

Kate Zusmann

I have lived in the Eternal City for the past 12 years. They say every angle of Rome has its history, and I'm here to tell you about the most intriguing historical facts and city legends. :)

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2025.We're Kate and Artur, a duo bound by our shared fascination with the Eternal City – Rome. Our paths, driven by a mutual passion for its timeless stories and architectural marvels, converged in a way we had never imagined.

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