Santa Costanza, Early Christian church in Via Nomentana, Rome, Italy
Santa Costanza is an early Christian church on Via Nomentana in Rome with a circular structure and a central dome supported by twelve pairs of columns. The interior preserves important fourth-century mosaics in the vaults that surround the main space.
The building was constructed between 337 and 350 as a mausoleum for Constantina, daughter of Emperor Constantine, originally serving a secular purpose. Over time it was converted into a church and took on religious functions.
The interior mosaics feature a blend of worldly and religious symbols, including grape harvests and sea creatures that show how Roman imagery transformed into Christian expression. Walking through these decorated passages reveals how people of that time merged their old traditions with new beliefs.
The building stands next to the Basilica of Sant'Agnese and remains open to visitors who can examine the architecture and preserved late antique decoration. Being near the adjacent basilica allows you to explore multiple important sites in a single visit.
The building contains twelve windows set into its dome and once housed a massive porphyry sarcophagus, now displayed at the Vatican Museums. This removed artifact connects the structure's original purpose to the Vatican's collections.
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