Sant'Agnese in Agone, Baroque church in Piazza Navona, Rome, Italy
Sant'Agnese in Agone is a baroque church on Piazza Navona featuring a concave facade with twin bell towers and a central dome. The interior displays elaborate marble decorations and frescoes that reflect the elegant baroque style of the building.
The church was commissioned by Pope Innocent X in 1652 to replace an earlier structure at the site of Saint Agnes martyrdom. The project followed the family pope's establishment on the square and was shaped by leading baroque architects of the time.
The church holds important Christian relics, including Saint Agnes skull in an ornate reliquary within the underground crypt. These sacred objects draw visitors who come to venerate this saint at her place of worship.
Access is available daily with enough time to explore the interior and crypt area. Visitors should note that the place is an active house of worship where appropriate dress and respectful behavior are expected.
The church stands at the exact spot of Saint Agnes execution in the ancient Domitian stadium, which determined the curved shape of Piazza Navona. This archaeological link between ancient Rome and Christian history makes the square a crossroads of two eras.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
