It was here in Piazza Navona, inside the ancient stadium built by Emperor Domitian, where Saint Agnes was martyred as a young girl. Dedicated to her memory, the church displays her skull alongside a marble relief carved by Alessandro Algardi. Her body lies within the church’s massive crypt, which is worth a visit.
Travelers may enjoy Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone (and even a live concert at the Borromini Sacristy) as part of a half-day, full-day, private or group tour with different modes of transport (walking, Segway, hop-on hop-off river cruise, gold cart, electric bicycle) and focusing on themes like Baroque architecture, squares and fountains, or sightseeing major attractions like the Colosseum and Vatican museums.
Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone is located at Piazza Navona in the center of Rome just behind the famous Bernini fountain “The Four Rivers.” Take a taxi, drive or take bus #64 to Corso Vittorio Emanuele/ Navona stop or the #70 to the Senate stop. The church is easy walking distance from many sites including the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps at Piazza di Spagna, and the Egyptian obelisk at Piazza del Popolo.
The Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone is open Monday - Friday, 9am - 7pm (closes 1pm - 3pm) and Saturday and Sunday, 9am - 8pm (closed 1pm - 3pm). Religious services are normally Saturday 7pm and Sunday 2:15pm and 7pm; check schedules beforehand. Come during the week to have a more serene visit or come for an evening of Baroque music. Concerts in the church’s Borromini Sacristy feature live singers and an architectural tour.
Designs changed hands several times over the course of construction, with the church’s most distinctive features created by Francesco Borromini, such as the concave facade with opposing curved lines and the two bell towers made low for clear views of the cupola. The interior is shaped in a nearly circular Greek cross design and is surrounded by marvel masterworks depicting martyred saints. Notably a women-centric church, the dome is frescoed with the “Assumption of Mary” by Ciro Ferri.
