Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Casino dei Principi
MAP
GOOGLE MAP
, which houses the archive of the Scuola Romana
school of art, is used to stage temporary exhibitions.
BASILICA DI SANT'AGNESE
FUORI LE MURA & MAUSOLEO
DI SANTA COSTANZA
(
www.santagnese.org
; Via Nomentana 349; basilica & mausoleum free, catacombs guided visit adult/reduced €8/5;
CHURCH, CATACOMBS
basilica 7.30am-noon & 4-7.30pm, mausoleum & catacombs 9am-noon Mon-Sat & 4-6pm daily, catacombs closed Nov;
Via Nomentana)
Although a bit of a hike, it's well worth searching out this intriguing me-
dieval religious complex, comprising the
Basilica di Sant'Agnese Fuori le Mura
and the 4th-cen-
tury
Mausoleo di Santa Costanza
, home to some of the oldest mosaics in Christendom.
In the 7th-century basilica look out for the golden apse mosaic depicting St Agnes with
the signs of her martyrhood - a flame and sword, standing on the flames that failed to kill
her. According to tradition, the 13-year-old Agnes was sentenced to be burnt at the stake,
but when the flames failed to kill her she was beheaded on Piazza Navona and buried in
the
catacombs
beneath this church.
Across the convent courtyard is the Mausoleo di Santa Costanza. This squat circular
building has a dome supported by 12 pairs of granite columns and a vaulted ambulatory
decorated with beautiful 4th-century mosaics.
