A journey into early Christian Rome

The complex of Sant'Agnese fuori le Mura / St Agnes outside the Walls packs a complete tour of the Rome of early Christianity into a few short steps: a mosaic-rich basilica, the underground catacombs and a masterpiece mausoleum. Here is what not to miss.

The apse mosaic of the basilica

The basilica's treasure is its apse mosaic, dating to the 7th century: against a gold ground glows the figure of St Agnes, elegant and solemn, flanked by two popes. It is one of the finest examples of Byzantine mosaic in Rome and proof of the unbroken thread between ancient and Christian art. On its own, it is worth the visit.

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The catacombs of Sant'Agnese

Beneath the basilica stretch the catacombs of Sant'Agnese, dug around the tomb of the martyr. The guided tour leads you through the underground galleries, with their loculi, inscriptions and burial chambers, in an atmosphere that captures the Rome of early Christianity. They are less crowded than the catacombs along the Via Appia, yet every bit as evocative.

The Mausoleum of Santa Costanza

A few steps from the basilica lies the jewel of the complex: the Mausoleum of Santa Costanza / Mausoleum of Constantina, a circular building of the 4th century raised for Costantina, daughter of Constantine. It is famous for the mosaics on the vault of its ambulatory, among the oldest in Christianity, with vine tendrils, putti and scenes of the grape harvest. We cover it in depth here: Santa Costanza and its mosaics.

The basilica and its interior

Beyond the mosaic, the basilica preserves:

  • Its layout with matronea (upper women's galleries), typical of ancient churches.
  • Ancient reused columns and historic furnishings.
  • The quiet, intimate atmosphere of a thousand-year-old place of worship.

How to plan your visit

  1. Admire the apse mosaic in the basilica
  2. Descend into the catacombs on the guided tour
  3. Visit the Mausoleum of Santa Costanza and its mosaics
  4. Take in the basilica's matronea structure
  5. Round it off with Villa Torlonia or the quartiere Coppedè

Frequently asked questions

What is there to see at Sant'Agnese fuori le Mura? The 7th-century apse mosaic in the basilica, the underground catacombs and the nearby Mausoleum of Santa Costanza with its early Christian mosaics.

What makes the apse mosaic so special? It depicts St Agnes on a gold ground between two popes: one of the finest examples of Byzantine mosaic in Rome, dating to the 7th century.

What are the catacombs of Sant'Agnese? Underground galleries dug around the tomb of the martyr, open with a guide: less crowded than those on the Appia, yet just as evocative.

What is Santa Costanza? A circular 4th-century mausoleum built for Costantina, daughter of Constantine, famous for the vault mosaics, among the oldest in Christianity.

How much time do you need? From one hour to a couple of hours to see the basilica, the catacombs and Santa Costanza, depending on the guided tour.

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Article #515 · Category: Monuments · Updated: May 2026