An Early Christian Complex on Via Nomentana

Along Via Nomentana, northeast of central Rome, stands one of the city's most fascinating and least touristy early Christian complexes: Sant'Agnese fuori le Mura (St Agnes outside the Walls). It includes the basilica dedicated to the young martyr Agnes, the catacombs that stretch beneath it and, just steps away, the magnificent Mausoleum of Santa Costanza (Santa Costanza / Mausoleum of Constantina), home to some of the oldest and finest Christian mosaics in Rome. A place where the history of the early Christians still feels alive and tangible.

St Agnes, the Young Martyr

St Agnes is one of Rome's most beloved martyrs: according to tradition, she was killed very young (around 304 AD) for her Christian faith. A major place of worship rose over her tomb along Via Nomentana, rebuilt and embellished across the centuries. Even today, on 21 January, the basilica hosts the traditional blessing of the lambs, whose wool will be used for the bishops' pallia.

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What to See

  • The basilica of Sant'Agnese, with its celebrated 7th-century apse mosaic.
  • The catacombs of Sant'Agnese, which extend beneath the complex.
  • The Mausoleum of Santa Costanza, an early Christian masterpiece.
  • The mosaics of Santa Costanza, among the oldest in all of Christendom.

We go deeper in our guide to what to see in the Sant'Agnese complex and in our article on Santa Costanza and its mosaics.

Visiting and Admission

Entry to the basilica is generally free, while the catacombs are visited with a ticket and a guided tour. For hours and practical info, see the guide Sant'Agnese fuori le Mura: hours and admission. To get there, check how to reach Sant'Agnese fuori le Mura.

Nearby

The complex sits in an area full of ideas: close to Villa Torlonia and the quartiere Coppedè, perfect for rounding out a day away from the busiest circuits. See our guides to Villa Torlonia and the quartiere Coppedè.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Sant'Agnese fuori le Mura complex? An early Christian complex on Via Nomentana, made up of the basilica of Sant'Agnese, the catacombs beneath it and the nearby Mausoleum of Santa Costanza with its mosaics.

Who was St Agnes? A young Christian martyr, killed around 304 AD for her faith: one of Rome's most beloved saints, buried along Via Nomentana.

What makes the complex special? The basilica's apse mosaic, the catacombs and, above all, the Mausoleum of Santa Costanza, with some of the oldest Christian mosaics in Rome.

Is there an admission fee? The basilica is generally free to enter; the catacombs are visited with a ticket and a guide. Check hours and prices on the official website.

Where is it? On Via Nomentana, northeast of central Rome, near Villa Torlonia and the quartiere Coppedè.

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Article #512 · Category: Monuments · Updated: May 2026