Sant’Agnese in Agone

Sant’Agnese in Agone

Sant’Agnese in Agone is not only a religious site but also an architectural gem that contributes to the artistic splendor of Piazza Navona, a square renowned for its Baroque masterpieces. Sant’Agnese in Agone is a 17th-century Baroque church in Rome, Italy. It faces onto the Piazza Navona, one of the main urban spaces in the historic centre of the city and the site where the Early Christian Saint Agnes was martyred in the ancient Stadium of Domitian. Sant’Agnese in Agone is a Baroque church located in Piazza Navona, one of the most famous squares in Rome, Italy.

1. Location:
   • Sant’Agnese in Agone is situated in Piazza Navona, a historic square in the center of Rome. The church faces the famous Fountain of the Four Rivers, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
2. Dedication:
   • The church is dedicated to Saint Agnes, a Christian martyr who is traditionally believed to have been martyred at the age of twelve during the Roman Empire.
3. Architects:
   • The church underwent various phases of construction and renovation. The original design is attributed to Girolamo Rainaldi, while his son Carlo Rainaldi and Francesco Borromini were later involved in its completion.
4. Construction Period:
   • The construction of Sant’Agnese in Agone began in 1652 and was completed in 1670. The church was commissioned as part of the Urban VIII family’s patronage.
5. Baroque Architecture:
   • The church is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, with a concave facade facing Piazza Navona. The design reflects the contributions of different architects, resulting in a harmonious blend of styles.
6. Dome:
   • The church features a distinctive dome with a lantern. The dome is an important element of the church’s exterior design.
7. Interior Decorations:
   • The interior of Sant’Agnese in Agone is richly decorated, with ornate Baroque stuccoes, sculptures, and frescoes. The decorative scheme includes works by prominent artists of the period.
8. Chapel of St. Sebastian:
   • The church houses the Chapel of St. Sebastian, which contains a sculpture of the saint created by Bernini. This sculpture is part of the elaborate funerary monument of the Barberini family.
9. Chapel of the Holy Family:
   • Another notable chapel in the church is the Chapel of the Holy Family, featuring a painting by Lanfranco.
10. Relics of St. Agnes:
    • The church preserves the relics of Saint Agnes in the altar beneath the main dome. The altar is adorned with a sculpture of the martyr.
11. Restorations:
    • Sant’Agnese in Agone has undergone various restorations over the centuries to maintain its architectural and artistic integrity.
12. Accessibility:
    • The church is open to visitors, allowing them to appreciate its architectural beauty and historical significance. It is also a place of worship and hosts religious ceremonies.