Basilica di Sant’Agnese fuori le Mura & Mausoleo di Santa Costanza

It’s well worth searching out this intriguing medieval religious complex. In the 7th-century Basilica di Sant’Agnese fuori le Mura look out for the golden apse mosaic depicting St Agnes standing on the flames that failed to kill her. According to tradition, the 13-year-old Agnes survived the pyre only to be beheaded on Piazza Navona and buried in the catacombs (guided visit adult/concession €6/3; closed Sun morning & Nov) beneath this church. Across the convent courtyard is the 4th-century Mausoleo di Santa Costanza, built for Constantine’s daughters, Constance and Helen. The squat circular building has a dome supported by 12 pairs of granite columns and a vaulted ambulatory decorated with beautiful 4th-century mosaics, said by some to be Christendom’s oldest.