Basilica of St. Agnes Outside the Walls

According to the records the first church on the site was dedicated to St Agnes in 342 by Constantine. There are catacombs under the church whose use has been dated to this time. In the 7th century a new church was built and that is today's building. A monastery has also been there since the Middle Ages. The Corinthian columns in the nave were all repurposed from other buildings and mostly match. The Byzantine-style mosaic is from 625. The baldacchino is early 17th century. The shrine containing St Agnes's tomb is downstairs at the start of the catacombs and her relics in a silver reliquary beneath the high altar. It is possible to take a guided tour - not done.

According to the Diocese, the opening hours of the basilica are 07:30 to 12:00 and 16:00 to 19:30. (2017). Beware of the extended lunch break. Mass is celebrated: Weekdays 8:00, 19:00; Sundays 8:00, 10:00, 11:15, 12:30 (not summer), 19:00. This is a parish church. Because there is nothing else worth seeing in the neighbourhood apart from the basilica and the complex associated with it, large tour groups and non-religious tourists tend not to visit and hence leave the basilica to the serious art students and pilgrims. The quickest way to get here is the express bus line 60, which calls at Colosseo and Piazza Venezia. Get off at Viale XXI Aprile, and walk a short distance down the Via Nomentana away from the city centre and past the monastery. As at 2017, the catacomb opening times are: 9:00 to 12:00 (not Sundays or Solemnities), 15:00 to 17:00. The catacombs are closed in November. The cost is eight euros per person. Visitors are taken through in groups by a tour guide. A visit to the catacombs here can be a very pleasant contrast to the crowds at the other public catacombs, especially on the Via Appia. On the other hand, a tour guide who can speak English is not guaranteed. If you are on a catacomb crawl, it is possible to do this set of catacombs and those at Santa Priscilla in one morning without going back to the city centre and out again. You have to walk through the Trieste suburb, which is not a great distance but requires a map.

Amazing fourth century mosaics in stunningly good condition. Bring coins for the offering slot to have them lit up properly. Also keep an eye on the ceilings, with their variety of mosaics, from geometric to cupids to florals to figural to birds... For such a small church, it's amazing stuff, especially if you're interested in the art of late antiquity.

A jewel constructed in the IV century which is often not visited. Here there are the mortal remains of st Agnes. Known for its connection with Saint Costanza, another IV century structure full of mosaics and the sarcophagus of Costanza the daughter of emperor Constantine. A must visit.

Beautiful architecture, well-kept location, cultural and historical highlights

I like the atmospher in this church during mass particularly. The orgel was amazing

Simply stunning for the churches age. Make sure you look up at the ceiling. We couldn't build this today in the western world.

The basilica and mausoleum are beautiful, quiet and well-kept. We were the only visitors to the catacombs at the time (tickets €8 each), our guide was an archaeologist who spoke English very well and answered all our questions about the catacombs and the basilica. The only downside is that it's closed 12-3pm.