Santa Agnese in Agone
Opening time: 17-18.30. Sunday and holdays 10-13.
It was built by Pope Calixtus II, rebuilt in 1652 by Rainaldi and finished by Francesco Borromini in the middle of the 16th century with unique project of the concave façade eith a single order of pillars and columns.
The twin bellfries, according to Borromini's design, were realized by Del Grande e Baratta.
The interior has a greek cross plan as conceived by Carlo Rainaldi, with its sides wider than the entire length of the church. On the dome the fresco of Ciro Ferri "Glory of Paradise" (1659). The pendentives with the virtues of the cardinals painted by G.B.Gaulli called Baciccia.
There are six richly furnished altars:
the first altar on the right has a painting of " The death of St.Alessio " by Giovanni Francesco Rossi;
the second has sculptures by Ercole Ferrata as " St.Agnes in the flames " and " St.Emerentian "; the thirth " The sacred family and angels " by Domenico Guidi;
the fourth has the sculpture of " Martyr of St Cecilia" by Ercole Antonio Raggi;
the fifth has the statue of St Sebastian by Pietro Paolo Campi; the sixth has a relief "St Aeustace among the lions" begun by Melchiorre Caffà and finished by Ferrata.
The crypt of Pope Innocent X, near the entrance, is of G.B.Maini. (1730). Below the church there are the ruins of the Dominician Stadium with Roman mosaic pavements and several medioeval frescoes.
The altarpiece is by A. Algardi and it depicts "The miracle of St Agnes' hair".