Sant'Agnese in Agone

Sant'Agnese church, which looks onto Piazza Navona, was originally the chapel of the Pamphili family, who lived in the building next door. It was built in the 8th century on a site that had been a place of worship dedicated to St Agnes (who was martyred in the piazza), since the 18th Century. Work began under the guidance of Carlo Rainaldi, who was succeeded by Borromini. The latter stuck to his predecessor's designs for the interior but modified the façade. The interior is rich in precious marbles, gilded stucco, and frescoes. There are altarpieces in marble, and statues, all works of Bernini's pupils. A stairway leads underground to where St Agnes was killed, and on the altar, a marble relief records the miracle by which the martyr's hair grew to cover her body.