Perhaps the most charming of all the early Christian churches
in Rome, tucked away up the Via Nomentana. The circular mausoleum
was built in honour of the Emperor Constantine's daughters Constantia
and Helena in the 4th century. The mosaics, with their riot of
children and animals cavorting among the vines, are entirely
pagan in feel, more bacchic than Christian. The church of Sant'
Agnese next door has an extensive catacomb beneath.
DIRECTIONS:
From the Quirinale head north-east on Via XX Settembre. At Michelangelo's Porta
Pia this becomes Via Nomentana. Continue for 2 kms.
