Mausoleum of Santa Costanza: the 4th-century rotunda with mosaics
On via Nomentana, next to the basilica of Sant'Agnese fuori le mura, the Mausoleum of Santa Costanza is a small 4th-century rotunda built by Constantina, daughter of Emperor Constantine. It is one of Rome's oldest Christian monuments and one of the best preserved, with vault mosaics among the oldest in the city. The visit is short, 20 to 30 minutes, and entry is free according to guides. The plan recalls a Roman temple: two concentric circular spaces, a dome 22.50 metres across carried by twelve pairs of granite columns, and twelve large arched windows lighting the centre. The monument became a church in the 13th century.
Highlights
The rotunda and its dome
The dome's drum rests on twelve pairs of coupled granite columns. It feels like a small Pantheon: the centred plan, the light falling from above and the calm of the place are striking.
The ambulatory mosaics
The ring vault is covered with 4th-century mosaics: geometric patterns, fruit, flowers, birds and grape-harvest scenes, with putti treading the grapes. These decorations, still pagan in spirit, are among the oldest monumental Christian decorations in Rome.
The niche mosaics
In two niches, later mosaics show Christ handing the Law and the keys to Peter; the effect is darker than that of the ambulatory.
The porphyry sarcophagus
The large sarcophagus of Constantine's daughter, decorated with grape-harvesting putti, stood here; the original is kept in the Vatican Museums and a copy is displayed in the mausoleum.
Hours and prices
Free entry according to the Rome tourist office and guides. Guides give hours of about 9:00 to 18:00 every day, but the basilica's official site does not confirm them: check before you go (phone 06 86205456). The mausoleum is also used for weddings, which can close it at times.
Practical info
Tips
- Information noted in October 2026; the mausoleum sometimes closes for a ceremony. Visit it with the neighbouring basilica of Sant'Agnese fuori le mura and its catacombs, which are paid separately (see Rome's catacombs). Modest dress is required. See also: churches to visit in Rome, underground Rome.
How to get there
Via Nomentana 349, 00162 Rome, next to the basilica of Sant'Agnese fuori le mura. From the centre, take a bus or tram towards via Nomentana from Termini station (about 20 minutes depending on traffic); check the line in Rome's transport app.
Opening hours
Nearby
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