Santa Agnese fuori le Mura

In 630 the Sant’ Agnese fuori le Mura was built in Roman-Byzantine style. This church is one of the most important examples of the byzantium art in Rome.

There is a apsis mosaic with holy Agnes between pope Honorius who carries the a model of a church and pope Symmachus. It’s remarkeble that Agnes is in the centre and not Christ and there aren’t any apostles.

Agnes was a young martyr. She is dressed like a queen with a crown, earrings and a beautiful dress. She had a green stole from her shoulders to her knees.

On her underclothes we can see a phoenix (the symbol of the resurrection). On her left arm she has a veil of virginity and on the veil is a phoenix, too.

A diadem and an aureole are on her head. At her feet are flames and the sword of martyrdom.

The part below the apses is decorated with marble plates and purper stone strips.

The thirteenth years old Agnes refused admittance to all the proposal of marriage of the son of the townprefect. Her arguementation made clear that she was a Christian. She was brought to the s.o.trial, but she didn’t want to marry him. By order of the prefect had she been placed in a brothel. Her long locks covered her like a coat. Besides she was supported by an angel. Holy light drove the escorts of her wedding candidate away. The son of the prefekt tries to touch Agnes and dies. Agnes brought him back to live by praying, but he showed no graditude. On the contray, he made her followed as a magician. The prefekt didn’t wanted to get dirty hands and charged an other with the justification of Agnes. This person gave the charge to throw Agnes in a large fire. It was a miracle, the flames gave away. The judge deceides to use more efficient waits. His executioner butted a sword through her throat. Her family and friends buried her. Eight days later they saw a row of beautiful virgins and in the middle stood Agnes. She wore a wedding-ring on her finger: She was engaded with Christ. By her right feet ther was a lamb. Each year, on her holiday 21th of January, to lambs are offered. From the wool of these lambs the nuns weave the pallium, a urturgic sign of honour wich the pope gives to the just-appointed patriarcs and archbishops.