Interior view

The commission to build the church of Sant’Agnese in Agone on Piazza Navona was first given by Pope Innocent X to Girolamo Rainaldi and his son Carlo in 1652. Due to the vigorous criticism of their plan, in 1653 Innocent replaced the Rainaldis with Borromini whose main achievement was the interior but he also made decisive changes to the whole structure. The commission was withdrawn before completion after disagreements with the pope. Subsequently Carlo Rainaldi made only minimal alterations to the exterior.

In 1653, Borromini had to continue building in accordance with the Rainaldi plan, for the pillars of the crossing were standing to the height of the niches. Yet by seemingly minor alterations he changed the character of the design. Thus a characteristically Borrominesque structure was erected over Rainaldi’s traditional plan.

The picture shows a view towards the main altar.

View the ground plan and section of Sant’Agnese in Agone, Rome.