The redevelopment of the Sant'Agnese in Agone Crypt, which recently underwent partial restoration, is part of Webuild's Agenda Cultura, the set of cultural projects promoted and organized by Webuild. The artistic and architectural lighting project, donated by the Group, was created to ensure an intimate atmosphere with lighting capable of preserving the frescoes. 

Safeguarding heritage

The initiative made it possible to restore the intimate and evocative atmosphere of the Crypt, respecting the story of the Saint's martyrdom thanks to a complex light/shadow interplay that ensures the sobriety imposed by the space and its dramatic history. 

Aiming to enhance the spatial, architectural and artistic characteristics of the Sant'Agnese in Agone Crypt, the illumination includes safeguarding the works present through the use of LED lighting, sources without UV emissions and with low heat emission, in compliance with current regulations regarding safety for users and the conservation of frescoed surfaces. 

Technological elements and containing the visual impact in a space characterized by low heights was very complex due to the presence of pictorial surfaces on all surfaces.

A system of lighting and electrical distribution fixtures was therefore designed and handcrafted to suit the site, to mitigate the impact: all technological elements were painted on site by restorers with the aim of ensuring a high level of camouflage.

The functional lighting system also ensures the use of spaces in order to ensure the performance of the intended functions.

The Saint and the Crypt

According to Latin tradition, Agnes was a noble girl belonging to the "gens Claudia", who suffered martyrdom at the age of 12 for refusing the attentions of the son of the prefect of Rome during the persecution of Christians under Diocletian. 

St. Agnes died from a sword strike to the throat, and is therefore iconographically represented with a lamb, an animal that habitually suffered the same fate.

Today the Crypt, known as the "cave" of St. Agnes, is the only surviving part of the original church, and is commonly believed to be the place of her martyrdom.