A basilica hidden in the heart of Rome

Just steps from Piazza Venezia and the Trevi Fountain, facing the square that shares its name, Piazza dei Santi Apostoli, and right beside Palazzo Colonna, stands a basilica that countless tourists walk past without ever knowing it: the Basilica of the Holy Apostles / Santi Apostoli. Behind its facade hides a sumptuous Baroque interior, home to one of the early masterpieces of Antonio Canova and a spectacular frescoed ceiling. It is one of those churches that rewards anyone who stops to step inside.

The history

The basilica's origins date back to the 6th century, but its present-day appearance is the result of Baroque reconstructions and a major renovation between the 17th and 18th centuries. Originally dedicated to the apostles Philip and James (whose relics are kept in the crypt) and later to all the Apostles, it has for centuries been entrusted to the Conventual Franciscan friars. The Renaissance portico and the Neoclassical facade tell the story of layers laid down across different eras.

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What to see

  • The Tomb of Clement XIV by Antonio Canova, a Neoclassical masterpiece.
  • The grand frescoed ceiling by Baciccia (Giovanni Battista Gaulli).
  • The fragments by Melozzo da Forlì, linked to the famous lost fresco.
  • The Renaissance portico and the crypt holding the apostles' relics.

We go deeper in our guide to what to see at the Basilica of the Holy Apostles and in the article on Canova's Tomb of Clement XIV.

Visiting and admission

Entry to the basilica is generally free, as it is for Rome's churches. For opening hours and practical info, see the guide Santi Apostoli: hours and admission. To get there, check how to reach the Basilica of the Holy Apostles.

A stone's throw from Palazzo Colonna

The basilica sits on the same block as the Galleria Colonna, so it pairs perfectly with a visit to Palazzo Colonna and a stroll toward the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Venezia.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Basilica of the Holy Apostles? A Baroque basilica near Piazza Venezia, dedicated to the apostles Philip and James and to all the Apostles, famous for Canova's Tomb of Clement XIV and Baciccia's ceiling.

Why is it worth visiting? For its sumptuous Baroque interior, Canova's early masterpiece, Baciccia's grand fresco, and the fragments by Melozzo da Forlì: a treasure too often overlooked by tourists.

Is there an admission fee? No, entry to the basilica is generally free, as it is for Rome's churches. Check opening hours and any restrictions on the official website.

Where is it located? On Piazza dei Santi Apostoli, between Piazza Venezia and the Trevi Fountain, beside Palazzo Colonna, in the heart of the historic center.

Can it be combined with other sights? Yes: with Palazzo Colonna (same block), the Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Venezia, all just steps away.

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Article #502 · Category: Monuments · Updated: May 2026