A Baroque and Neoclassical treasure

The Basilica of the Holy Apostles / Santi Apostoli holds masterpieces spanning the Renaissance to Neoclassicism, set within a luminous, refined Baroque interior. Here is what you shouldn't miss on your visit.

Canova's Tomb of Clement XIV

The basilica's masterpiece is the funerary monument to Clement XIV, an early work by Antonio Canova (late 18th century): the sculptor's first major Roman commission, the one that launched him as a master of Neoclassicism. The pope is shown giving his blessing, flanked by the allegories of Temperance and Meekness, a work of balance and gentleness that is worth the visit on its own. We cover it in depth here: Canova's tomb of Clement XIV.

Want to take in the masterpieces of Santi Apostoli at your own pace?

My Rome Driver takes you into the heart of Rome with a private chauffeur and waits to whisk you to your next stop. Fixed price, door to door.

Check availability and get a quote

Reply within 30 minutes · Fixed price · Free cancellation up to 24h before

Baciccia's ceiling

Look up and you'll see the great frescoed ceiling of the nave, the work of Giovanni Battista Gaulli, known as Baciccia (the same artist behind the famous ceiling of the church of il Gesù): the Triumph of the Franciscan Order, a swirling Baroque composition that seems to "break through" the ceiling toward the heavens. A masterpiece of illusionism and movement.

The Melozzo da Forlì fragments

The basilica is also tied to Melozzo da Forlì: his celebrated fresco of the Ascension, which once decorated the apse, was dismantled in a later era. A few fragments — among them angel musicians of extraordinary beauty — are now kept elsewhere (the Pinacoteca Vaticana and the Quirinale), yet the connection with the basilica remains part of its artistic story.

The portico and the crypt

Also not to be missed:

  • The Renaissance portico outside, with its famous relief of the imperial eagle.
  • The crypt with the relics of the apostles Philip and James.
  • The funerary monuments and side chapels, rich in works of art.

How to plan your visit

  1. Admire Canova's Tomb of Clement XIV
  2. Look up at Baciccia's ceiling
  3. Dig into the story of the Melozzo fragments
  4. Take in the portico and the imperial eagle
  5. Visit the crypt with the apostles' relics

Frequently asked questions

What is there to see at the Basilica of the Holy Apostles? Canova's tomb of Clement XIV, the ceiling frescoed by Baciccia (Triumph of the Franciscan Order), the link to Melozzo da Forlì, the Renaissance portico, and the crypt with the apostles' relics.

What is the most important work? Antonio Canova's funerary monument to Clement XIV, an early piece and the Neoclassical sculptor's first major Roman commission.

Who painted the ceiling? Giovanni Battista Gaulli, known as Baciccia, creator of the Triumph of the Franciscan Order: a masterpiece of Baroque illusionism.

What does Melozzo da Forlì have to do with it? His fresco of the Ascension once decorated the apse; later dismantled, it survives in famous fragments (angel musicians) now kept in the Vatican and at the Quirinale.

Can you visit the crypt? The crypt holds the relics of the apostles Philip and James; it may have its own hours or access rules, so check on site.

See also

Book a driver for Santi Apostoli

Fixed price · ZTL access · Door to door

Article #505 · Category: Monuments · Updated: May 2026