Basilica dei Santi Apostoli

Tridente, Trevi & the Quirinale


This much-altered 6th-century church is dedicated to the apostles James and Philip, whose relics are in the crypt. Its most obvious attraction is the portico, which has Renaissance arches, and the two-tier facade topped by 13 towering figures. Inside, the flashy baroque interior was completed in 1714 by Carlo and Francesco Fontana. Highlights include the ceiling frescoes by Baciccia and Antonio Canova’s grandiose tomb of Pope Clement XIV.

Surrounding the basilica are two imposing baroque palazzi: at the end of the square, Palazzo Balestra, which was given to James Stuart, the Old Pretender, in 1719 by Pope Clement XI, and opposite, Palazzo Odelscalchi, with its impressive Bernini facade.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Tridente, Trevi & the Quirinale attractions

1. Palazzo Odescalchi

0.02 MILES

The western length of Piazza Santi Apostoli is dominated by the 17th-century facade of Palazzo Odescalchi, spilt into apartments today.

2. Museo delle Cere

0.08 MILES

Rome’s waxwork museum is said to have the world’s third-largest collection, which comprises more than 250 figures, ranging from Dante to Snow White, plus…

3. Galleria Doria Pamphilj

0.09 MILES

Hidden behind the grimy grey exterior of Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, this wonderful gallery boasts one of Rome’s richest private art collections, with works…

4. Palazzo Colonna

0.1 MILES

The guided tours of this opulent palace are among the city's best, introducing visitors to the residence and art collection of the patrician Colonna…

5. Le Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini

0.13 MILES

Underneath a grand mansion that’s been the seat of the Province of Rome since 1873 lie the archaeological remains of several lavish ancient Roman houses;…

6. Galleria Sciarra

0.14 MILES

Meander west from Trevi Fountain, along pedestrian Via delle Muratte, and duck a block south to this magnificent art nouveau courtyard, hidden away on Via…

7. Palazzo Venezia

0.15 MILES

Built between 1455 and 1464, Palazzo Venezia was the first of Rome's great Renaissance palaces. For centuries it was the embassy of the Venetian Republic …

8. Città dell’Acqua

0.17 MILES

The little-known excavations of Vicus Caprarius (the name of the ancient street) include a Roman house and a Hadrian-era cistern that connected with the…