Santi Apostoli
Santi Apostoli
4.5
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The area
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Neighbourhood: Trevi
A non-stop photo and souvenir opportunity, Trevi is all about action. From early morning through the wee hours, the piazza surrounding Trevi Fountain hosts a never-ending flow of tourists hoping to make a wish or take a selfie. Clever restaurants, charming gelaterias, uncanny bars, kitsch shops, and a range of hotels make up the local landscape. Beneath the bustle are the remains of an ancient neighbourhood that you can visit by heading over to a repertoire cinema and asking for a peek underground. There is something for everyone, but if peace and quiet are what you seek, plan to visit in the early morning hours.
How to get there
- Barberini - Fontana di Trevi • 10 min walk
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4.5
98 reviews
Excellent
68
Very good
30
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Noraatc
Sudbury, MA39,086 contributions
Dec 2019 • Solo
Church of the Twelve Holy Apostles (Santi Apostoli) is located near Palazzo Colonna. This ancient church with origins dating back to the 6th century was rebuilt several times and unfortunately at the expense of the beautiful ceiling frescoes of Melozzo da Forlì, which were removed from the church. The ceiling paintings of the Ascension are truly remarkable.
The exterior of the church is a perfect match to its glorious three nave interior with its several opulent chapels, the crypt and the burials.
The exterior of the church is a perfect match to its glorious three nave interior with its several opulent chapels, the crypt and the burials.
Written 8 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ERIC W
Knoxville, TN4,420 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We came across this church walking from Trevi Fountain towards the Colloseum Super huge and grand on the inside and very breathtaking. Well worth a quick peek inside. Free entry
Written 16 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WimOB
London, England181 contributions
Sept 2015 • Family
It is extraordinary that Rome is so full of amazing churches that this huge and wonderfully decorated building is off the tourist radar. A fabulous interior that can be appreciated all the more without the usual Rome crowds. The hidden gem is the crypt, approached down an achingly beautiful double staircase. We felt a greater sense of age and history in the quiet of this lovely crypt than in any other building in Rome.
Written 27 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Keith S
Enumclaw, WA641 contributions
July 2015 • Family
One can so easily pass by this basilica without noticing it. The tourist entrance is just a minor looking door on a grey, stone wall. We noticed it only because we wanted to step out of the heat (38 C) for a while. But once inside wow it was fantastic. It has great art, nice sculpture, and the crypt has magnificent old frescoes. Definitely visit!
Written 20 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PamelaPWD
Edmond, OK16 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
Not hard to find and literally two blocks from the Coliseum, sits Santi Apostoli. A must see for Michelangelo enthusiasts because this was his parish church. He was buried here for a short time, before his remains were moved to San Clemente Basilica to rest beside Dante and Machiavelli. Although his body was lost, there is a lovely marble relief honoring him. The ceiling and side chapels are worth seeing, and the iconography is different and interesting. The tomb of Pope Clement XIV done by Canova with the figures of Temperance and Clemency, which I hadn’t seen on other tombs, is a highlight. The 6th C minor basilica was restored in 1417, and the Baroque interior completed in 1714. Anna, an owner of the Hotel Oceania where we were staying, suggested we visit this church when I told her I enjoyed a good crypt. Apparently lost when hidden in the catacombs, the relics of St Phillip and St. James the minor were found during a 19th C renovation and are now in the crypt. One of the most interesting things about this crypt are the “gaps” in the restored plaster walls through which you can see some of the original 6th C stonework. My amateur archeologist heart was thrilled to get this glimpse into the past. Please note that there is very little English signage, and you will enjoy your visit more if you download some information before you visit.
Written 28 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dapper777
Monaco65,215 contributions
Sept 2019
One of the most beautiful churches in Rome.
Not far from the Trevi Fountain, it is hidden and not very known.
Certainly it is not one of the most famous Roman basilicas. Still one of the most breathtaking and impressive with a spectacular architecture.
If you come across it, please enter this fantastic building and explore its incredible artworks.
Dedicated to the Apostles Philip and James, the basilica was completed in 570 AD at the time of Pope John III. At the end of the fifteenth century, Pope Sixtus IV added the porch outside.
The façade is the neoclassical work designed by Giuseppe Valadier (1827).
Inside, the vault is frescoed with the Triumph of the Order of St Francis by Baciccia (1707) and with the figures of the Evangelists by Luigi Fontana (1875). Above the sanctuary is a fresco representing the Fall of Lucifer and his Angels by Giovanni Odazzi (1709).
The crypt under the main altar houses the relics of the apostles Philip and James,both sentenced to crucifixion for having preached in several regions of the Roman Empire after the death of Jesus (first century AD).
To the left of the apse is the Monument to Clement XIV, Antonio Canova’s first work in Rome (1789), with the Allegories of Meekness and Modesty.
Words cannot appropriately describe the level of grandeur and presence this place host.
It's huge, beautiful, historic and above all else, impressive. You don't need to be catholic to appreciate and respect the architecture and artistry that went into this extraordinary building.
Recommended.
Not far from the Trevi Fountain, it is hidden and not very known.
Certainly it is not one of the most famous Roman basilicas. Still one of the most breathtaking and impressive with a spectacular architecture.
If you come across it, please enter this fantastic building and explore its incredible artworks.
Dedicated to the Apostles Philip and James, the basilica was completed in 570 AD at the time of Pope John III. At the end of the fifteenth century, Pope Sixtus IV added the porch outside.
The façade is the neoclassical work designed by Giuseppe Valadier (1827).
Inside, the vault is frescoed with the Triumph of the Order of St Francis by Baciccia (1707) and with the figures of the Evangelists by Luigi Fontana (1875). Above the sanctuary is a fresco representing the Fall of Lucifer and his Angels by Giovanni Odazzi (1709).
The crypt under the main altar houses the relics of the apostles Philip and James,both sentenced to crucifixion for having preached in several regions of the Roman Empire after the death of Jesus (first century AD).
To the left of the apse is the Monument to Clement XIV, Antonio Canova’s first work in Rome (1789), with the Allegories of Meekness and Modesty.
Words cannot appropriately describe the level of grandeur and presence this place host.
It's huge, beautiful, historic and above all else, impressive. You don't need to be catholic to appreciate and respect the architecture and artistry that went into this extraordinary building.
Recommended.
Written 17 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MrsNaveed
Dubai434 contributions
July 2015 • Couples
This church has three naves, divided by a row of Corinthian pillars, supporting the ceiling, on the middle of which is painted in 1707 the Triumph of the Order of St Francis, by Baciccio. There are also frescoes of the Evangelists by Luigi Fontana. The use of perspective is very good, and the angels appear to come out of the vault. Above the sanctuary is a fresco from 1709 by Giovanni Odazzi, representing the "Fall of Lucifer and his Angels"
A must visit
A must visit
Written 18 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
brian d
450 contributions
Aug 2014 • Solo
Unless you know what you are looking for - you could probably walk past this huge, solid Basilica that is in the care of the Franciscan Grey friers.
In 1417, not only did Pope Martin the fifth Colonna almost rebuild the old church next to the Palazzo Colonna; but in one of the 12 side chapels is buried Raffaele della Rovere, the brother of Pope Sixtus 4th and who just happened also to be the father of Pope Julius 2nd Della Rovere. Those 15th century Italian rich families had a wonderful time with the Papacy and its money!
The sanctuary is really beautiful with heaps of gold and the 2 excellent ceiling paintings of, "The Triumph of the Order of Saint Francis," and the "Fall of Lucifer and his angles." Over the centuries the building has received numerous restorations - the latest in 1827, only a mere188 years ago.
When you visit make sure you see Canova's sculptures on the tomb of Clement 14.
Brian, from Perth. W. Australia.
In 1417, not only did Pope Martin the fifth Colonna almost rebuild the old church next to the Palazzo Colonna; but in one of the 12 side chapels is buried Raffaele della Rovere, the brother of Pope Sixtus 4th and who just happened also to be the father of Pope Julius 2nd Della Rovere. Those 15th century Italian rich families had a wonderful time with the Papacy and its money!
The sanctuary is really beautiful with heaps of gold and the 2 excellent ceiling paintings of, "The Triumph of the Order of Saint Francis," and the "Fall of Lucifer and his angles." Over the centuries the building has received numerous restorations - the latest in 1827, only a mere188 years ago.
When you visit make sure you see Canova's sculptures on the tomb of Clement 14.
Brian, from Perth. W. Australia.
Written 23 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tRAVellerOfTheW0rld
Almere, The Netherlands1,723 contributions
Oct 2013 • Couples
Santi Apostoli, or Santi Dodici Apostoli as the Italians say, is the Church of the Twelve Holy Apostles at the Piazza bearing the same name. This is really an astonishing Church, hidden behind Piazza Venezia. We visited this hidden gem during a guided tour of ancient Rome with 'When in Rome Tours' and we were glad we did. Walking up Piazza Santi Apostoli, you suddenly see the portico of the Church with its beautiful Renaissance arches, the arched windows and the 13 statues on the facade. The Church we see now dates from 1417 and replaced the original basilica from the 6th century, which was destroyed in the earthquake of 1348. The original Roman Catholic parish and titular listed as 'Titulus SS Apostolorum', was dedicated to the apostles James and Philip and later to all twelve apostles. In 1417 Pope Martin V, who owned the adjacent Palazzo Colonna, restored the church. At that time beautiful and innovated frescos of Melozzo decorated the Church.
In 1714 Pope Clement XI finished drastic renovations and replaced Melozzo's fresco's by a new Baroque interior, designed by Carlo and Francesco Fontana. The ceiling is breathtaking, painted in 1707 by Baciccio representing the 'Triumph of the Order of St Francis'. Above the sanctuary is an impressive fresco from 1709 by Odazzi, named the "Fall of Lucifer and the rebel Angels". The crypt was constructed in 1837. During the construction the relics of James and Philip were rediscovered.
Pope Clement XIV (1769–1774) is buried in the last if the 12 chapels on the left side. His Neo-Classical tomb, made by Antonio Canova, is magnificent.
Santi Dodici Apostoli was the parish church of Michelangelo and his tomb was shortly placed here before its transportation to the Basilica di Santa Croce di Firenze. Also James Francis Edward Stuart (the Old Pretender) laid here in repose when he died in 1776 before he was buried with his wife at St. Peter's. Basilica.
A visit of Santi Apostoli is really worthwhile. So when you are at Piazza Venezia or at the Trevi Fountain, look for Piazza die Santi Apostoli and spend an hour to absorb the beauty of this unique Church.
In 1714 Pope Clement XI finished drastic renovations and replaced Melozzo's fresco's by a new Baroque interior, designed by Carlo and Francesco Fontana. The ceiling is breathtaking, painted in 1707 by Baciccio representing the 'Triumph of the Order of St Francis'. Above the sanctuary is an impressive fresco from 1709 by Odazzi, named the "Fall of Lucifer and the rebel Angels". The crypt was constructed in 1837. During the construction the relics of James and Philip were rediscovered.
Pope Clement XIV (1769–1774) is buried in the last if the 12 chapels on the left side. His Neo-Classical tomb, made by Antonio Canova, is magnificent.
Santi Dodici Apostoli was the parish church of Michelangelo and his tomb was shortly placed here before its transportation to the Basilica di Santa Croce di Firenze. Also James Francis Edward Stuart (the Old Pretender) laid here in repose when he died in 1776 before he was buried with his wife at St. Peter's. Basilica.
A visit of Santi Apostoli is really worthwhile. So when you are at Piazza Venezia or at the Trevi Fountain, look for Piazza die Santi Apostoli and spend an hour to absorb the beauty of this unique Church.
Written 25 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JJJC_Family
Virginia794 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
You can tell that this would be a really fine church, if you could see more of it. Huge amounts of scaffolding obscures, no outright blocks a large part of this church. It's very nice what you can see, but my recommendation is to hold off visiting until renovation is completed to see it as it should be seen. Otherwise, as is, there are better places to see unless you have planned at least a week in Rome. But check to see what it's status is,as we visited in March and it may very well be all done.
Written 25 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
È permesso fare foto? Ingresso gratuito o pagato?
¿Está permitido tomar fotos? Entrada gratuita o de pago?
Written 5 January 2020
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