Basilica Santi XII Apostoli · Cripta
Location reported by institutional sourcesThe basilica reports that its crypt contains some bones attributed to Philip and James the Lesser. Its custodian describes excavations in 1873 and reinstallation on 1 May 1879. The basilica’s name does not mean that it holds the remains of all twelve apostles.
Sources checked: 2 October 2026 · Next review: 2 April 2027
Basilica Santi XII ApostoliView on the 3D atlas ↗Look closer
Select a photograph to enlarge it. Captions explain what is shown.
The façade of the Basilica of Santi XII Apostoli in Rome. Its crypt is the devotional location for relics attributed to Philip and James son of Alphaeus.
Sailko · CC BY 3.0 · Photo source · 17 July 2015 · Resized and converted to WebP.The crypt of the Basilica of Santi XII Apostoli in Rome. The photograph shows the devotional space for Philip and James, not verification of the relics’ bodily identity.
Robo71 · CC0 · Photo source · 18 December 2024 · Resized and converted to WebP.What can we establish?
The custodian reports venerated relics or a burial site. This establishes attribution and location according to the institution responsible; it does not scientifically verify the identity of every bone.
Approximate city point, not the position of a room or reliquary.
Traces across centuries
- 1873–1879
The custodian records excavation of the remains and their reinstallation in the crypt.
Basilica Santi XII Apostoli
Learning about and visiting the site
Use the official sources above for custodial information. Opening hours, services, bookings, and access to relic spaces can change. Atlas points indicate a city area; use the custodian’s address and directions when visiting.
Photographs show the church, space, or remains identified in their captions and source dates. They do not establish the biological identity of relics or the site’s condition today.
The people behind the legacy
Artistic illustrationPhilip
An apostle from Bethsaida who brings Nathanael to Jesus and asks an important question about the Father.
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Artistic illustrationJames, son of Alphaeus
An apostle consistently named among the Twelve, with very few known individual episodes. His identity must be distinguished from other men named James.
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