Rome - Santi Apostoli

The Church of the Apostles in the Palazzo Colonna, originally dedicated to SS Philip and James, was probably founded by Pope Pelagius I (556-561) after the expulsion of the Goths from Rome. It was altered and renovated by later Popes and finally rebuilt by Francesco and Carlo Fontana (1702 onwards) as the last basilican church erected in Rome. Extensive restoration work was carried out in 1990. In the porch, which lies at an angle to the church, are examples of ancient and medieval art.

Notable features of the interior (63m/207ft long) are the ceiling frescoes (Triumph of the Franciscan order), the tomb of Pope Clement XIV, a masterpiece by Canova (1787), and the tomb of Cardinal Pietro Riario (d. 1474).