Basilica dei Santi Cosma e Damiano

The Basics

This circular church and adjacent monastery are located at the original entrance of the Roman Forum, in what was once the Foro di Vespasiano, and are home to some of Italy's most important early Christian mosaics. Many private tours of the Roman Forum include a stop in the basilica, and devotees of Saint Damian can also join a day excursion from Rome to Assisi and Orvieto to visit the Chiesa di San Damiano as part of a tour of Assisi with a private guide.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Though the church is part of the Forum complex, the entrance is through the monastery outside the Forum, so you do not need tickets to enter.

• Visitors must wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees to enter the church.

• The church and cloister are accessible to wheelchairs; the crypt beneath the church is not.

• Photography (without flash) is allowed inside the church.

How to Get There

The basilica is part of the Roman Forum (Foro Romano) complex, located on Via dei Fori Imperiali near the Colosseum. Take metro line B to the Colosseo stop.

When to Get There

The Roman Forum is usually busy, but this separate area is less visited, meaning you don’t have to expect crowds throughout the day. September 26 is the saint's day dedicated to the church’s saints, Cosmas and Damiano. This makes for a particularly beautiful day to visit the church during the celebratory mass.

Santi Cosma e Damiano History

The basilica is dedicated to the saints Cosmas and Damian, two Syrian brothers who were physicians and, after martyrdom, became the patron saints of doctors and veterinarians. The church was first a fourth-century temple dedicated to Romolo (or Romulus, the deified son of Emperor Maxentius) before becoming the Church of the Saints Cosmas and Damian in 527.

Ways to explore

The basilica, home to some of Italy’s most significant early Christian mosaics, and its creche and crypt are open daily for visiting and for Mass with no charge. The church is situated at the original entrance to the Roman Forum in what was once the Foro di Vespasiano. Many private tours of the Roman Forum include a stop in the basilica, and a day excursion from Rome to Assisi includes the Chiesa di San Damiano as part of a tour of Assisi with a private guide.

Accessibility

The main level of the church is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera without flash, coins to light up the mosaics

What to wear

Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees

Not allowed

Flash photography, loud talking, food and drink

Amenities

Cloister courtyard, Mass, religious art

Address

Part of the Roman Forum and near the Colosseum, this church is centrally located. You can get there via public transit or on a city tour.

Driving

Santi Cosma e Damiano sits within Rome’s ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone), where private vehicles are restricted during designated hours—all of which cover the church’s open hours. You’re better off on a tour or traveling via public transit.

Public transportation

Take Metro Line B to Colosseo station, and it’s just a short walk from there.

Best times to visit

The church closes every day from 1pm to 3pm, and masses are held weekdays at 7:30am and Sundays at 11:30am.

Best days to visit

Weekdays typically offer a more peaceful experience than weekends, though attending services can also be a nice experience.

Best months to visit

December is a nice time to visit the church’s famous 18th-century Neapolitan nativity scene, which is on display year-round.

Special events

Any Catholic holiday, from Easter to Lent to Advent, will bring a celebratory energy to the church; Christmas is especially lovely.