Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Church · Alberobello, Apúlia
Basilica dei Santi Medici Cosma e Damiano
The mother church of Alberobello, in Neoclassical style, with a porticoed façade and two twin towers, was designed at the end of the 19th century by local architect Antonio Curri. It houses the relics of the patron saints.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Basilica dei Santi Medici Cosma e Damiano
The Basilica dei Santi Medici Cosma e Damiano is the mother church of Alberobello, dedicated to the physician saints Cosmas and Damian, the town's patrons. Devotion to them was brought in 1636 by Count Giangirolamo II Acquaviva d'Aragona.
The current building replaced a 17th-century chapel. The project, by the Alberobello architect Antonio Curri, began in 1882; the façade was completed in 1885, and the interior works continued through the 20th century. The planned octagonal dome was never erected.
The façade features a large portico with Corinthian columns, a triangular pediment and two twin towers with pyramidal domes. The interior has a single nave in the Latin cross, with side chapels. The church was declared a sanctuary in 1938 and a minor basilica in 2000.
The saints' relics are kept in the church, and the patrons' festival takes place from 25 to 28 September, with processions and street illumination.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
15 to 30 minutes.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, outside mass times. At the end of September, during the patrons' festival, the town is busy and decorated.
How to get there
It is at the end of Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the street that climbs from Piazza del Popolo, about a 5-minute walk from the centre and on the way to the Trullo Sovrano.
Tip
Shoulders and knees covered. Admission is free. The basilica is on the same route as the Trullo Sovrano—visit the two one after the other.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Basilica dei Santi Medici Cosma e Damiano
When is Alberobello's patrons' festival?
From 25 to 28 September, in honour of Saints Cosmas and Damian, with processions and illuminated streets.
Who designed the basilica?
The Alberobello architect Antonio Curri, at the end of the 19th century. The planned octagonal dome was never built.
Is the basilica near the Trullo Sovrano?
Yes, about 300 metres away. The two are on the same route in the upper part of town.