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Basilica of Sts. Cosmas and Damian

Saints & Tombs Not Applicable
Rome, Italy 527 Feast day: September 26

A church holding relics of Sts. Cosmas and Damian.

Sts. Cosmas and Damian →
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The Story

The Basilica of Sts. Cosmas and Damian stands at the edge of the Roman Forum, the first Christian church established in the heart of ancient pagan Rome. Founded by Pope Felix IV around the year 527 within halls of the imperial Forum of Peace, it honors the twin physician-martyrs whose names are spoken at every Mass celebrated with the Roman Canon. According to tradition, Cosmas and Damian were brothers from the region of Syria who practiced medicine without accepting payment — earning the Greek title anargyroi, 'the moneyless ones' — and won many to Christ through their charity. Tradition holds that they were martyred during the persecution of Diocletian around the turn of the fourth century and buried at Cyrrhus in Syria, where a basilica rose over their tomb. Their veneration spread rapidly through both East and West. Pope Felix IV's Roman basilica became a center of their cult in the West, and portions of relics venerated as theirs are kept there according to tradition. The church's sixth-century apse mosaic — Cosmas and Damian presented to Christ by Peter and Paul against a deep blue heaven — is among the most celebrated works of early Christian art in Rome, and its imagery shaped Roman church mosaics for centuries. The two martyrs are named in the Roman Canon of the Mass and honored as patrons of physicians, surgeons, and pharmacists. Pilgrims visit the basilica, now served by the Franciscan Third Order Regular, to venerate the saints, admire the mosaic, and pray for the sick and for all who care for them; their feast is celebrated on September 26.

Church Recognition

The church is a minor basilica and titular church of Rome, founded by Pope Felix IV around 527; Sts. Cosmas and Damian are named in the Roman Canon of the Mass and commemorated on the General Roman Calendar on September 26.

Catholic Teaching

The martyrdom of Cosmas and Damian bears supreme witness to the faith (CCC 2473), and their free care of the sick reflects the Church's teaching that healing the sick is part of Christ's mission entrusted to his disciples (CCC 1506–1510).

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Practical

Additional Information

Pilgrims visit the basilica at the Roman Forum to venerate the physician-martyrs, view the renowned sixth-century apse mosaic, and see the adjoining ancient Roman halls; the saints' feast is celebrated on September 26.

Go Deeper

See the basilica's official website at https://www.cosmadamiano.com, the Roman Canon (Eucharistic Prayer I) in which the two martyrs are named, and CCC 2473 on martyrdom as the supreme witness to the faith.

Location

Visit the official website ↗ See it on the interactive map →

In the Area

Other sacred sites within 40 miles.