Tracing the Apostles Across Europe: A Journey Through the Basilicas That Hold Their Legacy
One of the most meaningful parts of exploring Europe’s ancient cities has been visiting the
basilicas said to hold the relics of Jesus’ apostles — the first messengers of the faith who
carried the Gospel to the ends of the known world. Each church bears not only
extraordinary beauty but also centuries of prayer, tradition, and reverence. Standing within
them feels like stepping into both history and eternity.
St. Bartholomew – Basilica of San Bartolomeo all’Isola, Rome
Location: Tiber Island, Rome
Located on a small island in the middle of the Tiber River, this quiet basilica holds the relics of St. Bartholomew the Apostle. The church’s intimate setting adds to its spiritual calm.
Inside, the main altar enshrines what tradition holds to be the apostle’s remains. The basilica also honors modern-day martyrs, connecting the witness of the early apostles to those who continue to suffer for their faith today.
**Travel Tip:** Visit early morning or evening to enjoy the tranquility of the island before the crowds (but be sure to check the hours it’s open each day, as I went in the evening and it was closed for the day so I only got to see it from the outside). The basilica is free to enter.
Pair your visit with a walk across Ponte Fabricio — the oldest bridge in Rome still in use.
Sts. Philip and James the Lesser – Basilica dei Santi XII Apostoli, Rome
Location: Piazza dei Santi Apostoli, Rome
A short walk from the Trevi Fountain, this stunning baroque basilica is dedicated to the Twelve Holy Apostles, but it is especially known as the resting place of St. Philip and St. James the Lesser. Their relics are preserved in the crypt beneath the high altar. The main nave is filled with light, frescoes, and ornate marble — yet the crypt offers a quiet, reverent space for reflection.
**Travel Tip:** The basilica is free to enter and typically less crowded than other Roman sites. Be sure to visit the crypt — it’s easy to miss if you don’t look for the staircase behind the altar.
St. Andrew – Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea, Amalfi
Location: Piazza Duomo, Amalfi, Italy
Rising above the main square of Amalfi, the Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea is one of the most striking cathedrals in Italy. Its Moorish-style arches, striped marble façade, and 62-step staircase create a dramatic first impression. Inside the crypt lie the relics of St. Andrew, the first disciple called by Jesus and the brother of St. Peter. The relics were brought here from Constantinople during the Crusades. The church glows with golden mosaics, while the crypt radiates peace and reverence.
**Travel Tip:** Climb the steps slowly — not only for the view, but to take in the full beauty of the façade. Don’t miss the Cloister of Paradise (Chiostro del Paradiso) next door for beautiful gardens and quiet reflection. Entrance to the main cathedral is free, but you must purchase a ticket to see the Cloister of Paradise, crypt, and Diocesan Museum.
St. Mark – Basilica di San Marco, Venice
Location: Venice, Italy
One of the world’s most dazzling churches, St. Mark’s Basilica gleams with Byzantine domes and golden mosaics that depict stories from Scripture. Beneath the high altar rest the relics of St. Mark the Evangelist, Venice’s patron saint. According to legend, his remains were smuggled from Alexandria in 828 AD, hidden beneath layers of pork to avoid inspection. Today, the winged lion of St. Mark — his symbol — is seen everywhere across Venice.
**Travel Tip:** Entry is free but the line can be long — arrive early morning or book a skip-the-line ticket. There is a fee to access certain areas, like the museum, treasury, and Pala d’Oro. We didn’t opt for the museum, but we felt the Pala d’Oro section was worth seeing as you can get closer to St. Mark’s remains and gain a beautiful view of Christ on the throne in gold on the ceiling. Visit the terrace for panoramic views of Piazza San Marco and the
lagoon.
St. Peter – St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City
Location: St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City
At the heart of the Vatican stands the majestic St. Peter’s Basilica, built over what tradition holds to be the burial site of St. Peter, the apostle chosen to lead Christ’s Church. Descending into the Vatican Grottoes, visitors can see the ancient tomb and inscription “Petros eni” (“Peter is here”). The grandeur above — Michelangelo’s dome, Bernini’s canopy, and countless works of art — testify to the central role Peter played in the faith’s foundation.
**Travel Tip:** Book a Scavi Tour in advance for access beneath the basilica to the archaeological site of Peter’s tomb. Tickets are limited and must be reserved through the Vatican Excavations Office. If you’d like the opportunity to climb the dome or enter with a timed-entry ticket with an audio guide (that could potentially shorten the security line), there is a price tag. Otherwise, general admission is free and anticipate a long security line. There is also a strict dress code; shoulders and knees must be covered (and this is standard
at most of these basilicas).
St. James the Great – Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Location: Praza do Obradoiro, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
For over a thousand years, pilgrims have journeyed the Camino de Santiago — “The Way of St. James” — to reach the cathedral that holds the relics of St. James the Great, brother of John and one of Jesus’ closest companions. The cathedral’s baroque façade stands proudly over the square where weary travelers arrive in tears of joy. Beneath the main altar, a silver reliquary is said to hold the apostle’s remains. Touching the pillar at the main entrance or
embracing the statue of St. James above the altar are long-standing pilgrim traditions.
**Travel Tip:** Attend the Pilgrim’s Mass (often held four times a day; 7:30am, 9:30am, 12/noon, 7:30pm) to possibly witness the swinging of the Botafumeiro, a massive incense thurible that fills the entire cathedral with smoke and song — a moving finale to the Camino. We attended the evening Pilgrim’s Mass on Thursday, October 2 nd , 2025, and were fortunate to witness this ceremonial practice that represents prayers rising to heaven. The smell of frankincense filled the room. It was beautiful. No ticket or proof of pilgrim status
were necessary. We did, however, purchase a combination ticket that allowed us to see the Cubiertas + Torre Carraca (roofs and towers that included walking on the roof!), Portico and multiple museums. This was an exceptional experience to top it all off and if you aren’t afraid of heights, I would recommend it. My only disappointment was that there wasn’t an English-speaking tour available-so with my limited Spanish, I know I missed out on much of the fascinating history.