Elevated on March 12 of 1960 a cardinal-priest titular church, and granted the dignity and title of minor basilica on December 20th, 1965 by pope Paul VI. Sant’Andrea della Valle is currently the church of the general house of Theatine Fathers, founded in Rome on September 14 of 1524, by saint Cajetan of Thiene and the venerable Gian Pietro Carafa, bishop of Chieti, and future pope Paul IV.

Besides its grandeur and Beauty which distinguish it from other churches of Rome, since 1623 the Theatine basilica hosts the remains of two well known Piccolomini Popes: Pius II and Pius III; the relics of two martyrs, Antony and Fortunato and the sacred remains of the Theatine cardinal san Joseph Mary Tomasi. The Basilica also honors the memory of many other canonized saints that carried out their sacred ministry within its premises.

Updated captions can be found within the Basilica to enable you to appreciate more profoundly the legacy of those who above all in seeking first the Kingdom of God and its justice, proposed to worship the Father in spirit and in truth.

The Theatine fathers are pleased to offer you this informative summary for a more profitable visit of their basilica.