The church was officially elevated to a sanctuary in 1974 by the Archbishop of Bari-Bitonto.
It houses a notable collection of ex-votos, which are offerings made as expressions of gratitude for miraculous healings.
The sanctuary is managed by a confraternity dating back to the 17th century, one of the oldest in the region.
The interior contains an oil painting by Nicola Gliri, a local 17th-century artist.
The church's architecture features a distinctive dual-bell tower design that dominates the local skyline.
It is legally associated with the 'Museo Diocesano' network for the preservation of its historical religious artifacts.
The Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian, known locally as the Santuario dei Santi Medici, is a primary pilgrimage site in Bitonto dedicated to the twin physician saints. The current structure was completed in the 18th century on the site of an earlier chapel to house relics of the saints. It serves as the institutional heart of the Arciconfraternita dei Santi Medici, which manages both the church and an adjacent museum. The interior is characterized by a high-vaulted nave and significant decorative stucco work typical of Apulian Baroque. The church holds a collection of liturgical objects, ex-votos, and statues that are central to the city's annual religious processions. It is the destination for the major October feast day, which draws thousands of devotees from across the region.
The facade view from the center of Piazza XXVI Maggio.
Visit the attached museum to understand the historical context of the ex-votos.
Look for the intricately carved wooden statues, which are paraded during the main autumn feast.
Avoid visiting during the height of the October feast week if you prefer a quiet experience, as the streets become extremely congested.
Expect significant crowds and modified access during the October feast days; check local liturgical calendars for saint feast dates.
Shoulders and knees must be covered; maintain silence as it is an active place of worship.
