The tomb of Saint Philip, one of the 12 Apostles of Jesus Christ, was discovered in Turkey's southwestern province of Denizli, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported on Wednesday.
The discovery took place in Hierapolis (Pamukkale) at the ancient excavation site of Denizli in Turkey, The Italian Francesco D'Andria, head of the excavation team, was quoted as saying.
People believed that the tomb of Saint Philip was in the "hill of the dead" in Hierapolis, but D'Andria's team discovered a new church ruin 40 meters from the hill where the tomb of Saint Philip the Apostle lies.
"The discovery of the tomb of St Philip, who is a very important figure in Christianity, will make a tremendous impression in the world," D'Andria said shortly after the great success of his team.
D'Andria said archeologists had been working for years to look for the tomb of the Biblical figure, and finally, they managed to reach the monument while working on the ruins of a newly-unearthed church in Hierapolis.
Hierapolis is an ancient city and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city, famous for its historical hot springs used as a spa since the 2nd century, is a mixture of Pagan, Roman, Jewish and early Christian influences.
Ancient tradition associates Hierapolis with St. Philip the Apostle, who is believed to have died in the city around 80 AD. The apostle, who preached in Greece, Syria, and Phrygia, is believed to have been martyred in Hierapolis.
Legend said that St. Philip was crucified upside-down or martyred by beheading. After the apostle's death, an octagonal tomb named "The Martryium" was erected for him where he is believed to have been martyred.