It was originally built in the 10th century in the Trastevere rione[1][2] and now includes the hospital known as "Nuovo Regina Margherita.

"[3] Originally, it was built as a Benedictine monastery dedicated to Saints Cosmas and Damian, from whom it derives its name, and it carried the added designation of in mica aurea (“in the golden sand”) due to the presence of fluvial sand of yellowish color.

[citation needed] Pope Sixtus IV had the church and monastery rebuilt in 1475.

[1] The façade of the former monastery looks upon a public square that is also called San Cosimato.

[citation needed] The presbytery contains a fresco called Madonna and Child between Saints Francis and Claire, attributed to Antonio del Massaro.