Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls

Erected in the fourth century AD, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls (Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura) is one of the four major basilicas of Rome, and the second largest after St. Peter's Basilica. It is the burial place of St. Paul.

The creation of the Basilica

St. Paul Outside the Walls interior view

Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, Cloister

Paul Outside the Walls, XIII century cloister

After the execution of the Apostle Paul in the first century AD, his followers built a shrine over his grave. In 324 a small church was consecrated in the same place. It was then demolished in 386 to make way for the construction of a major basilica, which would be completed in 395.

The lovely cloister was built between 1220 and 1241 and still stands, and is virtually the last survivor of the great fire of 1823.

After the fire, the whole world was fixated on the restoration of the church, which later became a national monument.

Interior

The interior of the Basilica of St. Paul is magnificent, with enormous marble columns and precious gold mosaics. Unfortunately, due to the fire of 1823, few parts of the medieval basilica remain intact, but you can still see some mosaics from the thirteenth century, a large twelfth-century chandelier, or the 1285 marble baldachin under which the tomb of St. Paul lies.

At the top of the walls are the portraits of the various popes from throughout history. A golden light illuminates the current pope.

Probably the most striking part of the church is the grand atrium, which boasts 150 columns. From here you can admire the exterior of the church covered by an enormous golden mosaic that reflects the sun’s rays and was made between 1854 and 1874. The centre of the large garden courtyard is dominated by a colossal statue of St. Paul.

One of the greatest treasures of the church is the cloister that was built between 1208 and 1235, a survivor of the great fire and in a perfect state of preservation.

A bit off course, but worth it

Although it is not located in the centre of town, if you have enough time we recommend you pay a visit in order to see the impressive mosaics. The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls is one of the most striking churches in Rome.

Location

Piazzale San Paolo, 1.

Hours

Monday through Sunday: 6.45 to 18.30.

Transport

Metro: Basilica San Paolo, line B.
Bus: lines 23 and 271.

Map

Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls location

Closest attractions

Baths of Caracalla (1.66 miles)
Circus Maximus (1.94 miles)
Trastevere (1.98 miles)
Mouth of Truth (2.04 miles)
Santa María in Cosmedin (2.05 miles)

Hotels nearby

H10 Roma Città
(0.56 miles)
Hotel St. Paul
(0.4 miles)
Residenza Fermi
(0.46 miles)
Interno 9
(0.5 miles)