The Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome

Located outside the Aurelian Walls marking the boundaries of ancient Rome, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls (Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura) is one of Rome’s four major basilicas and the 2^nd-largest church in the capital after St. Peter’s.

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A Brief History of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls

Who Was Saint Paul?

Saint Paul, also known as Paul of Tarsus or Saul, was a Roman citizen of Jewish origin and a key figure in early Christianity.

Born in Tarsus (modern-day Turkey) in the 1^st century AD, Paul initially opposed Christianity. After his conversion, he became one of the faith’s most ardent supporters, dedicating his life to spreading the Christian message. His letters, or epistles, addressed to early Christian communities, are some of the earliest Christian writings.

Paul was eventually persecuted during the reign of Emperor Nero and was beheaded on the Via Ostiense in Rome for his faith.

The Foundation of the Basilica

According to Christian tradition, Paul’s body was retrieved by a Christian Roman woman and buried in a necropolis outside the Aurelian Walls, hence the basilica’s name: St. Paul Outside the Walls.

In 313, after Emperor Constantine’s Edict of Milan legalized Christianity, the emperor commissioned the construction of the first basilica over Paul’s tomb, which quickly became a major pilgrimage site. By 383, this early structure was replaced by a much larger basilica built under Emperor Theodosius I.^.

For centuries, St. Paul Outside the Walls remained Rome’s largest church until the construction of St. Peter’s Basilica in the 16^th century.

The Fire of 1823

A tragic fire in 1823 almost completely destroyed the basilica, sparing only a few original features, including the 13^th-century cloister and the magnificent triumphal arch mosaic.

Rebuilt in the 19^th century following the original layout, the new basilica adopted elements of neoclassical design, like the coffered ceiling.

The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls is one of the four major basilicas of Rome, alongside St. Peter’s, St. John Lateran, and Santa Maria Maggiore. It remains the 2^nd-largest church in the Italian capital after St. Peter’s Basilica.

Visiting the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls

The Exterior of the Basilica

Before stepping inside the basilica, take a moment to appreciate its impressive exterior.

In the center of the atrium, you’ll find a colossal statue of St. Paul, holding his symbolic attributes: the sword of his martyrdom and the book of the Epistles.

Dating from the 19^th century, the stunning mosaic on the basilica’s façade is also worth admiring. It features:

• At the bottom: the four prophets of the Old Testament—Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel.
• In the center: the mystical lamb surrounded by four rivers symbolizing the four Gospels and 12 lambs representing the apostles, with Bethlehem and Jerusalem depicted in the background.
• At the top of the pediment: Christ is depicted flanked by St. Peter and St. Paul.

The interior of the Basilica

The sheer size of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls is astonishing, measuring 131 meters (430 ft) in length, 65 meters (213 ft) in width, and 30 meters (98 ft) in height.

Inside, 80 columns divide the vast space into five sections: the central nave, crowned with a stunning 19^th-century coffered ceiling, and two double side aisles.

A unique feature, initiated by Pope Leo I, is the series of medallions in the nave, each portraying one of the popes throughout history.^. The medallion of the current pope is always illuminated, and legend has it that when there’s no room left for a new medallion, the end of the world will come.

Between the nave and the transept, don’t miss the breathtaking mosaic on the triumphal arch, one of the few pieces that survived the fire of 1823. Dating back to the 5^th century, this ancient mosaic depicts a scene from the Book of Revelation with Christ in Majesty at the center, flanked by the Doctors of the Church, the Four Evangelists, St. Peter, and St. Paul.

The tomb of St. Paul of Tarsus lies beneath the grand altar, topped by a 13^th-century Gothic ciborium supported by columns of red porphyry.

Make sure to admire the great marble Paschal candlestick to the right of the altar, which dates from the 12^th century.

The apse mosaic was commissioned by Pope Innocent III in the 13^th century and was later restored after the fire of 1823. It portrays Christ surrounded by Saints Peter, Andrew, Paul, and Luke.^.

The Cloister

The entrance to the cloister, which also survived the 1823 fire, can be found in the transept.

Built in the 13^th century, the Romanesque cloister was created by Vasaletto and is renowned for its columns adorned with Cosmatesque-style mosaics.

The Pinacoteca

The Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls also boasts a picture gallery (payable access) showcasing paintings by Italian masters such as Giotto, Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci and Titian.

Practical Information

Getting to St Paul Outside the Walls

The Basilica is located on Piazzale San Paolo, south of Rome’s historic center, just outside the Aurelian Walls.

The nearest metro stop is Basilica San Paolo (line B), and buses 23 and 271 also stop near the basilica.

Opening hours of the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

The Basilica is open every day from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM.

Admission Prices

Entry to the basilica is free, but there is a €4 fee to access the cloister and the pinacoteca.

Avoid the lines: Book your tickets and tours in Rome in advance!

Credits
Wikimedia | Scottgunn