Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

Overview

San Paolo Fuori le Mura is a vast, vast papal basilica located (historically) outside the ancient Aurelian Walls of Rome. It is the second-largest church in the city, second only to St. Peter's.

Highlights

• The Nave: The staggering, wide nave defined by a forest of 80 massive monolithic granite columns leading to a magnificent triumphal arch.
• The Papal Portraits: An uninterrupted frieze of mosaic medallions wrapping around the church, depicting the portraits of every single pope from St. Peter to Pope Francis.
• The Cloister: Arguably the most beautiful, flawlessly preserved 13th-century cloister in Rome, featuring exquisitely twisted, mosaic-covered Cosmatesque columns.

History

Founded in the 4th century by Emperor Constantine over the traditional burial site of the Apostle Paul. It remained intact for nearly 1,500 years until a catastrophic, devastating fire in 1823 essentially destroyed it. The current structure is a spectacular, massive 19th-century reconstruction built to replicate the exact dimensions of the ancient basilica.

Visitor Tips

• Scale: It is located quite far out of the historical center, meaning it is wonderfully uncrowded compared to the other major basilicas.
• The Chains: The confession below the main altar holds the heavy iron chains traditionally believed to be those that bound Saint Paul during his Roman imprisonment.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.