Summary
Basilica Papale San Paolo Fuori le Mure, or Saint Paul Outside the Walls, is one of Rome’s most significant churches. It ranks among the four papal churches, including Saint Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, the cathedral of Saint John Lateran, and Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, all located in Rome.
Constantine commissioned the construction of a basilica over the grave of Saint Paul, marked by a memorial stone in a Roman burial ground located two kilometers beyond Rome’s walls. The original basilica was consecrated in 324. Over the years, the Basilica of Saint Paul gained popularity as a pilgrimage destination, eventually becoming the largest basilica in Rome until the construction of Saint Peter’s Basilica in 1626. A devastating fire in 1823 destroyed the church; however, it was quickly reconstructed in its original form using all intact pieces, complemented by newly created mosaics on the façade. Approximately a century later, the entrance portico featuring 150 columns was added.
During the 13th century, numerous artworks were integrated, including the magnificent mosaic work gracing the front of the church above the altar. The church’s most significant relic is a piece of the chain believed to have been used by Saint Paul during his imprisonment in Rome, prominently displayed on a small altar above his tomb.
The Chains That Held Saint Paul
Arriving in Rome around 61 AD for a trial that ultimately resulted in his death sentence for being a Christian, Paul was beheaded between 65 to 67 AD. The chains thought to have restrained Paul while under guard have become an important relic. Other sacred relics from the church are showcased in the Chapel of Relics.
Below the altar that exhibits the chains lies a marble tombstone inscribed with PAULO APOSTOLO MART, meaning Apostle Paul martyr. This tombstone rests above a large sarcophagus. Recently a viewing area has been created below the Papal Altar to allow visitors to see the tomb.
Romanesque Easter Candle Marble Sculpture
This impressive Easter candle stand, created in the 12th and 13th centuries by notable Roman marble sculptors Nicola d’Angelo and Pietro Vassalletto, is a masterpiece of Romanesque artistry. Standing at 5.6 meters tall, this marble column is segmented into eight decorative sections, each illustrating Biblical or secular scenes, including various figures, animals, and flora.
Additionally, within the church, there is a frieze featuring mosaic medallions portraying all the Popes, and four side chapels housing significant artworks.
San Paolo Chapel of Relics and Picture Gallery
Just before entering the picture gallery (where photography is prohibited), visitors can explore the intriguing Chapel of Relics. This chapel showcases various reliquaries that house relics, ranging from fingernails to bone fragments, primarily belonging to Saints or former Popes. Additionally, a piece of wood is said to originate from the sacred cross, Santa Croce.
Inside the Picture Gallery, visitors can admire paintings, liturgical vestments, religious artifacts, and a copy of the 9th-century Carolingian Bible.
To access the Chapel of Relics and Picture Gallery, tickets can be purchased at the ticket booth (biglietteria). The ticket also grants entrance to the beautiful monastery cloister.
The Cloister at Basilica San Paolo
The monastic community at San Paolo has roots dating back to the late 6th century, with Pope Gregory VII (1073-1085) having originally been a monk in this monastery.
Mosaic work and ornate columns embellish the cloister, accessible with an admission fee that also covers the Picture Gallery and Chapel of Relics. At the center, a fountain is surrounded by a garden, while the perimeter showcases Roman sarcophagi and fragments of tombstones discovered during excavations around the Basilica. Visitors can also glimpse part of an excavated necropolis present on the church grounds.
Visitor Information
Saint Paul Basilica is situated on Via Ostiense, approximately two kilometers from Porta San Paolo.
- Getting there: Accessible via Metro Line B, Basilica San Paolo stop, or by Bus 271 or 23.
- Admission: While entrance is free, there is an admission fee for the picture gallery, chapel of relics, and cloister.
- Audio guides in English or Italian are available for rental at the ticket window.
- A gift shop offers items from the monastery along with religious artifacts.
