Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

In italian : Basilica di San Paolo fuori le murà

Saint Paul outside the walls is beyond the Aurelian Walls of Rome. This grandiose basilica dating from the 5th century AD that was destroyed by fire in the 19th century has been faithfully rebuilt. It is notable for example for the large frieze of medallions of portraits of all the Popes of Christendom. Its beautiful cosmatesque cloister of the thirteenth century has fortunately been preserved.

Presentation

Central nave

The basilica was founded on the site of an ancient church built on the tomb of the apostle Paul, by the emperor Theodosius, from a plan with five naves.
Dating back to the 4th-5th century, Saint-Paul outside the walls (that is, outside the walls of the city of Rome, the Aurelian Walls), was destroyed in 1823 by a fire. Since then, it has been faithfully rebuilt.
However, its rich and elegant 13th century cloister, made by cosmatesque master has survived. There are deposited remains of the ancient basilica and sarcophagi.

The interior is grandiose and bright, the main nave is carried by 80 columns.
The panels that cover the walls depict dozens of scenes from the Gospel. A long frieze extends high, circling the interior. It is formed by 265 medallions representing all the popes since Saint-Pierre.
Under the triumphal arch, the ancient mosaic of the 5th century dedicated to the Apocalypse was restored.

Information and timetable

Basilica di San Paolo fuori le mura
Piazzale di San Paolo, 1 – Roma

• Basilica: 7:00 am – 6:30 pm
• Cloister and Pinacoteca
  Open daily from 8.30 am to 6 pm, entrance € 4.00. For groups of at least 10 people: entrance € 2.00 per person

On the web

• Official website : www.basilicasanpaolo.org
• Infos and timetables on the website of the town
• Wikipedia page

Address and map

Piazzale di San Paolo, 1 – Roma

Selection of accommodation

Selection of hotel, apartments and accommodation near the basilica, ordered by price or by distance from the basilica

• Good hotels and accommodation sorted BY PRICE (2 adults) less than 1000 meters from Saint-Paul
• Good hotels and accommodation sorted BY DISTANCE from Saint-Paul

Photo gallery