[2025 Rome Attraction] Travel Guide for Basilica of Saint Paul Outside The Walls (Updated Jun)

Located in the suburbs of Rome, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls is one of the four great cathedrals in Rome. This cathedral is the third largest in the world and was consecrated by Pope Sylvester in 324. Most of the cathedral was destroyed in a fire in 1823, and what you see now is the appearance after reconstruction in the 19th century. This church is different. After entering, you don’t go directly to the cathedral, but pass through the lush and clean garden first. Facing the huge statue of St. Paul in front, look at the colorful stone mosaics above the front of the basilica. The portraits are very detailed and exquisite. After entering the basilica, the interior decoration is amazing. The huge and high-rise atrium has the style of a cathedral. The gate, statues, and dome paintings are all like works of art, and the design and architecture are also amazing. #Church #100 Ways to Travel

Amid the bustling streets of Rome, I chose a quieter, more ancient path. Instead of grand ruins, I sought spaces where profound confessions still resonate. 🌿 Three Fountains Abbey The site of Paul's martyrdom. Where his footsteps once tread, there now lies a serene garden. The three springs that burst forth here continue to moisten the earth, like his final confession. 🌑 Domitilla Catacombs Traces of those who preserved their faith in the darkness. Walking through narrow passages, I stood before nameless tombs, quietly reflecting on their courage and belief. 🕍 Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls Beyond the bustling heart of Rome, this space was a sanctuary of peace. Standing before Paul's tomb, his words deeply resonated within me. His faith remains timeless, unweathered by the years. This journey was not a visual tour but a pilgrimage etched in the heart. On Rome's quieter paths, I discovered a day I will cherish forever, walking the road of faith that softly echoes through time. 🌤️

The Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls is located about 2 km outside the Aurelian Walls of Rome, along the Via Ostiense. It was built by Emperor Constantine I at the site where the Apostle Saint Paul was buried after his martyrdom. This church is one of the four major basilicas of Rome, alongside St. Peter's Basilica, the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, and the Basilica of Saint Mary Major. Upon passing through the main gate of the basilica, one is greeted by a powerful statue of Paul holding a sword and a Bible. The statue is situated in a quadrangular courtyard surrounded by colonnades. At the center of the entrance to the basilica is the Holy Door, which is opened during the Holy Year.

Getting There - Rome Basilica San Paolo, metro B, bus 23, 128, 766, Attractions - Basilica Papale San Paolo Hotels - yes Food & Restaurants - yes Shopping - yes souvenirs The sacred building we are about to describe was constructed outside the walls of Rome to honour the mortal remains of the apostle and martyr St Paul, to preserve his memory and to celebrate his cult. With the Edict of Milan in the year 313, the persecution of Christians ceased and the emperor Constantine had a basilica built over the tomb of the apostle of the gentiles who had been beheaded in the year 67 and buried in the necropolis near the Roman Via Ostiensis. The Constantinian basilica, entered from the east, quickly proved inadequate. It was replaced by the grandiose second basilica (known as “the basilica of the three emperors”) inaugurated by Pope Siricius in the year 390. The new basilica faced towards the river Tiber. Embellished down the centuries it lasted until 1823 when it was largely destroyed by a great fire. On 10 December 1854 Pope Pius IX dedicated the third and current basilica, a monumental building in the neo-classical style rebuilt with the same dimensions as the previous one. The architect responsible was Luigi Poletti. In the complex of St Paul’s visitors will encounter traces of different periods: early-Christian, Byzantine, Gothic and Renaissance. It is hoped that the beauty of this sacred edifice dedicated to St Paul may continue today to serve the universal mission of proclaiming salvation in Christ. Of that salvation the apostle himself was an untiring messenger. Between 2 May and 17 November 2006 a delicate archaeological excavation took place in the area under the high altar (“the altar of the confession”). This led to the opening of the place where the sarcophagus rests. Since 2007 it has been possible to go down and pray before the sarcophagus of Paul, now partially visible. in front of the cathedral or basilica is a wide park or playground wherein most people used to pause a while and relax. the building is stunning how the bricks, marbles, the ceiling, walls and floor were made. Inside the moment I visited were the archbishops and priest having their ceremony. You can also find the pictures of the Pope (from the first and the present time) on the upper right side of the wall. So much rooms that you can pray on your own. There's also a place of confession wherein the priest is also waiting and available.