The Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls and the tomb of Saint Paul

It has a curious name, in Italian San Paolo Fuori le Mura, but the truth is that the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls is one of the most impressive in Rome and one of the largest basilicas in the city.

As its name suggests, it is located outside the walls of Rome, a bit far from the city center, which is why it does not receive too many tourists. In this basilica we can find the tomb of the apostle Saint Paul and it is almost as old as Saint John Lateran.

There is a Tour of the basilicas of Rome, which we recommend you take because in a very short time you will be able to see them all at the hands of an expert guide.

What to see in the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

The Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls was built in the 4th century in the same place where the remains of the apostle Saint Paul had been found since the 1st century, when he was executed.

However, it is not the basilica that we can see today since the original one, grandiose as described in ancient texts, was completely destroyed by fire in 1823

It was later rebuilt with the great help of all the Roman people who threw themselves into the reconstruction.

The basilica that we can see today is not even the shadow of what the original was but it retains its great proportions, something that impresses visitors and some remains that are really the most interesting places to see here.

The most important point is the tomb of the apostle Saint Paul, whose sarcophagus was found in 2006 and whose sepulcher can be seen under the altar through a glass opening. Of the elements that were miraculously saved from the fire, the Baldachin, from the year 1284, also stands out.

Also noteworthy are the mosaics in the apse, which is actually a reproduction of the original since it was seriously damaged in the fire.

And also the Byzantine Gate, which dates back to the 11th century and was the central gate of the old basilica, although it is currently located on one side of the main portal.

In the central nave, we can find in its upper part a series of portraits of all the Popes, although many were lost in the fire, and the current one is always illuminated with a golden light.

The cloister, another of the survivors, is also a great architectural gem from the 12th century.

Few tourists come to this basilica and therefore you can visit it in a more relaxed way than you can in the other important ones in Rome.

You can find more information on the official website of the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.