Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

The Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls is a major early-Christian basilica in Rome located just outside the ancient Aurelian Walls and dedicated to the apostle Paul. Its origins go back to a 4th-century foundation built over the site traditionally regarded as Paul’s burial place.

The basilica features a long nave, a richly decorated apse and an extensive cloister; the interior displays mosaics, marble columns and funerary monuments. The building is venerated for containing the tomb of Saint Paul and for its status among Rome’s principal papal churches.

A church was originally established on the site in the 4th century under imperial patronage; the present church largely reflects later medieval and 19th-century reconstructions, especially after a devastating fire in 1823. The 19th-century rebuilding sought to restore the basilica’s earlier appearance while incorporating surviving medieval elements.

The basilica stands along the Via Ostiense on the southeastern side of Rome’s ancient walls, a short distance from the modern Porta San Paolo and the Pyramid of Cestius. It is located outside the historic center but within the city of Rome and is accessible from central districts by public transport.

• Papal status: Recognized as one of the four major papal basilicas in Rome and distinguished from the basilica inside the Aurelian Walls by its location outside the ancient city boundary.
• 1823 fire: A major fire in 1823 destroyed much of the church; extensive reconstruction was carried out in the mid-19th century to restore the building.

What to See #

• Tomb of Saint Paul: Built over the traditional burial place of the apostle Paul and contains the site venerated as his tomb beneath the basilica's apse.
• Cloister: A cloister dating from the 13th century that surrounds a planted inner courtyard and contains sculpted capitals and medieval decoration.
• Nave and apse: The long central nave and chancel area that present large mosaics, painted decoration and marble columns typical of a major papal basilica.