The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, located just beyond the ancient city walls of Rome, is a monumental testament to centuries of faith, art, and pilgrimage.
Dedicated to Saint Paul the Apostle, this basilica stands as one of the four major papal basilicas in Rome and serves as a key destination for pilgrims and art lovers alike. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the basilica holds immense historical and spiritual importance within Christianity.
Whether you're visiting to explore its rich history, admire its architectural beauty, or pay homage at St. Paul’s tomb, this guide provides everything you need to know for a comprehensive visit.
This guide covers tickets, opening hours, how to get there, and the highlights of this sacred landmark.
Tickets to Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls
Entry to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls is free, though fees apply for guided tours and access to specific areas, such as the cloister and the archaeological site.
Here are some top-rated tours:
Do I Need a Guided Tour for St. Paul Outside the Walls?
While you can explore independently, a guided tour provides valuable insights into the basilica’s history, architecture, and artwork.
Expert guides bring the stories and significance of the site to life, enhancing your experience with detailed information and access to areas not always available to regular visitors.
Things to Do in St. Paul Outside the Walls
There are many treasures and features to explore within the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. These include:
- The Quadriportico: The western main entrance is an impressive portico surrounded by 150 white granite columns, creating a grand and serene courtyard.
- The Statue of St. Paul: A striking depiction of St. Paul holding a sword and a book, symbolizing his martyrdom and theological legacy.
- The Mosaics: Above the colonnade, magnificent mosaics depict Old Testament prophets, Christ enthroned, and scenes symbolizing redemption.
- The Papal Portraits: An uninterrupted sequence of papal portraits runs through the basilica, from St. Peter to Pope Francis, marking nearly 2,000 years of Christian history.
- The Triumphal Arch: A stunning mosaic arch featuring Christ the Pantocrator, flanked by apostles and evangelists, a masterpiece of Byzantine art.
- The Tomb of St. Paul: Beneath the Altar of Confession lies the Apostle Paul’s tomb, a place of veneration for centuries. Carbon dating has confirmed that the remains likely belong to St. Paul.
- The Cloister: A peaceful area with ornate columns, mosaics, and relics from the ancient basilica, designed by the Vassalletto family in the 13th century.
Where Is the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls Located?
The basilica is located in southern Rome, beyond the city walls, near the Tiber River.
The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls has two entrances:
- The western main entrance, known as the Quadriportico, which you should definitely use to start your tour.
- The north entrance, known as the Gregorian Portico, which you should take as your exit at the end of your tour.
- Address: Piazzale San Paolo, 1, 00146 Roma
- Google Maps: Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls Location
How to Get to There
Here’s how to reach the basilica using public transport or on foot:
- Metro: Take Line B to Basilica San Paolo station, then a 4-minute walk to the basilica.
- Bus: Lines 23, 769, 792 stop at Ostiense/San Paolo, a 1-minute walk away. Other lines like 128, 669, 766 stop at Baldelli, 3 minutes on foot.
- Train: Use RomaLido Line, getting off at Basilica San Paolo station, a 4-minute walk.
Opening Hours of St. Paul Outside the Walls
Plan your visit around the following opening times, early morning or late afternoon to maximize your experience:
- Basilica: 7:00 am to 6:30 pm daily.
- Cloister: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm daily.
- Sacristy: 7:00 am to 12:00 pm, and 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm daily.
How Much Time Should I Plan for a Visit?
To fully explore the basilica’s features, plan to spend around 1.5 to 2 hours. This includes:
- Visiting St. Paul’s tomb.
- Exploring the cloisters and souvenir shops.
- Enjoying a break at the cafeteria.
For a guided tour and a deeper dive into the basilica’s history, consider allocating 3 to 3.5 hours.
A Brief History of St. Paul Outside the Walls
The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls was originally commissioned by Emperor Constantine in the 4th centuryto honor the apostle Paul, who was martyred in Rome under Emperor Nero. The basilica stands over St. Paul’s tomb, making it a central pilgrimage site for early Christians.
Key Historical Milestones:
- 4th century: The original basilica was consecrated by Pope Sylvester in 324 AD.
- 9th century: A defensive wall was added to protect the basilica from invaders.
- 11th century: The bell tower and Byzantine door were constructed.
- 13th century: The Vassalletto cloister, Gothic baldachin, and Paschal Candle were added.
- 1823: A devastating fire destroyed much of the basilica, but it was rebuilt to its former glory.
- 2007: Pope Benedict XVI declared the Pauline Year to celebrate St. Paul’s legacy.
The Significance of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Christianity
The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls holds immense spiritual and historical significance:
- Tomb of St. Paul: The final resting place of St. Paul, one of Christianity’s most influential figures.
- Pilgrimage Site: For centuries, the basilica has been a major pilgrimage destination, drawing Christians from around the world.
- Ecumenical Symbol: As one of the four major papal basilicas, it plays a key role in promoting Christian unity and dialogue.
- Architectural Marvel: With its Byzantine mosaics, papal portraits, and cloisters, the basilica reflects the evolution of Christian art.
Lesser-known Fun Facts & Secrets of St. Paul Outside the Walls
Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls is a site rich in history and hidden wonders. Beyond its religious significance, it holds fascinating secrets:
- Whispering Walls: The basilica's acoustics are so finely tuned that a whisper at one end can be heard clearly at the other. This is due to the architectural design and materials used.
- Constantine's Tunnel: An ancient tunnel beneath the basilica, reportedly built by Emperor Constantine, was used by early Christians for secret gatherings during persecution.
- Surviving a Tsunami: In 854 AD, a rare tsunami hit Rome, but the basilica remained untouched, seen as a sign of divine protection.
- Hidden Cat Door: Near one of the columns is a small, almost invisible door that allowed the monastery's resident cats to access the basilica and gardens.
- Secret Library: The basilica houses a rare manuscript collection, some so old and valuable they are rarely shown to the public.
- Longest Papal Portrait Gallery: An uninterrupted sequence of papal portraits, from St. Peter to the current pope, makes this the longest gallery of its kind, spanning nearly 2000 years.
- The Unfinished Angel: Among the statues, there's an unfinished angel, left incomplete for unknown reasons, adding mystery.
- Solar Alignment: On June 29th, St. Paul's feast day, a beam of sunlight perfectly aligns with the altar, symbolizing divine favor.
- Secret Gardens: Adjacent to the basilica are the Monastic Gardens, usually closed to the public, maintained by Benedictine monks with rare plants used in ancient medicine.
Visiting Rules
Respect the sacred atmosphere by following these guidelines:
- Dress Code: Shoulders and knees must be covered.
- Silence: Maintain a quiet and respectful environment.
- Photography: Permitted, but no flash and no tripods.
- No Food/Drink: Avoid eating or drinking inside the basilica.
- Follow Signs: Adhere to all posted signs and staff instructions.
Facilities and Accessibility
- Souvenir Shop: Open daily, offering religious items, books, and Vatican Post Office stamps.
- Cafeteria: Open daily from 8 am to 7 pm, serving refreshments and snacks.
- Accessibility: Ramps and accessible pathways allow visitors with wheelchairs to explore most areas.
Top Attractions Near St. Paul Outside the Walls
Although many attractions near the basilica require public transport, here are a few highlights:
The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls is not just a place of worship but a treasure trove of art, history, and spiritual significance. From its stunning mosaics to the tomb of St. Paul, this basilica offers visitors an enriching journey through Christian heritage. Whether you are a pilgrim or a traveler, your visit to this iconic Roman basilica will be a memorable and awe-inspiring experience.