The church can be visited
Ancient BuildingRoma
San Paolo fuori le Mura
San Paolo fuori le Mura is one of Rome's most significant papal basilicas. It is situated outside the ancient city walls and is one of the seven pilgrimage churches of the city. Its history is closely linked to the Apostle Paul, whose presumed tomb is located here.
History+
The basilica's origins trace back to the 4th century when Emperor Constantine commissioned the construction of the first church over the supposed tomb of the Apostle Paul, likely consecrated around 324 AD. A substantial enlargement followed as early as 386 AD. Since the time of Pope Gregory the Great in the 7th century, San Paolo fuori le Mura has housed a Benedictine abbey. A devastating fire on the night of July 15-16, 1823, destroyed large parts of the ancient grand church. The reconstruction, completed in 1854 and consecrated by Pope Pius IX, adhered to the dimensions of the previous structure. In the early 20th century, a colonnaded hall with a statue of Paul was added in front of the main facade. Archaeological excavations between 2002 and 2006 led to the discovery of an ancient Roman sarcophagus, identified as the tomb of the Apostle Paul.
Location+
The Basilica of San Paolo fuori le Mura is located in Rome, in the Lazio region of Italy, at an elevation of approximately 15 m above sea level.
On site+
Today, the impressive basilica is open for visitors. It stands as one of Rome's largest and most historically significant churches.
Nearby+
- Forti di Roma-Forte Ostiense (Fortress), approx. 1.6 km away
- Cestius Pyramid (Ancient Structures), approx. 2.0 km away
- Porta San Paolo (Ancient Structures), approx. 2.0 km away
- Porta Ardeatina (Ancient Structures), approx. 2.3 km away
Take Mobile History with you
You are reading this text for free. Premium adds what matters on the road: descriptions read aloud, sites found through your camera, whole regions taken offline.
- Every description, including the ~17,700 Premium sites
- Audio guide: have descriptions read to you on location
- AR finder: see sites through your camera, with distance and bearing
- Unlimited saved sites
14 days free, then from €2.99 a month. Cancel anytime.
Source: Wikipedia · Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 · Image: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Roma_San_Paolo_fuori_le_mura_BW_1.JPG
This description draws on the facts documented in the linked Wikipedia article; Wikipedia content is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wording and editing: Mobile History.
Location: 41.8586, 12.4773