The Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls (Italian: Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura) is…read moredefinitely a must-see if ever in Rome because this basilica is special for so many reasons!
My hubby and I visited during our 1st trip to Rome (on September 30, 2023) while celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary (yep, love was in the air! ;)
I came across this basilica when researching attractions located near/around the Airbnb that we were staying at in the Ostiense neighborhood and after reading about it, I just had to add it to our Rome itinerary.
See the many pics and videos included w/ this review from our visit on 09/30/2023 -- just know that despite my best efforts, they don't fully capture just how beautiful and impressive this basilica is in person.
And these pics & videos definitely couldn't capture what I felt when I 1st walked inside and saw the beautiful, gold ceiling that looked like it was glowing!
(Brief History)
This basilica was built above the tomb of St. Paul in Rome and is one of the 4 major basilicas of Rome. It was consecrated AD 4th century.
It's also the 2nd largest church in the Italian capital after St. Peter's.
Located inside is the sarcophagus of St. Paul.
(Special-ness Specs)
-- Gallery of The Popes --
(see the pics & videos included w/ this review)
Inside the basilica there are 5 rooms w/ the central one having 80 granite and marble columns and there you will see the portraits of every past pope since St. Peter -- 266 total (awesome display)
-- Doors at St. Peter's --
(see pics & videos)
1. The Holy Door - one of the four holy doors is located here, holy doors are only opened every 25 yrs during Jubilee (2025 is the next Jubilee in Rome)
2. The Byzantine Door--the door dates back to the 11th century has 54 panels
3. Outdoor courtyard w/ the beautiful St. Paul monument
(Additional helpful info)
-- Free to visit but bring some cash so you can leave an offering
-- There is a dress code - no knees, stomach, or shoulders can be shown.
During our visit there were plastic, disposable shawls at the front door once you entered into the basilica that visitors were asked to use if they were wearing shorts that had their knees showing or if they had on a sleeveless top on.
-- not as crowded/busy as St. Peter's basilica so you're able to take your time during your visit
Rome has so many beautiful and historic basilica's and during our time in Rome, we did get to experience so many of them and yes, while each of them were special in their own way, the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside The Walls was my favorite and I'm so very grateful that I was able to experience such historic beauty.
Till next time,
Rebecca visiting from Austin, Texas (United States) on 09/30/2023