Saint Paul Outside the Walls Rome
Saint Paul Outside the Walls is just outside the main attractions in Rome. It is easily accessible taking the Metro B line to the St. Paul exit and walking a brief ten minutes. After passing the hospital you will see the majestic stunning building.
St. Paul Outside the Walls is one of Rome’s four major basilicas. It is the second largest Basilica in Rome. The other three are St. Peter’s Basilica, St. John Lateran, and Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. You really should see all of them if have the opportunity.
Emperor Constantine built the original church in the 4th century on the site where early Christians believed the Apostle Paul to be buried. Years later under other emperors the church had expanded and been modified.
It’s a very engaging sight from the second you walk into the courtyard. The gardens are immaculate and well cared for. While you are in the courtyard, you will see the large statue of St. Paul. You also can see the colorful gold mosaic of Christ with the two apostles by his side. Then there’s the large central door of the basilica with some biblical stories. It shows diverse scenes of St. Peter and St. Paul. The Holy Door is to the right of the central door. This huge bronze door illustrates scenes from the Scripture and is one of the treasures of Rome. The Holy Door is only opened during Jubilees.
When I first walked into Saint Paul Outside the Walls Rome I sensed a place of worship and somewhere quite peaceful and serene.
The gold-coffered ceilings and the colorful mosaics are absolutely gorgeous. I loved the mosaic of Christ flanked by the Apostles Peter, Paul, Andrew and Luke.
The border of papal portraits is truly a sight to admire. The current pope’s picture is always illuminated.
When you walk up to the main altar you will really appreciate how spiritual and gorgeous it really is. Under the alter you can partially see the tombstone and one side of the sarcophagus of St Paul. There is a case containing a chain that illustrates Paul’s imprisonment in Rome.
Several small chapels are located off the main hall. You can enter and pray it is private and peaceful.
I was lucky to be visiting Saint Paul Outside the Walls while the monks were chanting softly in prayer. It was so peaceful and captivating to witness them in a circle praying.
If you exit on the south side, you will see the ruins from the original church prior to the 19th century fire.
A museum and archaeological site can be visited as well if you choose to pay a couple extra euros to see it.
If you would like to buy religious articles, there is a souvenir shop on the premises. If you love chocolate like me, I suggest you buy some from here. The priests make this chocolate delight from the Trappist Monastery just outside Rome.
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Phone number: +39 06 6988 0800
Address: Piazzale San Paolo, 1, 00146 Rome, Italy
Hours: Monday through Sunday, 7:00 am – 6:30 pm
No entrance fee.
Allowed to take pictures (no flash).
Go on a weekday it will be less crowded.
Knees and shoulders should be covered.
Saint Paul Outside the Walls isn’t near to anything else but it isn’t difficult to get there because a Metro station is nearby – take Metro line B. The Hop-on Hop off bus Roma Christiana also takes you here.
