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St Paul Outside the Walls Church |
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Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls |
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The Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls is one of four Papal basilicas in Rome, the second largest after that of San Pietro in Vaticano (St Peter’s in the Vatican). It was built on the burial site of St Paul, about 3 km away from “Tre Fontane” where the apostle was decapitated and made a martyr. After undergoing various structural changes, the tomb of the saint is now situated under the main altar. The Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls became a site for the
Jubilee year in 1300 and a famous pilgrimage destination. The
entire structure has been greatly enhanced and decorated over
the centuries. The interior of this splendid basilica now comprises
5 naves divided by 80 columns and a graceful lacunar ceiling.
To be admired is the detail of the mosaics representing all the
Popes. The green portico with 150 columns was only added in 1928.
The cloister, instead, is a masterpiece dating back to the 12th
century and features various architectural relics of the old basilica.
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