Saint Paul Outside the Walls
Basilica Papale di San Paolo fuori le Mura
Built over the traditional burial site of St. Paul, this is the second-largest basilica in Rome, its single nave lined by eighty columns across four side aisles. A catastrophic fire in 1823 destroyed most of the building that had stood for nearly 1,500 years, but the basilica was rebuilt and remains one of the four Papal Major Basilicas and one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches.
Highlights
01
The Tomb of St. Paul
The tomb and sarcophagus of St. Paul beneath the papal altar.
02
Triumphal-Arch Mosaics
Fifth-century triumphal-arch mosaics commissioned by Galla Placidia.
03
The Byzantine Bronze Door
An 11th-century Byzantine bronze door, cast in Constantinople.
04
Arnolfo’s Ciborium
Arnolfo di Cambio’s Gothic ciborium over the confession.
05
Alabaster Windows
Windows of translucent alabaster, mistaken by many visitors for stained glass.
06
Papal Portrait Medallions
The series of mosaic medallion portraits of the popes, from St. Peter onward, running above the nave arcades.
Opening Hours
7 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (daily, free entry)
Mass Times
Weekdays (Mon–Fri) at 7 a.m., 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Saturday at 7 a.m., 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Sundays and Feast Days at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Confession
Daily: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 4 – 6:30 p.m.
Vespers
Weekdays: 6 p.m.
Saturday: 5 p.m. (First Vespers)
Sundays and Feast Days: 5 p.m.
Cloister & Other Visitor Areas
Cloister: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (daily, last entry 5:30 p.m.; admission €4)
Sacristy: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 4 – 6:30 p.m. (daily)
Address & Official Website
Piazzale San Paolo, 1, 00146 Roma