A vast, light-filled basilica

The Basilica di San Paolo fuori le Mura stuns visitors with its colossal scale and solemn atmosphere. Here's what you can't miss on your visit.

The tomb of St Paul

The spiritual heart of the basilica is the tomb of the apostle Paul, beneath the papal altar. Through the confessio (the opening before the altar) you can see the saint's sarcophagus, along with the chains attributed to his imprisonment. It's the very reason the basilica exists and a major pilgrimage site.

The papal medallions

Running along the nave is the famous row of mosaic medallions portraying every pope, from St Peter all the way to the reigning pontiff. A popular tradition links the remaining empty spaces to a prophecy about the end of the world. It's one of the most curious and sought-after details: we've devoted a separate guide to the papal medallions.

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The Cosmatesque cloister

One of the basilica's true wonders is the cloister (ticket required): among the finest in Rome, with an arcade of twisted Cosmatesque columns, inlaid with golden mosaics and colored enamels. It's an oasis of calm and a masterpiece of medieval art, unmissable for anyone who loves the details.

The Paschal candlestick and the mosaics

Among the other treasures:

  • The Paschal candlestick, a large, finely carved medieval marble candlestick by Nicola di Angelo and Pietro Vassalletto.
  • The mosaics of the triumphal arch and the apse, in the Byzantine tradition, with Christ and the saints on a gold ground.
  • The Gothic baldachin by Arnolfo di Cambio above the altar.
  • The Holy Door, opened for the Jubilees.

How to plan your visit

In 30-45 minutes you'll see the highlights (more with the cloister):

  1. The nave with the papal medallions
  2. The tomb of St Paul and the confessio
  3. The mosaics of the apse and the triumphal arch
  4. The Paschal candlestick and the baldachin
  5. The Cosmatesque cloister (ticket required)

Frequently asked questions

What is there to see at San Paolo fuori le Mura? The tomb of St Paul beneath the altar, the medallions portraying every pope, the Cosmatesque cloister, the medieval Paschal candlestick and the apse mosaics.

What is the confessio of St Paul? The opening before the papal altar that lets you see the sarcophagus of the apostle Paul and the chains attributed to his imprisonment: the spiritual heart of the basilica.

What is the cloister of San Paolo like? It's among the finest in Rome, with twisted Cosmatesque columns inlaid with golden mosaics: a masterpiece of medieval art, open with a ticket.

What is the Paschal candlestick? A large medieval marble candlestick, finely carved (the work of the Vassalletto family), used for the Paschal candle: one of the basilica's treasures.

How much time do you need to see everything? About 30-45 minutes for the basilica; more if you add the cloister.

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Article #450 · Category: Monuments · Updated: May 2026