History: one of Rome's four papal basilicas
The Basilica of San Paolo fuori le Mura is one of Rome's four major papal basilicas (alongside San Pietro, San Giovanni in Laterano and Santa Maria Maggiore) and rises over the tomb of the apostle Paul, along Via Ostiense, beyond the city's ancient Aurelian Walls. It is a vast, solemn, light-filled basilica, less crowded than the others only because it sits a little off-center — but it is absolutely worth the trip (and the metro makes it easy).
The apostle Paul was beheaded in Rome and buried on this very site, which is why the basilica became, and remains, a major place of pilgrimage. It is called "fuori le Mura" (Outside the Walls) precisely because it stands beyond the ancient walls, along Via Ostiense, on the burial place of the saint.
Destroyed by a great fire in 1823, the basilica was rebuilt in the nineteenth century to recapture the grandeur of the original early-Christian church. Today it stuns visitors with its sheer scale, its colonnades, its mosaics and a majestic, almost overwhelming atmosphere.
Want to visit San Paolo fuori le Mura without worrying about parking?
My Rome Driver takes you to the basilica with a private driver and waits for your next stop. Fixed price, door to door.
Check availability and get a quote
Reply within 30 minutes · Fixed price · Free cancellation up to 24h before
What to see at San Paolo fuori le Mura
Beyond its colossal scale and solemn atmosphere, the basilica holds a handful of treasures you should not miss.
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, together with the chains attributed to his imprisonment. It is the very reason the basilica exists and the focus of pilgrimage here.
The papal medallions and the prophecy
A truly unique feature runs the length of the nave: a row of mosaic medallions portraying every pope, from St Peter all the way to the reigning pontiff. A famous popular tradition holds that when the empty spaces for new medallions run out, the end of the world will come. True or not, it is a captivating detail that intrigues every visitor. We devote a separate guide to the papal medallions.
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 is an oasis of calm and a masterpiece of medieval art — unmissable for anyone who loves the details.
The Paschal candlestick, the mosaics and more
Among the other treasures:
- The Paschal candlestick, a large, finely carved medieval marble candlestick by Nicola di Angelo and Pietro Vassalletto, used for the Paschal candle.
- 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.
A suggested route inside the basilica
In about 30–45 minutes you'll take in the highlights (more with the cloister):
- The nave with the papal medallions
- The tomb of St Paul and the confessio
- The mosaics of the apse and the triumphal arch
- The Paschal candlestick and the Gothic baldachin
- The Cosmatesque cloister (ticket required)
Tickets and opening hours
One distinction is worth knowing up front: entry to the basilica is free, as with Rome's other great basilicas, and lets you take in the tomb of St Paul, the papal medallions, the mosaics and the monumental interior. The Cosmatesque cloister (and usually the attached museum / picture gallery) instead requires a small, low-cost ticket — figures are approximate, so check on-site or on the official website.
| Basilica | Free | Tomb of St Paul, papal medallions, mosaics, monumental interior |
|---|---|---|
| Cloister | Small, low-cost ticket | Cosmatesque cloister, usually the picture gallery and a few monastic rooms with artifacts and works of art |
The cloister ticket is well worth the small cost, especially for lovers of medieval art.
Opening hours
| Basilica | Generally open every day, continuous hours from morning to evening (approximate) |
|---|---|
| Cloister | Usually slightly shorter hours |
Times are approximate and can change for liturgical services, especially on Sundays — always check the official website. You do not need to book: entry to the basilica is free, and the cloister ticket is bought on-site.
Dress code and rules
As a papal basilica and a place of worship, modest dress is required (shoulders and knees covered). During services, tourist visits may be restricted, so it is best to choose times outside Mass.
How to get there
The basilica stands along Via Ostiense, south of the historic center, on the route toward EUR and Ostia. Despite its name and out-of-the-way location, it is one of the easiest basilicas in Rome to reach, thanks to a dedicated metro stop.
By metro
The most convenient way is the metro:
- Basilica San Paolo (Line B) — the stop sits just steps from the basilica. Step off the train and you're practically there: it's the fastest, most direct option.
The same Line B connects you easily to the Colosseum, Termini and EUR.
By train (Metromare)
The area is also served by the Metromare line (formerly the Roma-Lido), which stops at Porta San Paolo / Piramide — handy if you're arriving from Ostia or the coast.
On foot from Ostiense
From the area around the Piramide Cestia and Porta San Paolo, the basilica is within reach on foot or with a quick metro hop along Via Ostiense, passing through the Ostiense district (home to the Centrale Montemartini).
By car and parking
The basilica sits farther out than the historic center and offers a fair amount of parking nearby, though the area can get busy. With a private driver (NCC) the visit is even smoother: they drop you at the entrance and handle the driving and the waiting — ideal if you want to pair San Paolo with EUR, the Centrale Montemartini, or a transfer to Ostia or the airport, all along the same route.
Practical tips
- How much time: the visit takes about 30–45 minutes, longer if you add the cloister.
- Free basilica: the main areas (tomb, medallions, mosaics) are free to enter.
- Paid cloister: the small ticket is worth it for this Cosmatesque masterpiece.
- Avoid Mass times so you can take your time, and dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered).
- Easy by metro: dedicated stop on Line B, just steps from the entrance.
- Pair it with nearby sights: San Paolo works beautifully alongside EUR and the Square Colosseum (heading south), the Centrale Montemartini and the Piramide Cestia in the Ostiense district, or a day trip toward Ostia Antica and the sea. A private driver keeps the itinerary along Via Ostiense flowing effortlessly.
See also
Book a driver to San Paolo fuori le Mura
Fixed price · ZTL access · Door to door