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 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).

Destroyed by a great fire in 1823, it was rebuilt in the nineteenth century to recapture the grandeur of the original early-Christian basilica. Today it stuns visitors with its sheer scale, its colonnades, its mosaics and a majestic atmosphere.

What makes San Paolo special

  • The tomb of St Paul, beneath the papal altar.
  • The medallions bearing the portraits of every pope, running along the aisles and tied to a famous prophecy.
  • The stunning Cosmatesque cloister, one of the most beautiful in Rome.
  • The medieval Paschal candlestick and the mosaics of the apse.

We go deeper in our guide to what to see at San Paolo fuori le Mura.

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The tomb of St Paul

Beneath the papal altar rests the tomb of the apostle Paul, beheaded in Rome and buried here — which is why the basilica is a major place of pilgrimage. A window (the confessio, the opening before the altar) lets you see the sarcophagus and the chains attributed to the saint's imprisonment. It is the spiritual heart of the basilica.

The papal medallions and the prophecy

A truly unique feature: a row of mosaic medallions with the portraits of every pope runs along the aisles, 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 it: the papal medallions.

How much time you need

The visit takes about 30–45 minutes (longer with the cloister). It is extremely easy to reach by metro (it has its own stop) and pairs well with a visit to EUR or Ostiense, both on the same route.

Frequently asked questions

What is San Paolo fuori le Mura? It is one of Rome's four major papal basilicas, built over the tomb of the apostle Paul, along Via Ostiense, beyond the ancient walls. It is vast and solemn.

Why is it called "fuori le Mura" (Outside the Walls)? Because it stands beyond Rome's ancient Aurelian Walls, along Via Ostiense, on the burial site of St Paul.

What can you see at San Paolo fuori le Mura? The tomb of St Paul, the medallions with the portraits of every pope, the Cosmatesque cloister, the Paschal candlestick and the apse mosaics.

How much does it cost to enter? Admission to the basilica is free. The cloister and a few areas (the museum) may require a small ticket. Check on site.

How do you get there? Easily by metro (Line B, Basilica San Paolo stop), or with a private driver. It is along Via Ostiense, toward EUR.

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Article #447 · Category: Monuments · Updated: May 2026