Why Visiting St. Paul Outside the Walls Is a Must-See

Rome is on a lot of people’s minds this year. That’s because 2025 is a Jubilee year, a Holy Year for Catholics that takes place every quarter of a century. Millions of Catholics from every corner of the planet will be making a pilgrimage to the Eternal City (and, of course, Vatican City) to show their devotion and piety.

One of the Jubilee traditions is to pilgrimage to each of Rome’s four papal basilicas—Saint Peter’s, Saint John Lateran, Saint Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the Walls—each one a masterpiece of historical art and architecture. Of the four, the basilica that gets the least attention—because of its location on the periphery of Rome—is St. Paul Outside the Walls. 

Before you visit, here are some interesting things to know about the Basilica Papale di San Paolo fuori le Mura.

Visiting Rome during a Jubilee year is a special time.

The origins of St. Paul Outside the Walls

To understand how St. Paul Outside the Walls came into existence, we have to go back to the year 313 AD. That’s when everything changed in the Western world. That’s when Roman general Constantine was preparing for a huge battle just outside of Rome against his rival, Maxentius. The winner would go on to become the sole emperor: 

• The problem for Constantine was that Maxentius’ army was much bigger; it seemed certain Constantine was in for a defeat. That is, until he supposedly and famously saw a massive, flaming cross in the sky with the inscription: “In Hoc Signo Vinces,” (“By This Sign, Conquer”). And then his troops went out and smeared the opposition.
• Well, Constantine’s troops didn’t exactly obliterate Maxentius’. Instead, the opposing army, having replaced the Milvian Bridge with a span of boats across the Tiber, so Constantine’s army would have trouble getting across it, actually had to use the makeshift bridge themselves during the battle. When they did, a large part of the army, including Maxentius, drowned. Chalk one up for Constantine.
• However he won, Constantine, now emperor, saw this as a miracle and, as a result, Christianity—once a wacky little religion—became officially tolerated and, eventually, would become the state religion of the Roman Empire.

This gargantuan basilica should most definitely be on your itinerary, pilgrimage or not. Photo credit: StPaul.jpg

Why is it Outside the Walls?

With Christianity now an official religion of the Roman Empire, Emperor Constantine set about to construct some temples of worship. One of the first to be built was St. Paul. The location is no accident. It was chosen because it was the site of the cella memoriae, the spot where early Christians came to pray to St. Paul the Apostle.

In 67 AD, Paul and Peter met near this spot and said farewell to each other one final time. Days later, they would both be executed. While Peter was famously crucified on Vatican Hill (hence, the spot where his eponymous basilica sits today), Paul was said to have been beheaded two miles outside of the Aurelian Walls. 

After Paul was killed, a Roman named Lucina claimed his body and buried it in a vineyard near the Tiber River. Today there’s a church built over the spot where Paul was executed called San Paola alle Tre Fontane (St. Paul at the Three Fountains). Legend says that when Paul was decapitated, his head bounced three times, and at each place where it landed, a fountain sprung up. 

After a fire destroyed part of the exterior’s mosaic it was replaced with the one seen in this photo. Photo credit: Rita batacchi

From a grave to a chapel to a basilica

About a decade later, Pope Anacletus had a small chapel built over the supposed spot where Paul is buried. In 324 Constantine had a church built on the site.

A half-century later, with hundreds of Christians making pilgrimages here regularly, the emperor knocked down Constantine’s small church and had a much larger one built. The building was first consecrated by Pope Innocent I in 402 and it was not finished until the reign of Leo I about 50 years later.

That plus-sized house of piety is pretty much what you see today, save for some 19th-century renovation that was done after a disastrous fire in July 1823.

The Triumphal Arch was made to honor St. Paul. Photo credit: Mentnafunangann

Visiting St. Paul Outside the Walls

The first thing you may notice about this giant basilica is the arcaded courtyard—the largest of its kind in Rome. There is a monumental statue of St. Paul in the center of the courtyard, sculpted out of Carrara marble by Giuseppe Obici in the 19th century.

When standing at the facade, you’ll see three doors. The door to the right is the Holy Door, almost always closed. But because this is a Jubilee year, the door will be open until Christmas Day 2025.

Once inside the 440-foot-long nave, notice the vastness of the interior, set across by 5 aisles complete with 80 columns. St. Paul is one of the 15 largest churches in the world (and second largest in Rome) and it’s easy to gauge its size from here. The gold interior is largely a 19th-century neoclassical creation, made after the great fire of 1823. The walls of the nave are also decorated with paintings that depict the life of St. Paul.

The interior is full of enormous marble columns and beautiful gold mosaics you won’t want to miss. Photo credit: Pymouss

What to see at the basilica

The papal medallions and the end of the world

Some of the most striking things about the interior of the basilica are the 265 large medallions that line the walls.

There is one for every pope—though you may notice that only the most recent popes are likely represented accurately. From Saint Peter to Pope Francis, you can follow the line of the papacy while standing inside the nave.

Legend says that when there is no more room for another papal medallion, the world will come to an end. True or not, you should not fear: there is enough space for at least 8 more popes.

Inside the basilica, the current pope is always illuminated. Photo credit: Anbonifacio

The tomb of St. Paul

Although it was a legend that the church was built over St. Paul’s final resting place, church authorities relied on faith to assume this legend had merit. During the Jubilee year of 2000, many pilgrims had expressed disappointment that they could not touch or even see the tomb of St. Paul, the Apostle.

And so in response to this, in 2002, Vatican archeologists went digging. And in December 2006, those same Vatican archeologists announced that they had, in fact, found a white marble tomb underneath the altar in St. Paul Outside the Walls.

Three years later, Pope Benedict XVI announced the results of a radiocarbon dating test on the remains inside the sarcophagus below the altar in St. Paul’s. The tomb and its remains date back to the first or second century – suggesting that they do, in fact, belong to St. Paul. Pilgrims visiting the Jubilee in 2025 will not be disappointed, as they can see St. Paul’s tomb for themselves.   

Discover the three other papal basilicas in our articles:

• 8 Reasons Why You Should Visit Rome’s Santa Maria Maggiore Church
• San Giovanni in Laterano: The Ultimate Guide to Rome’s Overlooked Church
• St. Peter’s Basilica: A Journey Through Art, Architecture & History

Look below the altar to see St. Paul’s tomb. Photo credit: StPaul.jpg

FAQ about St. Paul Outside the Walls

Can I visit St. Paul Outside the Walls during the Jubilee Year?

Absolutely! During the 2025 Rome Jubilee, St. Paul Outside the Walls will be open to pilgrims and visitors alike. As one of the four major papal basilicas, it plays a central role in Jubilee celebrations.

Visitors can walk through the Holy Door, a symbolic act of faith and renewal, which is only open during Jubilee years. 

The basilica is typically open daily. To make the most of your visit, consider arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.

Are you a history buff? Don’t miss out on visiting the Vatican’s art and historical artifacts.

What is the Holy Door, and why is it open during the Jubilee?

The Holy Door at St. Paul Outside the Walls is one of four Holy Doors in Rome’s papal basilicas.

Traditionally sealed and only opened during Jubilee years, it symbolizes the path to salvation and forgiveness. Pilgrims who walk through the Holy Door during a Jubilee year can receive a plenary indulgence, a significant spiritual benefit in Catholic tradition.

The door at St. Paul’s is beautifully crafted, and stepping through it is both a physical and spiritual act. Walking through the Holy Door connects pilgrims to centuries of faith and devotion.

The Holy Door is only open during Jubilee years. Photo credit: StPaul.jpg

Are there any attractions near St. Paul’s?

Yes! The area around St. Paul Outside the Walls offers several attractions worth exploring:

• San Paolo alle Tre Fontane (Via di Acque Salvie, 1): Located a short distance away, this church marks the site of St. Paul’s martyrdom. Legend says three fountains appeared where his head touched the ground.
• Tiber River Walks: Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the nearby Tiber River, which offers scenic views and quiet reflection.
• Centrale Montemartini Museum: This unique museum combines ancient Roman statues with industrial machinery, creating a fascinating juxtaposition of art and technology.
• Testaccio Neighborhood: Known for its authentic Roman cuisine and vibrant market, Testaccio is a great place to grab a meal after your visit.

Check out the Testaccio neighborhood after your visit to refuel.

How do I get to St. Paul Outside the Walls?

St. Paul Outside the Walls is located in Rome’s Ostiense district, approximately two miles south of the city center. It’s easily accessible by public transportation:

• Metro: Take Line B (Blue Line) to the Basilica San Paolo stop, just a short walk from the church.
• Bus: Several bus lines, including 23 and 769, stop near the basilica.
• Taxi: A taxi ride from central Rome takes about 15 minutes. Once you arrive, you’ll find clear signs leading to the basilica’s main entrance.

There are plenty of ways to get to the St. Paul Outside the Walls that suit any budget.

What is the connection between St. Paul Outside the Walls and the Vatican?

St. Paul Outside the Walls is one of the four major papal basilicas of Rome, along with St. Peter’s Basilica, St. John Lateran, and St. Mary Major. As a papal basilica, it holds a special connection to the Vatican and the Pope.

While it’s not located within Vatican City, it remains under the Pope’s jurisdiction and serves as a key site for religious ceremonies during Jubilee years. Historically, it has played a vital role in Catholic tradition as a place of pilgrimage and prayer, especially for those honoring the Apostle Paul.

The Vatican has a special connection to St. Paul Outside the Walls and shouldn’t be missed.

And, if you’re looking to unravel facts about Vatican City, make sure to sign up for one of our small group Vatican tours. Led by local guides, you’ll not only be able to skip the lines, but will have privileged access to this Sistine Chapel at night or early in the morning, enjoying your time in this beautiful site without the massive crowds that build up throughout the day.