Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, Rome, Italy - The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls
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Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls Rome

4.8
·17k reviews·Roma, Italy

A magnificent papal basilica built over the tomb of St. Paul, offering serene beauty and profound history with stunning mosaics and cloisters.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, Rome, Italy - The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls

Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls Rome

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A magnificent papal basilica built over the tomb of St. Paul, offering serene beauty and profound history with stunning mosaics and cloisters.

4.8
(17k reviews)

"It was so quiet and peaceful. It was really one of my favorite places in Rome. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🤫 Seek quiet contemplation

This basilica is often described as peaceful and quiet, a welcome respite from busier Roman sites.

🛍️ Unique souvenir finds

Check out the gift shop for local liquors, like a good walnut liquor.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tomb of St. Paul

Tomb of St. Paul

Under the main altar

See the sarcophagus believed to contain the remains of Saint Paul, a deeply spiritual experience for many visitors.

Reddit
Papal Portraits Gallery

Papal Portraits Gallery

Upper nave

Marvel at the continuous line of portraits of all popes, a unique visual history of the papacy.

Reddit
Arnolfo di Cambio's Cloisters

Arnolfo di Cambio's Cloisters

Explore the serene and beautifully decorated medieval cloisters, a peaceful oasis with intricate details.

Reddit
13th Century Mosaics

13th Century Mosaics

Apse

Admire the stunning mosaics commissioned by Pope Honorius III, showcasing medieval artistry.

Reddit

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Serenity

Beat the crowds at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls by visiting on weekdays, ideally in the morning or late afternoon. Redditors suggest it's a peaceful escape from Rome's bustle, offering a more contemplative experience. Reddit

Understanding the Basilica's Significance

This papal basilica is built over the tomb of St. Paul, a pivotal figure in Christianity. Its history and architectural grandeur, including 13th-century mosaics, offer a profound glimpse into religious heritage. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

And FYI, even though the basilica itself closes at 7pm, the sacristy and gift shop close at 6pm! #vaticancity #stpetersbasilica #holywater #popefrancis #romeitaly #italysouvenir #travelitaly #italytra...
@yourfriendinitaly
63.1K likes • 987.2K views

🤫 Seek quiet contemplation

This basilica is often described as peaceful and quiet, a welcome respite from busier Roman sites. Reddit

🛍️ Unique souvenir finds

Check out the gift shop for local liquors, like a good walnut liquor. Reddit

Friends, St. Paul Outside the Walls is one of the four major basilicas in Rome. The art and architecture of the basilica are stunning. Be sure to look up and admire the medallions of the popes through...
bishopbarron
2.4K likes • 52.6K views
✳️ enjoy the beauty with almost 1700 years of history 📍Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls ❇️The Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls (Italian: Basilica Papale di San Paolo fuo...
moments_of.happiness
12K likes • 289.3K views

🚶‍♀️ Explore the local area

The San Paolo/Ostiense neighborhood offers a glimpse into local Roman life and university culture. Reddit

⛪ Understand its history

It's one of Rome's four papal basilicas, built over St. Paul's tomb. Reddit

Spend the day with me at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome! #Rome #Basilica #Catholic #medianuns #vocations #holydoor #jubilee2025
srbethanyfsp
806 likes • 9.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🤫 Seek quiet contemplation

This basilica is often described as peaceful and quiet, a welcome respite from busier Roman sites. Reddit

🛍️ Unique souvenir finds

Check out the gift shop for local liquors, like a good walnut liquor. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the local area

The San Paolo/Ostiense neighborhood offers a glimpse into local Roman life and university culture. Reddit

⛪ Understand its history

It's one of Rome's four papal basilicas, built over St. Paul's tomb. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(17k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls for its serene atmosphere and profound historical significance, often highlighting it as a peaceful escape from Rome's busier attractions. While some note its location requires a bit more travel, the beauty of the cloisters and the spiritual weight of St. Paul's tomb are frequently cited as deeply rewarding experiences. Reddit

"May 2025. Visited as part of the Four Papal Basilicas, Four Holy Doors and Seven Churches Pilgrimage. The Papal basilica farthest from Rome's center. I distinctly recall the portraits of all the popes along the upper walls and the golden inner "half dome". Do check out the museum/cloister and the archeological site, it's not expensive at all."

Patrick Villacorta

"This basilica have a huge shop to purchase your jubilee 2025 souvenirs and all. We only know this at the last of our journey but still managed to pick something up. One of the four holy doors are here so this is a must visit too. You can easily spend an hour here. Take note not to make loud noises and be considerate of the people here who can be old people."

Lucas Tan

"One of the most peace filled churches. Beautiful entrance plaza built for protection. Delicate mosaic memorial plaques of every pope In circle the inner walls of the nave and other area. Notice the window panes are not of glass, but translucent mineral stone. The pascal candle and more are worthy of a visit."

ann renee chiasson

What People Like

Peaceful and quiet atmosphere
St. Paul's tomb
Beautiful cloisters

What People Dislike

Slightly out of the center

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls is accessible via public transport. The nearest Metro station is 'San Paolo-Basilica' on Line B. Buses also serve the area, making it a convenient destination even though it's slightly outside the immediate city center. Reddit

Yes, it's quite straightforward. Taking Metro Line B directly to the San Paolo-Basilica station is a popular and efficient method. Reddit

For the Basilica of Saint Paul Rome, the Metro B line to San Paolo-Basilica station is highly recommended for ease and speed. Reddit

Walking from the Colosseum to St. Paul Outside the Walls is a significant distance (around 5-6 km) and would take over an hour. It's more practical to use public transport like the Metro. Reddit

Taxis are readily available throughout Rome, and you can easily find one to take you directly to St. Paul's Rome Italy. Ensure the meter is running for a fair fare. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the main basilica is generally free, but there might be a small fee for specific areas like the museum or cloisters. It's always good to check the official website for the most current information on admission. Reddit

The Basilica of St. Paul Rome typically opens in the morning and closes in the early evening. Hours can vary, especially on Sundays and holidays, so confirming the daily schedule is advisable. Reddit

While the main church area of St. Paul's Basilica Rome is usually free to enter, some parts like the cloisters or specific exhibitions may have a fee. Reddit

Yes, the tomb of St. Paul is located beneath the main altar and is a central point of veneration within the basilica. Reddit

While official guided tours might be limited, you can often find information or audio guides to enhance your visit. Some community members have mentioned finding good tours for other basilicas, suggesting it's worth inquiring. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted inside the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, but it's important to be respectful and avoid using flash, especially during services. Reddit

The cloisters offer beautiful architectural shots, and the nave with its papal portraits provides a unique photographic opportunity. The exterior facade is also quite impressive. Reddit

Yes, you can typically photograph the mosaics, but always be mindful of any posted restrictions and avoid flash photography to preserve the artwork. Reddit

Drones are generally not permitted within or around religious sites in Rome due to privacy and safety regulations. Reddit

Late afternoon can offer beautiful lighting as the sun sets, creating a warm glow on the basilica's exterior and interior. Weekday mornings also tend to be less crowded for unobstructed shots. Reddit

🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience

Inside, you'll find the tomb of St. Paul, stunning 13th-century mosaics in the apse, portraits of all popes lining the nave, and the beautiful medieval cloisters. Reddit

A visit typically takes 1-2 hours to fully appreciate the art, architecture, and spiritual significance. If you plan to explore the cloisters and gift shop, allow a bit more time. Reddit

While many areas are accessible, some older parts of historic churches can present challenges. It's advisable to contact the basilica directly for specific accessibility information. Reddit

As with most churches in Rome, modest dress is required. Shoulders and knees should be covered. Reddit

Restrooms are typically available within the basilica complex, often near the entrance or cloisters. Reddit

🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining

The area around the basilica, San Paolo/Ostiense, is a local neighborhood with various trattorias and cafes where you can experience authentic Roman cuisine. Reddit

The gift shop often sells religious items, books, and local products. One Reddit user specifically mentioned a good walnut liquor available there. Reddit

While there might not be a full restaurant, there could be a small cafe or vending machines for refreshments. It's best to check upon arrival. Reddit

Rome has many restaurants offering vegetarian options, and increasingly, vegan choices. Exploring the San Paolo/Ostiense neighborhood will likely yield good results. Reddit

The San Paolo/Ostiense area is known for its authentic Roman trattorias, so you can expect classic dishes like Cacio e Pepe, Carbonara, and Saltimbocca. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls can be a fascinating, albeit quieter, experience for families. The sheer scale of the basilica and the visual history presented by the papal portraits can capture children's imaginations. Reddit While the tomb of St. Paul is a solemn site, the cloisters offer a more visually engaging and open space for younger visitors to explore. Reddit Consider bringing a small activity book or discussing the stories behind the mosaics beforehand to keep them engaged. The nearby San Paolo/Ostiense neighborhood also offers more casual dining options suitable for families. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls is an excellent choice as entry to the main basilica is typically free. Reddit This allows you to experience a significant piece of Roman history and religious art without incurring admission fees. Utilize public transport, like the Metro B line, to reach the basilica affordably. Reddit Pack snacks and water, and consider dining in the local San Paolo/Ostiense area for more reasonably priced meals compared to central tourist hubs. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Papal Basilica: A Sacred History

The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls is one of Rome's four major papal basilicas, holding immense religious significance. It is famously built over the burial site of Saint Paul the Apostle, a foundational figure in Christianity. The current structure dates back to the 4th century, though it has undergone significant restoration, most notably after a devastating fire in 1823. Reddit The basilica's architecture, while grand, is often described as having a simple and austere beauty that evokes a sense of majesty and historical depth. Reddit

Inside, visitors can witness the sarcophagus believed to contain St. Paul's remains, a focal point of pilgrimage and veneration. Reddit The upper nave is adorned with a continuous series of portraits of all the popes, offering a visual timeline of the papacy. Reddit The apse features magnificent mosaics commissioned by Pope Honorius III in the 13th century, showcasing the artistic styles of the medieval period. Reddit These elements combine to create an atmosphere of profound historical and spiritual resonance, making it a must-visit for those interested in religious history and art. Reddit

Architectural Splendor and Artistic Treasures

The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls is a testament to enduring architectural and artistic achievement. Originally constructed in the 4th century, it was designed to emulate the grandeur of ancient Roman basilicas, a style that influenced church architecture for centuries. Reddit Although much of the original structure was lost to fire and subsequent reconstructions, the essence of its design remains. The basilica is characterized by its vast nave, supported by numerous columns, creating an expansive and awe-inspiring interior space. Reddit

The cloisters, designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, are a particular highlight, offering a serene and intricately decorated medieval courtyard. Reddit The detailed columns and the peaceful atmosphere make them a perfect spot for quiet reflection and photography. Reddit The mosaics in the apse, dating from the 13th century, are another significant artistic feature, depicting biblical scenes with vibrant colors and intricate detail. Reddit These artistic elements, combined with the basilica's sheer scale, provide a rich visual experience that speaks to its long and storied history. Reddit

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