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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls Rome
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

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.
"It was so quiet and peaceful. It was really one of my favorite places in Rome.
"🤫 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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.

Papal Portraits Gallery
Upper nave
Marvel at the continuous line of portraits of all popes, a unique visual history of the papacy.

Arnolfo di Cambio's Cloisters
Explore the serene and beautifully decorated medieval cloisters, a peaceful oasis with intricate details.

13th Century Mosaics
Apse
Admire the stunning mosaics commissioned by Pope Honorius III, showcasing medieval artistry.
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Serenity
Understanding the Basilica's Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤫 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.
🚶♀️ Explore the local area
The San Paolo/Ostiense neighborhood offers a glimpse into local Roman life and university culture.
⛪ Understand its history
It's one of Rome's four papal basilicas, built over St. Paul's tomb.
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.
🛍️ Unique souvenir finds
Check out the gift shop for local liquors, like a good walnut liquor.
🚶♀️ Explore the local area
The San Paolo/Ostiense neighborhood offers a glimpse into local Roman life and university culture.
⛪ Understand its history
It's one of Rome's four papal basilicas, built over St. Paul's tomb.
What Travellers Say
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.
"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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, it's quite straightforward. Taking Metro Line B directly to the San Paolo-Basilica station is a popular and efficient method.
For the Basilica of Saint Paul Rome, the Metro B line to San Paolo-Basilica station is highly recommended for ease and speed.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
Yes, the tomb of St. Paul is located beneath the main altar and is a central point of veneration within the basilica.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
Yes, you can typically photograph the mosaics, but always be mindful of any posted restrictions and avoid flash photography to preserve the artwork.
Drones are generally not permitted within or around religious sites in Rome due to privacy and safety regulations.
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.
🎫 ⛪ 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.
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.
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.
As with most churches in Rome, modest dress is required. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
Restrooms are typically available within the basilica complex, often near the entrance or cloisters.
🍽️ 🛍️ 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.
The gift shop often sells religious items, books, and local products. One Reddit user specifically mentioned a good walnut liquor available there.
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.
Rome has many restaurants offering vegetarian options, and increasingly, vegan choices. Exploring the San Paolo/Ostiense neighborhood will likely yield good results.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Papal Basilica: A Sacred History
Inside, visitors can witness the sarcophagus believed to contain St. Paul's remains, a focal point of pilgrimage and veneration. The upper nave is adorned with a continuous series of portraits of all the popes, offering a visual timeline of the papacy. The apse features magnificent mosaics commissioned by Pope Honorius III in the 13th century, showcasing the artistic styles of the medieval period. 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.
Architectural Splendor and Artistic Treasures
The cloisters, designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, are a particular highlight, offering a serene and intricately decorated medieval courtyard. The detailed columns and the peaceful atmosphere make them a perfect spot for quiet reflection and photography. The mosaics in the apse, dating from the 13th century, are another significant artistic feature, depicting biblical scenes with vibrant colors and intricate detail. These artistic elements, combined with the basilica's sheer scale, provide a rich visual experience that speaks to its long and storied history.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit