BASILICA OF SAINT PAUL OUTSIDE THE WALLS, Exterior Interior

Hi, I'm James, your personal guide. Together with MyWoWo, I'd like to welcome you to one of the wonders of the world.

Today I'll accompany you through the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, one of the most sacred places in Rome!

Welcome to the basilica dedicated to Saint Paul, which is called "outside the walls" because it was built outside the historic center in the fourth century AD. It is the largest church in Rome after Saint Peter's Basilica, and has constantly been enriched with magnificent works of art over the centuries, especially mosaics and sculptures. It is also an indispensable stop for pilgrims visiting the city during Jubilees.

Unfortunately the basilica was almost completely destroyed by a fire in the first half of the 19th century. They decided to rebuild it "as it was", but its shiny, sparkling marble appearance may seem a bit cold and academic to you today. The gold-background mosaics you see on the façade are also from the nineteenth century, and the statue at the center of the large portico before the façade obviously depicts St. Paul....