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.
The interior reflects the majesty of the solemn early-Christian basilicas: 161 meters in length, 65 in width, and 30 in height at the central nave, it has 80 granite columns and 150 white marble ones: the white marble was brought to Rome from Maggiore Lake, which took four years!
The main altar is built over Saint Paul's tomb and is under a beautiful 14th-century Gothic baldachin, while behind it you can see the elaborate candelabrum for the Paschal candle and the 13th-century cycle of mosaics.
But if you want to see the most beautiful part of the basilica, go to the incredible 13th-century cloister: it even has palm trees! A masterpiece of architecture, sculpture, and mosaics, you can still read the plaque where the architects, who were father and son, rightly celebrate their masterpiece. Look at the profusion of golden tiles and ancient porphyry, and the amazing variety of columns: smooth, octagonal, grooved, and twisted - they remind you of the most beautiful Arab architecture.
FUN FACT: along the walls of the central nave you can see a series of tondi with portraits of all the popes in history, including the present one. And when there isn't any more space? Legend has it that it will be the beginning of the end of the world, and of the Last Judgment.
Language: English