Abbazia di San Paolo Fuori Le Mura
Abbazia di San Paolo Fuori Le Mura
5
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
At the beginning of the 4th century, with the end of the persecutions and the promulgation of the Edicts of Tolerance in favour of Christianity, Emperor Constantine ordered the excavation of the cella memoriae, the place where Christians venerated the memory of Saint Paul the Apostle, beheaded under Nero around 65-67 A.D. Above his grave, located along the Ostiense Way, about two kilometers outside the Aurelian Walls surrounding Rome, Constantine built a Basilica which was consecrated by Pope Sylvester in 324. Between 384 and 395 the Basilica, under the emperors Theodosius, Valentinian II and Arcadius, was restored and enlarged according to an extensive project consisting of five naves opening out into an atrium (quadriportico), or courtyard with four rows of columns. Throughout the centuries the Basilica would not cease to be embellished and enhanced by the Popes. For example, the massive defensive wall was built to protect against invasions at the end of the ninth century, while the bell tower and the magnificent Byzantine door were constructed in the eleventh century. Other important additions include Pietro Cavallini’s mosaics in the facade, the beautiful Vassalletto family’s cloister, Arnolfo di Cambio’s celebrated Gothic baldachin and the Candelabrum for the Paschal candle attributed to Nicola d’Angelo and Pietro Vassalletto of the thirteenth century. This historical period represents the golden age of what had been the biggest Basilica of Rome, until the consecration of the new Basilica of St. Peter in 1626. This sacred place of Christian pilgrimage was well-known for its artistic works. On the night of July 15, 1823, a fire destroyed this unique testimony to the Paleo-Christian, Byzantine, Renaissance and Baroque periods. The Basilica was reconstructed identically to what it had been before, utilizing all the elements which had survived the fire. In 1840 Pope Gregory XVI consecrated the Altar of the Confession and the Transept. Other embellishments followed the reconstruction. In 1928 the portico with 150 columns was added. Contemporary work in the Basilica has uncovered the tomb of the Apostle, while other important and beneficial works are carried out, as in the past, thanks to the generosity of Christians from all over the world. In the fifth century under the Pontificate of Leo the Great, the Basilica became the home of a long series of medallions which would to this day depict all the popes throughout history. This testifies, in an extraordinary way, to “the very great, the very ancient and universally known Church founded and organized at Rome by the two most glorious Apostles, Peter and Paul” (Saint Irenaeus, Adversus Haereses 3, 3,2). Saint Paul Outside-the-Walls constitutes an extra-territorial complex (Motu Proprio by Pope Benedict XVI, 30 May 2005), administered by an Archpriest. In addition to the Papal Basilica, the entire complex includes a very ancient Benedictine Abbey, restored by Odon of Cluny in 936. This Abbey remains active even today under the direction of its Abbot who retains his ordinary jurisdiction intra septa monasterii. The Benedictine Monks of the ancient Abbey, founded near the tomb of the Apostle by Pope Gregory II (715-731), attend to the ministry of Reconciliation (or Penance) and the promotion of special ecumenical events. It is in this Basilica that every year on the feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, January 25, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity solemnly opens. The Pope has specified two privileged tasks for this Papal Basilica: the Sacrament of Reconciliation (or Penance) and the development and organization of ecumenical initiatives. On June 28, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI visited the Basilica and announced that the following year would be designated the “Pauline Year” to commemorate the bimillennium of the birth of Saint Paul. Thus, the “Pauline Year” was run from June 28, 2008 to June 29, 2009.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Lynne S
Winnipeg, Canada156 contributions
Feb 2023 • Solo
I’ve been cogitating on this review ever since I got home, and it’s really difficult to adequately describe the experience. As a Catholic, I found it profoundly spiritual. As a student of classical art and architecture I found it stunningly beautiful. Overall, I was overwhelmed. I spent the better part of the day visiting every crevice I was allowed to enter. Each more beautiful than the last. The mediaeval cloisters were amazing. The church was mostly empty, so I had the chance to sit and just let the experience wash over me. When I return to Rome I will be visiting again.
Written March 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CinCin89Rome_NY
Rome, NY13 contributions
Jul 2011 • Couples
The first time I went to Rome, we didn't go and from the momentwe planned to return, this was where I wanted to go. The fact that you are standing in front of the tomb of St. paul is awe inpsiring. I am Catholic, but any Christian who has read the New Testament, this is a pilgrimage to see the tomb of the apostle to the Gentiles. Here is what to do. We got on the Metro at the Piazza Republicca, there are ticket machines there. There are two lines, orange and blue. St. Paolo blue is the stop. You get your tickets, use a credit card it has all languages, then choose the all day pass, it was like 4 euros. At the Republicca, it is the orange line, don't be scared. Get on orange to termini and then you will have to switch to blue. Get on blue Laurentina is the final stop. It is like four stops and you can't miss the stop because that is the name. When you get off the train, head to the left and keep going, this station stinks to high heaven and it was gross, but keep your eyes on the prize. They have signs in the station with arrows pointing toward the basilica. You come up out of the Metro, and then turn right. You can almost see it as you emerge. Follow down about two blocks, and then you enter the church on the side door. Be sure you are dressed with covered shoulders, they will deny you access. St. Paul's tomb is smack dab in the center. There is a map as you enter. Be sure to go out the big doors at the far end, that is where the courtyard is with the statue they show on the websites. The side entrance is kind of....scruffy, but the front is spectacular. They also have super clean restrooms on the opposite side of where you will come in. Just so you know. Really, don't be scared of the metro. It is surreal and you will thank yourself for a lifetime for going. THEN, when you go home, read the book of Romans, it has a whole new perspective. God bless and safe journeys!
Written July 31, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony B
Los Angeles, CA724 contributions
A beautiful church, a great story and a great name "Saint Paul's Outside the Wall's" (in italian "San Paolo fuori le Mura") was interesting and challenging. We had difficulty getting there - it's not really within the city - though we decided it was just off of the common tourist map and worth the hassle. After delaying several days we finally went to the Metro early in the morning with the aim that we would take the train to San Paolo and walk back to the city makings stops at Piramide and other locations along Via Ostiense.
Arriving at the Termini station to take the B line 2. We went around is circles for a while figuring out where to buy tickets and finally picked up two tickets for 2 Euros at a tobacco shop (called Tabacchi in Italy, they sell bus and train tickets among other things). If we had waited we could have bought tickets at large ATM-like machines just prior to entering the turnstiles to the trains. Live and learn.
Passing through the turnstiles we made our way to the platform. The platform was quite full and quickly got more and more full. We ride the T here in Boston from time to time and this was as busy as rush hour or say, after a Red Sox game. Romans are in our experience friendly, nice and quite helpful, so we were a little surprised by the pushing when we got on the second passing train. When we later discovered that one of my wife's purses was missing, we realized that this was when it happened. One young man in particular did not seem to want to let my wife pass and I had to physically pull her and push him to get her close to me. The purse he pocketed was the one carrying only ibuprofen, bismuth tablets, and some cotton swabs, the lucky guy.
When we did finally make it to our stop we were rewarded with a brief but confusing search for San Paolo. There did not seem to be much signage, and the San Paolo stop on the Metro line is, how should I put this, in an intimidating state. We're not talking graffiti here, which I personally find to be non-threatening, we're talking about a lot of garbage in the street and a whole lot of vendor carts too close to the sidewalk.
Which is all in a very real way an unfortunate state of affairs which would be easy to address. Saint Paul's is itself in an excellent state once you get inside. It's a beautiful church celebrating an important apostle. The whole site is well organized and well-documented with informative exhibits and excellent restoration. Perhaps some of the UNESCO funding and the local government effort can be directed to remedy some of these more easy to address concerns.
Arriving at the Termini station to take the B line 2. We went around is circles for a while figuring out where to buy tickets and finally picked up two tickets for 2 Euros at a tobacco shop (called Tabacchi in Italy, they sell bus and train tickets among other things). If we had waited we could have bought tickets at large ATM-like machines just prior to entering the turnstiles to the trains. Live and learn.
Passing through the turnstiles we made our way to the platform. The platform was quite full and quickly got more and more full. We ride the T here in Boston from time to time and this was as busy as rush hour or say, after a Red Sox game. Romans are in our experience friendly, nice and quite helpful, so we were a little surprised by the pushing when we got on the second passing train. When we later discovered that one of my wife's purses was missing, we realized that this was when it happened. One young man in particular did not seem to want to let my wife pass and I had to physically pull her and push him to get her close to me. The purse he pocketed was the one carrying only ibuprofen, bismuth tablets, and some cotton swabs, the lucky guy.
When we did finally make it to our stop we were rewarded with a brief but confusing search for San Paolo. There did not seem to be much signage, and the San Paolo stop on the Metro line is, how should I put this, in an intimidating state. We're not talking graffiti here, which I personally find to be non-threatening, we're talking about a lot of garbage in the street and a whole lot of vendor carts too close to the sidewalk.
Which is all in a very real way an unfortunate state of affairs which would be easy to address. Saint Paul's is itself in an excellent state once you get inside. It's a beautiful church celebrating an important apostle. The whole site is well organized and well-documented with informative exhibits and excellent restoration. Perhaps some of the UNESCO funding and the local government effort can be directed to remedy some of these more easy to address concerns.
Written December 12, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Choppy
Birmingham, UK1,261 contributions
I really enjoyed my visit to San Paul Basilica. There were hardly any people here compared to the other places we visited and this is the first thing you notice. It was so nice and peaceful.
It was nice to see the services going on, a priest taking confessions and we sat on the pews and looked at it with awe. The ceiling was very beautiful. The entire building is grand. I much prefered this to San Pietro Basilica becuase of how peaceful it was.
Personally I think this place is underrated which made it a bonus for us no hoardes or tour groups insight!
It was nice to see the services going on, a priest taking confessions and we sat on the pews and looked at it with awe. The ceiling was very beautiful. The entire building is grand. I much prefered this to San Pietro Basilica becuase of how peaceful it was.
Personally I think this place is underrated which made it a bonus for us no hoardes or tour groups insight!
Written July 13, 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott P
Adelaide, Australia149 contributions
Nov 2013 • Couples
When researching from my third visit to Rome I noted to my suprise that St Paul Outside the Walls was the number one attraction on tripadvisor. I had actually not heard of it so thought it might be worth a look because of these recommendations. I would not put it number one on my list for things to do in Rome but I am certainly glad that it was recommended so highly on tripadvisor. The Basilica is replete with papal history and is well worth visiting.
The Basilica is a little way from central Rome but still easily accessible by Metro. We took Metro Line B from Cavour (1.50 Euro ticket each) getting off at the Basilica San Paolo station. I recall the way to the basilica was not immediately obvious from the station and that the area looked a little grotty with graffiti and tatty looking market stalls. But one exits the Metro on the viale Ferdinando Baldelli near the intersection with via Ostiense. Turn right onto via Ostiense and one will see the sign pointing to the basilica. The church looks a little plain and uninspiring from this side until the main facade at the Piazzale San Paolo is reached.
St Paul's is one of the four ancient papal basilicas, being an important church since at least the time of Constantine. The basilica was destroyed in the fire of 1823 and rebuilt, but much of the historic pieces still remain. Central to the basilica is the tomb of St Paul dating from circa 67AD, and here one can view the large sarcophagus and marble tombstone (I believe these date from the 4th century). On display are also chains said to be those used during St Paul's imprisonment in Rome. This is an interesting site for the religious and history buffs alike.
Above the tomb is the magnificent baldachino dating from 1285 completed by Arnolfo di Cambio (c1240-1310) who also completed the bronze statue of St Peter in San Pietro, one foot of which has been rubbed to a sharp, shiny point by pilgrims over the years. di Cambio's work can be seen in all the papal basilicas of Rome and many other churches in the city. Also impressive here is the the enormous candelabrum for the Paschal candle decorated with scenes of the Passion and Resurrection in marble by Pietro Vassalletto in the 12th century.
The important remains of the medieval basilica which survived the fire of 1823 is the the triumphal arch with the apse mosiacs by Venetian artists dating from 1220. The transept and nave were destroyed in 1823 but have been beautifully restored. The 19th century ceilings are glorious and the mosaic medallion portraits of every pope is an interesting adornment , a feature arranged by Leo the Great in the fifth century and added to up to the present, Benedict XVI's being the most recently added.
At the end of the nave can be seen three monumental doors. The central door of green bronze, inlaid with a silver cross, depicts scenes from the lives of St Peter and St Paul and dates from 1931. The shiny gold bronze door on the right (as one looks from the outside) is the Holy Door which dates from the Jubilee Year of 2000. On the inside of the basilica the counter facade to the Holy Door is the original main door dating from 1070 which was commissioned in Constantinople and contains 54 panels in damascene silver with scenes of the life of Christ.
One of the most impressive features of the Basilca is outside, namely the front facade. There is a delightful quadriportico with 150 columns surrounding a pretty and restful garden dominated by a large 19th century statue of St Paul. The facade's mosiacs completed in 1874 are bright and photogenic depicting the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel, then above a central section representing the Lamb of God and the 12 Apostles, finally Christ surrounded by Peter and Paul are at the apex.
Entrance to the basilica is free and there is a gift shop where one can experience the usual Italian reluctance to provide change (we bought two small souvenirs for 6 Euros and the shopkeep was pained to have to give change for a 10 Euro note ! Why don't Italians want to give change!? They want exact fare, but then everything is usually 6,7, 9, 12 or 14 Euros, so change is required if one is to pay exact fare. The Catch 22 is that no one is prepared to give you said change anywhere so that you can pay the exact amount! One has to horde 1 and 2 Euro coins like a miser when in Rome to pay for anything. Surely a papal basilica, an outlet of the wealthy Vatican, can afford to get change for their cash registers. I found this all over Rome - the Vatican Museum, busy attractions, small and large shops). The only downside of the basilica was the surprisingly run down, ragged and rubbish strewn Parco Ildefonso Schuster at the front of the property. I wonder if this is separate from the church's authority and is maintained by the city council instead.
The Basilica was a wonderful main point of interest during a morning of sight seeing in a less visited part of town. One could, as we did, get back on the Metro two stops back to Piramide station to then see the Pyramid of Caius Cestius, the beautiful non-Catholic cemetery and the Porta San Paolo.
The Basilica is a little way from central Rome but still easily accessible by Metro. We took Metro Line B from Cavour (1.50 Euro ticket each) getting off at the Basilica San Paolo station. I recall the way to the basilica was not immediately obvious from the station and that the area looked a little grotty with graffiti and tatty looking market stalls. But one exits the Metro on the viale Ferdinando Baldelli near the intersection with via Ostiense. Turn right onto via Ostiense and one will see the sign pointing to the basilica. The church looks a little plain and uninspiring from this side until the main facade at the Piazzale San Paolo is reached.
St Paul's is one of the four ancient papal basilicas, being an important church since at least the time of Constantine. The basilica was destroyed in the fire of 1823 and rebuilt, but much of the historic pieces still remain. Central to the basilica is the tomb of St Paul dating from circa 67AD, and here one can view the large sarcophagus and marble tombstone (I believe these date from the 4th century). On display are also chains said to be those used during St Paul's imprisonment in Rome. This is an interesting site for the religious and history buffs alike.
Above the tomb is the magnificent baldachino dating from 1285 completed by Arnolfo di Cambio (c1240-1310) who also completed the bronze statue of St Peter in San Pietro, one foot of which has been rubbed to a sharp, shiny point by pilgrims over the years. di Cambio's work can be seen in all the papal basilicas of Rome and many other churches in the city. Also impressive here is the the enormous candelabrum for the Paschal candle decorated with scenes of the Passion and Resurrection in marble by Pietro Vassalletto in the 12th century.
The important remains of the medieval basilica which survived the fire of 1823 is the the triumphal arch with the apse mosiacs by Venetian artists dating from 1220. The transept and nave were destroyed in 1823 but have been beautifully restored. The 19th century ceilings are glorious and the mosaic medallion portraits of every pope is an interesting adornment , a feature arranged by Leo the Great in the fifth century and added to up to the present, Benedict XVI's being the most recently added.
At the end of the nave can be seen three monumental doors. The central door of green bronze, inlaid with a silver cross, depicts scenes from the lives of St Peter and St Paul and dates from 1931. The shiny gold bronze door on the right (as one looks from the outside) is the Holy Door which dates from the Jubilee Year of 2000. On the inside of the basilica the counter facade to the Holy Door is the original main door dating from 1070 which was commissioned in Constantinople and contains 54 panels in damascene silver with scenes of the life of Christ.
One of the most impressive features of the Basilca is outside, namely the front facade. There is a delightful quadriportico with 150 columns surrounding a pretty and restful garden dominated by a large 19th century statue of St Paul. The facade's mosiacs completed in 1874 are bright and photogenic depicting the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel, then above a central section representing the Lamb of God and the 12 Apostles, finally Christ surrounded by Peter and Paul are at the apex.
Entrance to the basilica is free and there is a gift shop where one can experience the usual Italian reluctance to provide change (we bought two small souvenirs for 6 Euros and the shopkeep was pained to have to give change for a 10 Euro note ! Why don't Italians want to give change!? They want exact fare, but then everything is usually 6,7, 9, 12 or 14 Euros, so change is required if one is to pay exact fare. The Catch 22 is that no one is prepared to give you said change anywhere so that you can pay the exact amount! One has to horde 1 and 2 Euro coins like a miser when in Rome to pay for anything. Surely a papal basilica, an outlet of the wealthy Vatican, can afford to get change for their cash registers. I found this all over Rome - the Vatican Museum, busy attractions, small and large shops). The only downside of the basilica was the surprisingly run down, ragged and rubbish strewn Parco Ildefonso Schuster at the front of the property. I wonder if this is separate from the church's authority and is maintained by the city council instead.
The Basilica was a wonderful main point of interest during a morning of sight seeing in a less visited part of town. One could, as we did, get back on the Metro two stops back to Piramide station to then see the Pyramid of Caius Cestius, the beautiful non-Catholic cemetery and the Porta San Paolo.
Written July 19, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mullendoktor
Munich, Germany209 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
When in Rome, get a day pass or 3 day Pass for the Metro. 3 days cost €16. For that, you can ride throughout Rome and give your feet a rest, you can ride out to Ostia Antica and if you do, then on your way, stop in Ostiense and have a look at this place. If you haven't seen St. Peter's Cathedral, then this is possibly the most impressive church you will have seen. Beautiful and stunning. All 267 popes are rendered here... even Papa Francesco. The main entrance is like a park... a time capsule from Rome's grandeur. Personally, I think it's a must see... and I'm not catholic.
Written March 16, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AndrewDStrachan
Melbourne, Australia140 contributions
Nov 2014 • Couples
I proposed to my (then) girlfriend amongst the collonades in the gardens of Basilica Papale di San Paolo fuori le Mura. We were the only ones there, so we got to keep that moment secret and between the 2 of us forever, without any others watching.
One moment of absolute bliss, which I will hold with me for the rest of my life.
Basilica Papale di San Paolo fuori le Mura has all the splendour and ornamentation of the other major basilicas in Rome, but without all the tourists. This is a place like no other.
One moment of absolute bliss, which I will hold with me for the rest of my life.
Basilica Papale di San Paolo fuori le Mura has all the splendour and ornamentation of the other major basilicas in Rome, but without all the tourists. This is a place like no other.
Written November 20, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
zariram
London, UK31 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
i've been in Rome a billion times and i've always been "segregated" to the mainstream attractions..this time, with a renovated sprinkle of curiosity I decided to follow others' suggestions here on tripadvisor.
this abbazia is so astonishingly gorgeous, it leaves you breathless as soon as you get inside it! furthermore, there was no queue under the burning hot summery sun at all (maybe because I managed to get there at a quarter to 6 pm, after a bit of a hussle with the unpredictable roman public transportation, but it was well worth it)!!!
useful tip for low-cost travellers: if you have some spare time and you want to rest your feet, on the way back to the city centre take the bus number 271, it's a cheap ride (in alternative to the turistic buses) which brings you around the Colosseum, Piazza Venezia, Trastevere, Castel Gandolfo, Saint Peter's basilica... I was myself surprised how beautiful was the route!! (and I paid the price of a single ticket, 1.50 euros!)
this abbazia is so astonishingly gorgeous, it leaves you breathless as soon as you get inside it! furthermore, there was no queue under the burning hot summery sun at all (maybe because I managed to get there at a quarter to 6 pm, after a bit of a hussle with the unpredictable roman public transportation, but it was well worth it)!!!
useful tip for low-cost travellers: if you have some spare time and you want to rest your feet, on the way back to the city centre take the bus number 271, it's a cheap ride (in alternative to the turistic buses) which brings you around the Colosseum, Piazza Venezia, Trastevere, Castel Gandolfo, Saint Peter's basilica... I was myself surprised how beautiful was the route!! (and I paid the price of a single ticket, 1.50 euros!)
Written August 21, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FlipViet
San Francisco, CA300 contributions
May 2014 • Friends
Beautiful inside. Check the courtyard too.
Easy to get there. Just take the Metro line B and get off at Basilica San Paolo station. Exit the station and it's 5 min walk from the station. For direction, just look up for the cross on top of the church building.
To go back, you can either go back to the Basilica San Paolo metro station, or if you want a ride around town on a city bus to connect to other metro stations, you can catch bus #271 in front of the church (after you exit from the courtyard). You can get off at these metro stops:
B line:
- Piramide
- Circo Massimo
- Colosseo
A line:
- Ottaviano
Easy to get there. Just take the Metro line B and get off at Basilica San Paolo station. Exit the station and it's 5 min walk from the station. For direction, just look up for the cross on top of the church building.
To go back, you can either go back to the Basilica San Paolo metro station, or if you want a ride around town on a city bus to connect to other metro stations, you can catch bus #271 in front of the church (after you exit from the courtyard). You can get off at these metro stops:
B line:
- Piramide
- Circo Massimo
- Colosseo
A line:
- Ottaviano
Written May 26, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fepeaux
Acworth, GA309 contributions
Apr 2014 • Friends
This was my 2nd trip to Rome and this time on business so we were making quick visits to places around the city. Since this was the #1 rated attraction on Trip Advisor, we decided to make the trip out. You can easily take the Metro (underground) for 1.50 Euros each way and get off of the Blue Line at the San Paulo stop which is 4 stops further outside the city past the Coloseo stop at the Coliseum. It is a short walk from the metro station (go to the left as you exit and then a right at the intersection and you will see it diagonally across that intersection) and there is a McDonald's on the way if you need a quick bite. This is in a very rural area and a 'real' non-touristy part of Rome. You actually enter from the back of the church (make sure to go out the other side and don't miss the front/courtyard view of the outside!) The church was rebuilt in the early 1800's after a fire but much was restored and much was added. The burial ground of St. Paul is in the center and a small portion is unearthed for viewing. There was a small mass occurring during our visit so the chanting was lovely. You can light a candle for a loved one as well as leave a donation near St. Paul to have a mass dedicated to a prayer of your choice. There are instructions near St. Paul. Or you can spend nothing as the entrance is FREE! There are portraits of every Pope up until today along the eaves of the church. Make sure to go to the gift shop early in your visit as the church remains open until 18:30 but when we tried the shop at 18:25 it had just closed. :( It is a very beautiful, moving place to visit and due to the 10 minute ride past the Coliseum it is not as well visited. Good luck for all of us!!! :) It is AMAZING!!! A must see.
Written April 26, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joel T
Osasco, SP
gostaria de receber informações sobre abadia porque ha muitos mitos sobre o assunto ,uns falam que foi uma mulher chamada Otília que pediu o corpo de Paulo para sepultar , outros falam que foi o papa que mandou sepulta-lo em fim quem foi se puder me ajude obrigado.
Written August 22, 2022
how do I go to san paolo fuori le mura from Roma Pantheon area?
Written September 12, 2016
The way we did it was: walk back from the Pantheon to the Barbarini metro stop (it is a little bit of a hike). Take the red line to Termini and switch there to the blue line. Take the blue line down to the "Basilica S. Paolo" stop. It's right around the corner from that stop.
Written September 13, 2016
how do I go to San Paolo fuori le mura from Rome?
Written September 12, 2016
There is ametro just 100 mt from the Basilica.
Metro B: metro stop San Paolo
Written September 13, 2016
What is the difference between the Abbazia di San Paolo Fuori Le Mura (located at Via Ostiense,186) and the Basilica Papale San Paolo Fuori le Mura (located at Piazzale San Paolo, 1)? They’re both referred to as St. Paul Outside the Walls, but they are 400 meters apart.
Thanks for your help!
Written August 29, 2015
They are are the same place. The Basilica Papale was the Pope "old church" where St Paul died and before the move to Basilica San Pietro. When you visit, do not miss the St Paul's burial place (in the main church), the cloister and the very old church. For details in English, see wikipedia on Basilica_of_Saint_Paul_Outside_the_Walls
Written August 30, 2015
Ciao, noi visieremo Roma ra due settimane e saremo al Hotel King in via Sistina.. potete dermi istruziioni per arrivare li con il metro per favore?
Written August 24, 2015
Dalla stazione Termini, prendi il metro (rosso) scendi dopo due fermate. Piazza Barberini. Cammina verso via sistina. Arriverei nell Hotel in due minuti circa. Buone vaganze.
Written August 26, 2015
zzz m
Sochaczew, Poland
si puo entrare la basilica di san paolo fuori le mura domenica 25 gennaio 2015 alle 17.30 quando presiede Il santo Padre Francesco?
Written January 22, 2015
A Tripadvisor member
devi procurarti i biglietti che sono gratuiti ma necessari. Puoi richiederli alla prefettura della casa pontificia della Città del Vaticano, che si trova sul lato destro della piazza di San Pietro
Written January 23, 2015
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