Rome - St Paul Outside the Walls San Paolo fuori le Mura
The remains have so far been found of the early Christian chapel built in the time of Constantine (fourth century) over the grave of St Paul, well outside the city on the road to Ostia; but it seems certain that Paul - who according to tradition was beheaded in A.D. 67 and buried by the Via Ostiensis - was venerated in early times at the site of the present church.
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In order to do honor to the Apostle the Emperors of the fourth and fifth centuries built a basilica which until the rebuilding of St Peter's was the largest in the world. This church was damaged on various occasions by earthquake and fire, and finally was completely destroyed by fire as a result of the carelessness of a plumber on July 15th 1823. Thereafter it was rebuilt, with financial assistance from many countries, and reopened in 1854. San Paolo is one of the four patriarchal churches of Rome (the others being St John Lateran, St Peter's and Santa Maria Maggiore) and one of the seven pilgrimage churches (the patriarchal churches together with Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, San Lorenzo fuori le Mura and San Sebastiano).
Following its 19th century rebuilding San Paolo is notable particularly for its basilican plan, following the early Christian model, and for a number of fine works of art.
Following its 19th century rebuilding San Paolo is notable particularly for its basilican plan, following the early Christian model, and for a number of fine works of art.
Things to See
Apse
Apart from the 13th century mosaics by Venetian artists, commissioned in 1220 by Honorius III, which were extensively restored, the decorations in the apse, including the Bishop's throne, are copies dating from the 19th century. Particular features which should not be missed are the ciborium (by Arnolfo di Cambio, 1285) over the Papal altar which, like the altar in St Peter's, probably marks the spot where the Apostle was buried; a magnificent medieval Easter candlestick, 5m/16ft high, to the right of the altar; and the Chapel of the Crucifix and the baptistery. In the sacristy is the entrance to the cloister of the Benedictine abbey, decorated with mosaics by the Vassalletti family (1204-41). The variety of form of the columns and the color of the mosaics make this one of the most attractive cloisters in the West.
Interior
The church is entered by way of a colonnaded forecourt which leads into the porch (19th century mosaics high up on the facade), with the Holy Door, on the inner side of which can be seen the old bronze door, cast in Constantinople in the 11th century. The interior of the church is dark, since the alabaster windows admit little light. The nave (120m/395ft long, 60m/195ft wide and 23m/75ft high) is divided into five aisles by a forest of 80 columns leading up to the triumphal arch (fifth century mosaic), the altar with its ciborium and the apse (mosaics). High up on the walls of the church are 265 portrait medallions of all the Popes from Peter onwards.
