The Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls is one of the four major papal basilicas in Rome. It is dedicated to Apostle Paul who was martyred in Rome between 64 and 68 AD and was built over his tomb.  Even though it is located outside of Rome’s city centre, it is an important place of interest for thousands of pilgrims and visitors.

The first basilica on the spot of Paul’s burial was built in 324 at the order of emperor Constantine. Over the ages, it has undergone numerous redevelopments, expansions and repairs. Due to its location outside of the city walls, it was an easy target for any army attacking the city. It was the largest of all papal basilicas until the completion of St Peter’s Basilica in 1626. The most recent fire in 1823 completely destroyed the basilica. The reconstruction programme lasted 30 years and managed to return the building to its previous state. The funding and materials for the reconstruction were donated by Catholics from around the world. At the order of pope Leo XII, the basilica was restored in an almost unchanged shape and style. 

The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls is famous for the mosaics depicting all the popes of the Church. The original paintings were lost during the fire, but during the reconstructions, they were replaced with mosaics representing all the popes starting with St. Peter and going up to pope Francis. This helps all the faithful to visualise the two millennia of Church history. The portraits start in the transept of the basilica, fill the main nave, the left side aisle and almost the whole right aisle. The “contemporary” popes whom most of us remember and recognise are only the very few last ones.