One of the three great papal basilicas on the territory of Rome, it is located outside the immediate historic centre, but is nevertheless one of Rome's "must-sees".

Originally a Romanesque church, construction began in the 4th century, but was not completed until 1823 in the Baroque style.

View the 10 best hotels in Rome

St Paul's Basilica outside the walls stands on the spot where tradition says the Apostle Paul was buried. The very name "outside the walls" suggests that it lies outside the historic centre - and that's what gives it a completely different atmosphere.

Read also:

• 👉 Rome without crowds: where to go
• 👉 What to see in Rome for free
• 👉 My tips for hotels in Rome

Why visit the Basilica?

At 131 metres long, 65 metres wide and 30 metres high, it is the largest church in Rome after St Peter's in the Vatican.

The beautiful entrance portal in the garden with palm trees

Although the Basilica is quite inconspicuous from the main street by the metro, the main entrance portal is a wonderful sight from the other side.

It is hidden in a garden surrounded by monumental arcades and palm trees.

The monumental interior (the main reason for the visit)

Once you step inside, you'll immediately understand why it's one of the four main papal basilicas.

• A huge space with dozens of columns
• golden mosaics in the apse
• medallions of all the popes around the perimeter of the walls
• the beautiful gilded coffered ceiling

The whole place looks very symmetrical and "clean" - unlike the crowded basilica at the Vatican.

The tomb of St. Paul

Below the main altar is the place where tradition says the Apostle Paul is buried.

• Accessible directly from the nave
• significantly quieter than similar sites in the centre
• strong spiritual atmosphere even for non-believers

The monastery's paradise court (chiostro)

One of the most beautiful parts of the whole complex - and at the same time often overlooked.

• beautifully decorated columns
• A quiet garden in the middle
• A small gallery
• the perfect place for a short break

It costs 3 eur to get in, but it's worth it.

Practical information

This is useful to know before you visit.

Admission and opening hours

• Entrance to the basilica: free
• monastery (chiostro): 3 eur (payment can only be made by card in the machine)
• open daily 7:00-18:30

The main entrance is not from the street where the metro station is located, but from the opposite side.

The monastery is only accessible from Viale di San Paolo - see map for exact location.

Toilets, water, facilities

• toilets: available on site free of charge
• souvenir shop inside
• there is a canteen on site with hot and cold food, but it is not a top gastronomic experience

How to get there

• Metro line B (blue line) - Basilica San Paolo station
• from the metro about 5 minutes on foot
• from the centre about 15 minutes
• 👉 My tips for public transport in Rome

Transport is easy - often easier than to some of the sights in the centre.

Metro B goes directly to Termini main train station or to the Colosseum/Forum Romano.

Find hotels near metro stations

Summary

St. Paul's Basilica Outside the Walls is the perfect choice if you want to experience a spectacular Roman basilica without the chaos and crowds.

It's not a place you "have to" see on your first visit. But if you take the time to see it, it will probably surprise you more than many more famous monuments.

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Rome.