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Rome Map: St. Paul Outside the Walls (Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura)St. Paul Outside the Walls (Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura) Frommer's Highly Recommended

Hours Basilica daily 7am-6:30pm; cloisters daily 9am-1pm and 3-6pm
Address Via Ostiense 184
Transportation Metro: San Paolo Basilica
Phone 06-5410341
Prices Free admission

Frommer's Review

The Basilica of St. Paul, whose origins go back to the time of Constantine, is Rome's fourth great patriarchal church; it's believed to have been erected over the tomb of St. Paul. The basilica fell victim to fire in 1823 and was subsequently rebuilt. It is the second-largest church in Rome after St. Peter's. From the inside, its windows might appear to be stained glass, but they're actually translucent alabaster. With its forest of single-file columns and mosaic medallions (portraits of the various popes), this is one of the most streamlined and elegantly decorated churches in Rome. Its most important treasure is a 12th-century candelabra by Vassalletto, who's also responsible for the remarkable cloisters, containing twisted pairs of columns enclosing a rose garden. Of particular interest is the baldachino (richly embroidered fabric of silk and gold, usually fixed or carried over an important person or sacred object) of Arnolf di Cambio, dated 1285, that miraculously wasn't damaged in the fire. The Benedictine monks and students sell a fine collection of souvenirs, rosaries, and bottles of Benedictine every day except Sunday and religious holidays.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.


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Frommer's Rome, 19th Edition Frommer's Rome, 19th Edition

Author: Darwin Porter
Pub Date: December 22, 2008
Price: $16.99

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Home > Destinations > Europe > Italy > Rome > Attractions > St. Paul Outside the Walls (Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura)