Pictorial Tour of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

Despite the grandeur of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome, my favorite basilica in the city is Saint Paul Outside the Walls. I may be a bit biased in my choice since Saint Paul and I share the same name. This great basilica was originally built by Emperor Constantine over the tomb of Saint Paul and was soon expanded by Emperor Theodosius in the late 4th century. The present structure was built in the 1800s after a great fire in 1823 destroyed the original building.

Recent excavations have left the tomb of Saint Paul exposed and it can now be seen from the main level of the basilica. Behind the grill seen on the picture above is the sarcophagus containing the remains of the great apostle. The large lit area contains remains of the original foundation. A small box above the grill contains several links of a chain believed to be the chain with which Saint Paul was held prisoner in Rome.

The impressive five naves give the sense of entering a forest of columns. An ancient and beautiful mosaic rises on the triumphal arch at the end of the nave. It was reconstructed very carefully after the fire of 1823.

Mosaics representing every Pope since Saint Peter encircle the whole interior of the basilica. In the picture above you can see the beginning of the series with Saint Peter.

The Blessed Sacrament Chapel of the basilica is always silent and peaceful. The crucifix is called the “Crucifix of Saint Brigid” since Saint Brigid spent countless hours praying at the basilica in front of this crucifix in the 14th century. The saint reported seeing the face of Christ turn toward her while praying in 1370. Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits professed his vows in 1541 before the 13th century mosaic icon that can be seen on the left of the chapel (up close picture below).

This beautiful candelabrum for the Paschal Candle is attributed to Nicola d’Angelo and Pietro Vassaletto of the 13th century. As ancient Roman columns of old told stories of great conquests by emperors, this very tall candelabrum tells the story of Christ’s victory over death.

The Church recently celebrated the Year of Saint Paul. In commemoration of this year a new door was commissioned for the basilica. This panel from the door represents the conversion of Saint Paul where he can be seen falling off his horse. An interesting fact, Paul is usually shown falling off his horse in art, but Scripture says nothing about a horse!

This is another depiction of the conversion of Saint Paul over a lateral altar of the basilica. The altar is made of lapis lazuli and was a gift from Czar Nicholas I of Russia.

The basilica is the station church farthest away from the city. It is a long walk, but it is worth it because after Mass there is breakfast at the Pontifical Beda College across the street. Not the mention, attending Mass at such a beautiful place!

All pictures are mine, all rights reserved