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San Paolo Fuori le Mura

basilica, Rome, Italy
Also known as: Saint Paul’s Outside the Walls

Quick Summary

San Paolo Fuori le Mura, or St. Paul Outside the Walls, is one of Rome's five great ancient basilicas. It is located outside the city's ancient walls and was originally built by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century CE over the burial site of St. Paul the Apostle. A larger basilica was constructed starting in 386 CE and was consecrated in 390 CE, though construction continued for about 50 years.12

The basilica was significantly damaged by a fire in 1823 but was faithfully restored, preserving its early basilical architecture. It features a single eastern apse, a high transept, and five nave aisles. In 2006, archaeologists discovered a sarcophagus under the altar that may contain the remains of St. Paul.12

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