Saint Paul Outside the Walls

The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome is significant because it’s the burial site of the Apostle Paul and one of the city’s major papal basilicas. It’s a destination for pilgrims and a key site for Catholic ceremonies.

Significance

• Burial site: The basilica is built on the site where tradition says Paul was buried after his martyrdom in Rome
• Papal basilica: It’s one of the four major papal basilicas in Rome, along with St. Peter’s, St. John Lateran, and St. Mary Major
• Pilgrimage destination: It’s a famous destination for pilgrims, especially those honoring Paul
• World Heritage Site: It’s been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980
• Vatican jurisdiction: It’s under the Pope’s jurisdiction and has special tasks assigned to it by the Pope

History

• The basilica was originally a sepulchral chapel, but was later transformed into a basilica by Emperor Constantine and consecrated in 394.

Other features

• The basilica’s complex also includes a Benedictine Abbey and hospice for pilgrims and travelers.