Discover one of Rome's greatest hidden treasures on this private guided tour of the magnificent Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, one of the Four Major Papal Basilicas and one of Christianity's most important pilgrimage sites.
Built over the tomb of Saint Paul the Apostle, the basilica preserves nearly 1,700 years of history, remarkable architecture, breathtaking mosaics, and extraordinary works of art. With your expert private guide, you'll uncover the fascinating story of the Apostle Paul, the rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire, and the remarkable evolution of this sacred site from the time of Emperor Constantine to the present day.
Begin your visit in the monumental quadriportico, surrounded by elegant white granite columns and dominated by the impressive bronze statue of Saint Paul holding the sword of his martyrdom and the Book of his Epistles. Admire the richly decorated bronze entrance doors before entering one of the largest and most spectacular churches in Rome.
Inside, marvel at the vast central nave lined with towering granite columns, a magnificent gilded coffered ceiling, and soft alabaster windows that bathe the basilica in warm natural light. Along the walls, discover the famous series of papal portraits, an unbroken succession of every pope from Saint Peter to the present day, together with thirty-six monumental frescoes illustrating the life, missionary journeys, and martyrdom of Saint Paul.
The highlight of the tour is the Papal Altar, built directly above the Apostle's tomb. Learn about the archaeological discoveries that revealed Saint Paul's ancient marble sarcophagus, the Constantinian foundations of the original fourth-century basilica, and the enduring importance of this sacred pilgrimage destination.
Cloister and Archaeological Area
Begun in 1205 and completed in 1235, the cloister is the work of the artists known as the Cosmati and the Vassalletto who were celebrated Roman marble-craftsmen. In the archaeological site there are the remains of a monastery, of which till now no archaeological trace was known (5th-7th century); remains of a portico with columns that, according to a testimony of an historian of the time, connected the Aurelian Walls with the ancient Basilica of St. Paul; various artistic findings.
This private experience offers personalized commentary from your knowledgeable guide. Perfect for history lovers, art enthusiasts, pilgrims, and first-time visitors alike, this tour reveals the remarkable beauty, spirituality, and history of one of Rome's most extraordinary basilicas.
