ST. PAUL OUTSIDE THE WALLS

Behind the gate is the burial place of  St. Paul

 mosaic ceiling

The crucifix dates back to the 14th centuray

On a cloudy Saturday morning, I went to Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. I went on my own. It was nice to take my time and not have to wait on anyone's schedule. This basilica is huge. It was founded by the Roman Emperor Constantine. He built it over the burial place of Paul the Apostle. After he was executed (beheaded), it was said that his followers erected a memorial at that spot. In the 370s, the edifice was expanded. In 386, the Emperor Theodosius 1 began erecting a much larger and more beautiful basilica. In the 5th century it was larger that the Old St. Peter's Basilica.

Under Gregory the Great (590-604) the basilica was extensively modified. The pavement was raised to place the altar directly over Paul's tomb.

Over the centuries, the Basilica has been damaged by invasions, earthquake and a fire in 1823, which resulted in the almost total destruction. It was reconstructed and reconsecrated in 1855. Many countries made contributions to it's rebuilding. The Viceroy of Egypt sent pillars of alabaster, The Emperor of Russia sent malachite and lapis lazuli for the tabernacle.

Statue of St.Paul in front of the Basilica

Good view of the alabaster pillars

Alter of malachite and lapis

A painting of all the popes surround the entire entrance, above ceiling

Capella over the burial place

Statue of John the Baptist. This beautiful statue was behind a door leading to the sanctuary.

Closer shot of the tomb and above the chains believed Paul was chained with.

Painting of Paul on the road to Damascus, over the altar