St Paul's Basilica, Sarcophagus, & Major Basilica Tour
Ostiense, Rome
Bite-sized tour of St Paul Outside the Walls, one of the four Holy Doors and Major Papal Basilicas of Rome. Join us to venerate the body of St Paul - the great Apostle to the Gentiles, buried here.
Overview
This is a 60-90 minute Catholic pilgrim tour of St Paul Outside the Walls Basilica in Rome, suited for those interested in religious history and spirituality.
Highlights
- Traditional Catholic tour combining spirituality with history
- Venerate the body of St Paul the Apostle
- One of the four Holy Doors and Major Papal Basilicas of Rome
- One of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome and a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Unique catechesis interpretation not found on mainstream tours
Description
Our stand-alone tours of Rome’s Major Basilicas offer concentrated city experiences. This tour visits St Paul Outside the Walls for an in-depth pilgrim experience focused on the spiritual and historical importance of one of Rome’s ‘Big Four’ basilicas.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome, St Paul’s lies just outside the historic center. It is an essential visit for those interested in Christian heritage.
Led by devout Catholic scholars, the tour blends detailed catechesis with sightseeing. You will explore the basilica’s art, architecture, and unique history, including the sarcophagus containing the relics of St Paul, Apostle to the Gentiles and a Pillar of the Church alongside St Peter.
The basilica houses notable treasures, such as the miraculous cross that inspired St Bridget of Sweden to found the Order of the Bridgettines and the relic of the chain that bound St Paul during his Roman captivity. The tour includes viewing the Holy Door, one of the four in Rome that open during Jubilee Years, plus the ornate mosaics and artwork that define this basilica.
The golden mosaic façade of San Paolo Fuori le Mura, along with the design of the cloister and the main altar's conclave, carry rich symbolic meaning deeply tied to the life of the Church and St Paul’s teachings. The original basilica, built in the 4th century over St Paul’s burial site, reflects Rome’s Christian history. St Paul was spared crucifixion as a Roman citizen and was beheaded for his faith.
After centuries of improvements and partial reconstruction following an 1823 fire, St Paul’s Basilica remains almost 1700 years old. Despite its somewhat removed location and less prominence in mainstream guides, its interior and history are remarkable.
The tour concludes in the San Paolo neighborhood, a few metro stops from the city center, offering visitors a chance to explore a less tourist-focused area of Rome.
Includes
- Guide
- All taxes and fees
- Radio headsets for groups of 7 or more
Excludes
- Transport to meeting point
- Transport from end point
- Guide tip
Important Information
- Free entry for clerics – contact us to arrange
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
For best experience, book in advance and bring comfortable shoes for walking. The basilica is accessible via metro, with the San Paolo station nearby. Morning visits can offer a quieter atmosphere.
