Rome: St Paul's Basilica, Sarcophagus & Holy Door 1-hr Tour

Our stand-alone tours of each of Rome’s Major Basilicas are an ideal option for those who prefer bite-sized city experiences. Visit St Paul Outside the Walls with us for a 60-90 minute pilgrim tour that focuses on the true spiritual and religious significance of one of Rome’s ‘Big Four’. 

A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome, St Paul’s is an essential foray beyond the walls of the historical centre for anyone interested in the unparalleled patrimony of Christian history here in the Eternal City.

Our Catholic pilgrim tours are led by devout Catholic scholars with a unique ability to weave catechesis into a sightseeing experience. You’ll learn all about the fine art and architecture of the basilica, its unique history and of course, see the sarcophagus of St Paul, Apostle to the Gentiles, and one of the Pillars of the Church along with St Peter.

As with so many of Rome’s multitudinous churches, St Paul’s is filled with secret treasures in plain sight and few people are aware that the miraculous cross that inspired St Bridget of Sweden to found the Order of the Bridgettines is kept here.

Also on display is the relic of the chain that bound the Apostle Paul during his captivity in Rome. We’ll see the Holy Door - one of the four in Rome that will open throughout the Jubileum year - as well as the fine and ornate artwork and mosaics that make this particular basilica remarkable.

The captivating golden mosaic facade of the basilica known locally as ‘San Paolo Fuori le Mura’ is filled with meaning, much like the design of the cloister and of course, the conclave behind the main altar. The catechesis rarely interpreted by those not of the Catholic faith blends seamlessly with each and every distinctive feature of the basilica, testament as ever to the life of the Church and to the living Word of God, as professed by St Paul himself.

The original basilica was constructed in the 4th century at the location where St Paul was buried. Scholars of Christian history will know of course, that as a Roman citizen, St Paul was spared the slow agony of crucifixion and was instead beheaded for the crime of being Christian.

Improved repeatedly over the centuries, restored and even partially rebuilt following a devastating fire in 1823, St Paul’s Basilica stands proudly today almost 1700 years old. Its stunning interior belies its slightly out-of-the-way location and the lesser importance given to it by mainstream travel guides.

Our tour concludes outside the basilica in the neighbourhood of the same name: San Paolo. Just a few stops on the metro from the centre, this fashionable suburb of Rome is well worth exploring for those who would like to get away from the tourist traps and indeed, the tourists.