San Paolo fuori le Mura
Light to the Gentiles
Light to the Gentiles
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This papal archbasilica, one of four in Rome, was built initially under Constantine, just off the ancient Via Ostia, to mark the site of the burial of St. Paul, called the "Apostle to the Gentiles", after he was beheaded some distance away. It has been rebuilt several times, including after the catastrophic fire of 1823. The rebuilding and redecoration at that time received contributions from the Russian Tsar and the Sultan of Egypt. In the nave the triumphal arch retains 5th century mosaics commissioned by Galla Placidia, mother of the Emperor Honorius, and other specimens by noted 13th century mosaic artists from Venice, as well as bronze doors crafted in Constantinople. There is a Gothic baldacchino over the high altar, and mosaic medallion portraits of the whole apostolic line of popes down to the present, displayed over the nave arches. It is one of the official pilgrimage churches in Rome and also used as a station in the visitation of churches during Lent and Holy Week.