Papal Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls
1a Piazzale San Paolo Roma
A Global Beacon: The Legacy of Saint Paul Outside the Walls
Built over the burial place of Saint Paul, this Basilica is known for its’ rich history and renowned cloister. Consecrated in the year 330 by Pope Sylvester, the original structure was much smaller than its current size as the 10th largest church in the world. Facing east towards Jerusalem, additions over the years gave the church its’ iconic columned courtyard and the famous Gothic ciborium created by Arnolfo di Cambio in 1285. Up until the consecration of Saint Peter’s Basilica, Saint Paul Outside the Walls held the title of largest Basilica in Rome.
During the night of July 15, 1823 a devastating fire destroyed the majority of the Basilica. Pope Leo XII appealed to faithful around the world and the church was rebuilt identical to how it had been before the fire. Donors included Tsar Nicholas I and King Fouad of Egypt and the site became the largest construction event of the century. .
On December 10 of 1854, the "new" Basilica was consecrated by Pope Pius IX where the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception was also proclaimed.
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