Basilica of St. Paul outside the Walls

Basilica of St. Paul
Outside the Walls

The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls was built by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century. It was built beside the cemetery where St. Paul was buried after he was martyred. The entire church burned in 1823 and was then rebuilt in 1832. In 1300, when Pope Boniface VIII proclaimed the First Jubilee Year, he provided that visits to St. Peter's Basilica and the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls were indispensable for the attainment of the Plenary Jubilee Indulgence.

The Papal Altar stands in the background with the 13th century mosaic in the apse.