Significance of Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls during Jubilee 2025

The Jubilee 2025 is a profound spiritual event for Catholics worldwide, centered on renewal, forgiveness, and indulgences. As one of the Seven Pilgrimage Churches of Rome, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls plays a vital role in this sacred journey. Here’s why it’s a must-visit during the Jubilee:

Holy door & pilgrimage route

As part of the traditional pilgrimage route alongside St. Peter’s Basilica, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and three other historic churches, this basilica is an essential stop for pilgrims.

The Holy Door, opened only during Jubilee years, symbolizes the path to salvation. Passing through it with true repentance grants a Jubilee indulgence—a remission of sins.
Pilgrims walk through the basilica in prayer and reflection, retracing the steps of centuries of believers.

Complete guide to Jubilee's Holy Doors

How to receive a Jubilee indulgence?

Pilgrims seeking the indulgence must:
✔ Pass through the Holy Door of St. Paul Outside the Walls.
✔ Attend Mass or spend time in prayer inside the basilica.
✔ Confess their sins and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
✔ Pray for the Pope’s intentions (Our Father, Hail Mary, and the Creed).
✔ Perform an act of charity or reflect on spiritual teachings.

*A Jubilee indulgence grants forgiveness of sin’s spiritual effects to pilgrims who pass through a Holy Door, confess, pray, and perform good deeds.

Special Jubilee Masses & spiritual gatherings

During the Jubilee year, the basilica hosts special liturgical celebrations, including:

Daily and Jubilee Masses, attended by thousands of pilgrims.
Catechesis sessions, offering spiritual teachings on faith and renewal.
Sacrament of Reconciliation, inviting visitors to seek forgiveness.

💡 Tip: Arrive early, especially on major feast days, as attendance is expected to be high!

Papal visits & major events

As one of Rome’s four papal basilicas, St. Paul Outside the Walls often hosts significant Jubilee celebrations led by the Pope. Past Jubilees have included:

Papal Masses and special blessings in the basilica.
Pilgrimage gatherings where the faithful come together in prayer.

💡 Plan ahead: The Jubilee draws millions of visitors to Rome—book guided tours and accommodations early to make the most of your pilgrimage.

Attending the Papal audience

What to see inside the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls?

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Tomb of St. Paul

Built over the grave of St. Paul the Apostle, who was martyred and buried on the Via Ostiensis. The main altar stands above the tomb, a focal point for pilgrims and visitors.

Byzantine Mosaics

The basilica is thoroughly embellished with mosaics from the 5th century, particularly on the triumphal arch and the apse. The apse mosaic, commissioned in 1220, portrays Christ flanked by angels, a significant piece of medieval art.

Papal Portraits

The interior walls are decorated with 265 medallions displaying portraits of every pope from St. Peter to John Paul II.b This unique addition takes you on a visual journey through the history of the papacy.

Bronze Door

The Holy Gate features an original 11th-century bronze door from Constantinople, a stunning masterpiece of intricate craftsmanship.

Ciborium and Easter Candelabra

The ciborium above the papal altar was crafted by Arnolfo di Cambio in 1285. A magnificent 5.6-meter-high Easter candelabra by Nicolo di Angelo and Pietro Vassalletti stands to the right of the ciborium.

Cloister

Accessed through the vestry, the cloister of the Benedictine monastery is known for its variety of column types and colorful mosaic patterns. Decorated by mosaic artists from the Vassalletti family between 1204 and 1241, it is considered one of the most beautiful in Italy.

Colonnaded Atrium

A majestic portico with 150 columns precedes the main façade. The atrium features a statue of St. Paul by Canonica, creating a grand entrance to the basilica.

Alabaster Windows

The alabaster windows allow soft light to enter, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere inside the basilica.

History of the Basilica of St. Paul

The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls boasts a rich and layered history, intertwined with the growth of Christianity and the papacy. Here's a breakdown of its key historical moments:

Early beginnings (4th Century):

Emperor Constantine the Great, the first Christian Roman emperor, ordered a church to be built over St. Paul the Apostle's reputed burial site in the 4th century, marking Christianity's official recognition.
A larger basilica, begun by Emperor Theodosius and completed by Emperor Honorius, was later restored by Placidia under Pope Leo I (440-461).

Key historical events and milestones (5th - 15th Centuries):

The basilica flourished during the Middle Ages, becoming a major pilgrimage destination for Christians.
Throughout its history, the basilica has been damaged several times by earthquakes and fires, necessitating various restoration efforts.
Several popes contributed to its expansion and beautification. Notably, Pope Leo I (440-461) oversaw the construction of the triumphal arch and the apse, adorned with the famous Byzantine mosaics.

Restoration (16th - 19th Centuries):

On July 15, 1823, a devastating fire caused by a plumber’s carelessness completely destroyed the basilica.
Reconstruction efforts began immediately, spearheaded by Pope Leo XII and carried out by architects Belli, Bosio, Camporesi, and Poletti.
The new basilica was consecrated by Pope Pius IX in 1854, restoring it to its former glory while preserving key elements like the original bronze door and mosaics.

Plan your visit to Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls

Timings of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls

The Basilica is open daily from 7am to 6:30pm.

The cloister and archaeological site are open from 9am to 5:30pm.

The Holy Door at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls will be opened on Sunday, January 5, 2025, the Vigil of Epiphany and closed on Sunday, December 28, 2025.

Best time to visit

The best months to visit are November (less crowded with mild weather), early December (quiet before Christmas pilgrims), and January to February (off-peak tourism). For optimal experiences, arrive early (around 7:30 a.m.) or visit late afternoon (around 4:00 p.m.) for beautiful lighting and fewer crowds. During the Jubilee, passing through the Holy Door and attending special liturgies are significant events and hence densely crowded. Plan ahead to navigate the influx of pilgrims and maximize your visit.

Mass at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls

Monday to Friday: Hourly Mass: 7am, 10am, 5pm; Vespers: 6pm

Saturday Morning: Scheduled Mass: 7am, 10am

Saturday Evenings and Pre-Holidays: First Vespers: 5pm; Regular Mass: 6pm

Sunday and Solemnities: Hourly Mass: 8am, 12pm, 6pm; Conventual Mass: 10am; Vespers: 5pm

The mass is open to all, regardless of nationality or religious affiliation.
Admission to the basilica is free, and there is no need for prior registration to attend Mass. However, be prepared for security checks upon entry.
Dress modestly as a sign of respect, which usually means covering shoulders and knees.

Address: Piazzale San Paolo, 1, 00146 Roma RM, Italy

The basilica is located outside the Aurelian Walls of Rome, hence its name "Outside the Walls"

Getting there:

By metro: Line B, get off at the Basilica San Paolo station
By bus: Lines 23, 128, 766, 791 (stop at Basilica S. Paolo). Bus 23 runs from near St. Peter's Basilica to the front door of St. Paul's.

By tram: Lines 19, 19b, 30, 30b

By foot: It's about a 46-minute walk from the Colosseum (3.6 km)

Facilities of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls

There is a café on-site where you can enjoy refreshments.
Restroom are available on site
There’s a souvenir shop where you can get mosaics, coins, and reproductions of artworks featured inside the church.
The basilica is equipped with ramps, making most areas accessible to visitors with mobility needs.

Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls Rules

The basilica enforces a strict dress code. Visitors must wear clothing that covers knees and shoulders. Shorts, miniskirts, and sleeveless tops are not allowed.
Photography without flash is permitted inside the church.
As this is an active place of worship, visitors are expected to maintain a quiet and reverent demeanor.
Consuming food or drinks inside the basilica is prohibited, as is standard in most churches.
Mobile phones should be silenced or turned off during your visit to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.

Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls Tips

Leverage the free admission to the main basilica, but be prepared to pay €4 or more for access to the cloister and art gallery.
Visit the tomb of St. Paul under the main altar, which contains bones radiocarbon dated to the 1st or 2nd century.
Look for the impressive 19th-century mosaic on the pediment, featuring prophets, the mystical lamb, and representations of Bethlehem and Jerusalem.
Public transportation is a super convenient option! Take Metro Line B to the San Paolo station or Bus 23, which stops directly in front of the basilica. If using Bus 23 to return to the Vatican area, note that it departs from the back of the church.
If you have some bandwidth, partake in the traditional Seven Churches Pilgrimage, which includes St. Paul’s Basilica and is a significant spiritual journey during the Jubilee.

Frequently asked questions about the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls

How can I participate in special Jubilee masses and ceremonies at the basilica?

To participate in special Jubilee masses and ceremonies at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, you should check the official Jubilee 2025 website and the basilica’s schedule for specific dates and times. Pre-registration may be required for certain events due to high demand, so it's advisable to book in advance.

Are there guided tours available at the basilica, and how can I book one?

Yes, guided tours are available at the basilica. You can book a tour through the basilica's official website or directly at the basilica's information desk. During Jubilee 2025, special tours focusing on the significance of the Jubilee year may also be offered.

What are the opening hours of the basilica during Jubilee 2025?

The basilica is open Monday to Friday from 7am to 6pm, with specific hours for masses and vespers. On Saturdays, it is open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and on Sundays and solemnities, from 8am to 6pm. Special events and extended hours may apply during Jubilee 2025.

Is there a dress code or any specific attire requirements for visitors to the basilica?

Yes, visitors are expected to dress modestly. Shoulders and knees should be covered, and hats should be removed inside the basilica. This dress code is in respect for the sacred nature of the site.

Are there specific times for sacraments like reconciliation and Holy Communion?

Yes, specific times for sacraments such as reconciliation and Holy Communion are scheduled. Reconciliation is typically available during the basilica’s open hours, while Holy Communion is offered during mass times. Check the basilica's schedule for precise timings.

What are the best times to visit to avoid large crowds?

To avoid large crowds, it is best to visit early in the morning on weekdays. Avoid visiting during major events, holidays, and weekends when the basilica is likely to be more crowded, especially during the Jubilee year.

Can I visit the tomb of St. Paul the Apostle inside the basilica?

Yes, visitors can visit the tomb of St. Paul the Apostle, which is located beneath the main altar. It is one of the main attractions and a significant pilgrimage site within the basilica.

Is photography allowed inside the basilica?

Photography is generally allowed inside the basilica, but the use of flash and tripods is usually prohibited to preserve the artwork and maintain a respectful atmosphere. Always check for any specific restrictions on the day of your visit.

Are there any accessibility options or facilities for visitors with disabilities?

Yes, the basilica offers accessibility options for visitors with disabilities, including ramps and accessible restrooms.