About this experience
Discover one of Rome's greatest hidden treasures on this private guided tour of the magnificent Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, one of the Four Major Papal Basilicas and one of Christianity's most important pilgrimage sites.
Built over the tomb of Saint Paul the Apostle, the basilica preserves nearly 1,700 years of history, remarkable architecture, breathtaking mosaics, and extraordinary works of art. With your expert private guide, you'll uncover the fascinating story of the Apostle Paul, the rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire, and the remarkable evolution of this sacred site from the time of Emperor Constantine to the present day. In the archaeological site there are the remains of a monastery, of which till now no archaeological trace was known (5th-7th century); remains of a portico with columns that, according to a testimony of an historian of the time, connected the Aurelian Walls with the ancient Basilica of St. Paul; various artistic findings.
At a glance
- Duration: 2 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 2 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What is included
- Tour of the basilica's interior including the papal portraits and frescoes
- Private tour of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls
- View of Arnolfo di Cambio's Gothic ciborium and Triumphal Arch
- Explanation of the façade mosaic
- View of the bronze statue of Saint Paul
- Admire the bronze Central Door and Holy Door
- CLOISTER AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL AREA
- Visit to the Quadriportico
- Expert private guide
Itinerary and highlights
Discover one of Rome's greatest hidden treasures on this private guided tour of the magnificent Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, one of the Four Major Papal Basilicas and one of Christianity's most important pilgrimage sites.
Built over the tomb of Saint Paul the Apostle, the basilica preserves nearly 1,700 years of history, remarkable architecture, breathtaking mosaics, and extraordinary works of art. With your expert private guide, you'll uncover the fascinating story of the Apostle Paul, the rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire, and the remarkable evolution of this sacred site from the time of Emperor Constantine to the present day.
Begun in 1205 and completed in 1235, the cloister is the work of the artists known as the Cosmati and the Vassalletto who were celebrated Roman marble-craftsmen. In the centre of the cloister are four squares of well-tended garden.
A Latin metric inscription in letters of mosaic can be read from the garden. It runs around the three newer sides of the cloister and describes the purpose and origin of the space.
The Exhibition Area includes the 13th century Cloister, the Pinacoteca, the Chapel of the Relics, the Exhibition Gallery and other annexed rooms. Numerous remains from the ancient basilica and works of great historical and artistic value are preserved.
In the archaeological site there are the remains of a monastery, of which till now no archaeological trace was known (5th-7th century); remains of a portico with columns that, according to a testimony of an historian of the time, connected the Aurelian Walls with the ancient Basilica of St. Paul; various artistic findings.
Meeting and pickup information
- Meeting point: Public Fountain near the entrance of Papal Basilica of Saint PaulOutside the Walls. Address: Piazzale San Paolo, 1, 00146 Roma RM, Italy You will meet your guide here holding signboard of your name written on it.
Languages and tickets
- German — Guide
- English — Guide
- Italian — Guide
- French — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Maxel Tour
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What accessibility information is provided?
What is the cancellation policy?
Traveller reviews and photos
Traveller experiences load when you reach this section.
