Abbazia di San Paolo Fuori Le Mura

About

The Abbazia di San Paolo Fuori le Mura is a magnificent Benedictine abbey perched just outside Rome’s Aurelian Walls on Via Ostiense. Founded in the 8th century, the abbey has witnessed the rise and fall of empires and the passage of kings, popes, and scholars. Visitors are welcomed into a sprawling complex that includes the awe‑inspiring Basilica, the serene Cloister of Vassalletto, a historic library that houses the famed Carolingian Bible, and a peaceful monastic garden kept in a tradition of botanical stewardship. Inside the Basilica, the exquisite mosaics of Pietro Cavallini and Arnolfo di Cambio can be admired, while the tomb of Saint Paul lies at the heart of the site. The abbey’s long history is interwoven with religious rites, monastic life, and scholarly pursuit, making it a living monument to faith, culture, and art.

Highlights

• Basilica Architecture
• Martyr's Tomb
• Cloister of Vassalletto
• Monastic Library

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At a glance

• Typical visit: about 1 hour 30 minutes