TEXT FOR ST. PAUL OUTSIDE THE WALLS

 

This was the last major construction project of Imperial Rome (c 380) and the largest church in Christendom until St. Peter’s. There was a tragic fire in 1823, St. Paul’s was rebuilt in the same general style and size as the original. Imagine building this in AD 380. This church is part of the Vatican rather than Italy. It is built on the grave of St. Paul whose body is buried under the altar. He was decapitated 2 miles from the spot. Mosaic portraits of 264 popes from St. Peter to the present ring the church high up but visible. The church was very dim. The mosaic of Pope Benedict XVI was lighted but John Paul’s was not and the pic was very dark.

         The windows are alabaster and 5^th century mosaics decorate the arch leading to the altar. The cloister is decorated with fragments from early Christian tombs and sarcophagi of people who wanted to be buried close to Paul. It was completely spared by the fire.

 

Cloister was built by Vassalletto in 1205-1241