The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls is one of the four great ancient basilicas of Rome (along with St. Peter, St. Mary Major and St. John Lateran). The basilica is built over the burial place of St. Paul. Built in the year 386, it was almost completely destroyed by fire in 1823 but reconstucted and reopened in 1840.
The Basilica is called St. Paul Outside the Walls because it sits outside the Aurelian Wall (built between 271 and 275) which enclosed the ancient city of Rome and its seven hills in defense of enemies.
