Basilica of San Paolo Fuori le Mura in Italy, Rome resort
Rating: 8,4/10 (356 votes)  The Basilica of San Paolo Fuori le Mura is one of the greatest basilicas in Rome. The Basilica is located in the south of the Eternal City behind the Aurelian Gate. Since 1980 it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The construction of the basilica was started by Emperor Constantine on the site where the burial of St. Paul was supposed to be. In 386, Theodosius the First considered that the church was unworthy of such a sacred place and ordered the construction of a more impressive temple. Upon completion, the basilica was the most spacious in Rome. During the time of Pope Gregory the Great, several construction works were carried out to improve the temple architecture. In the 9th century, the whole district was plundered by the Saracens, which prompted John the Eighth to strengthen the religious complex. In the 10th century, the clouni monks took possession of the basilica and the surrounding monasteries. Gregory the Seventh presented the Byzantine doors made of bronze to the temple. In the guise of other basilicas, the cathedral has not undergone any significant changes in its entire long history. In 1823, due to a strong fire, the basilica was seriously damaged. Until 1840, restoration work was carried out in the church, during which a new facade was added to the church in the force of classicism. Tsar Nicholas the First sent lapis lazuli and malachite to restore the altar. In 1855, the re-consecration of the temple took place. One of the characteristic features of the temple – gallery of portraits of all the popes, which were placed along the inner perimeter of the building in medallions. Several medallions remain empty these days. According to legend, when there are no empty medallions left and the last Pope dies, the End of the World will come.    We also recommend reading Vatican Library in Italy, Rome resort Topic: Basilica of San Paolo Fuori le Mura in Italy, Rome resort. |
