This church contains murals of all the Popes that line the church walls, you will find the current Pope under spot light.                           

"Originally founded by Constantine over the burial place of Saint Paul, its current form is the result of a nineteenth-century reconstruction that was necessary because of a catastrophic fire in 1823. Nevertheless, it retains the rather primitive character of a Roman basilica, with a grand central nave and unadorned columns. The mosaics that survived the fire date from the 400s.                                                                             

 St Paul is buried in the confessio. Above his tomb are the chains that were used to imprison him prior to his martyrdom. These chains were placed in this prominent location in 2008.             

Originally destroyed by fire in 1823.  The Benedictine Abbey lies on the south side of the Basilica.  The Monasteries rectangular shape depicts the 4 dimensions of monostatic life.  North side is the church-prayer, the south side- former refectory, eating, east side- former dormitory- rest, West side- gardens and workshops, work."