Historical
and Commemorative Medals
Collection of Benjamin Weiss
ST PAUL'S CHURCH AT ROME WIENER, Jacques: Italy, 1861, Bronze, 59 mm The Papal Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls (Italian: Basilica Papale di San Paolo fuori le Mura), commonly known as St Paul's Outside the Walls, is one of Rome's four ancient major basilicas, the largest being St Peter’s Basilica. The original church was built by Emperor Constantine and was consecrated in 324. It was a small church, constructed over the grave of St Paul. Between 384 and 386, Emperors Valentinian II, Theodosius and Arcadius demolished the church and built a large basilica. The architect was Cyriades. According to the inscription on the triumphal arch, it was consecrated in 390 by Siricius, and completed in 395 under Emperor Honorius. Although over the years the church was destroyed by fire numerous times and was restored by several popes, the present basilica looks much the same as it did in the 4th century.
|
|