Constantine founded the basilica over the burial place of Paul, and Pope Sylvester consecrated it in 324. Theodosius I began a much larger basilica in 386. On July 15, 1823, a workman repairing the copper roof gutters started a fire that nearly destroyed it.
Pasquale Belli led the reconstruction, and Luigi Poletti succeeded him in 1833 and supervised it until his death in 1869. Gregory XVI consecrated the transept and high altar in October 1840, and Pius IX reconsecrated the whole building in 1854. The style is Neoclassical, and the nave has 80 columns. Only the apse and triumphal arch survive from the ancient basilica.
The article gives two sets of dimensions, with a length of 490 feet (150 m) in the infobox and 432 feet (131.66 m) in the text. The windows are translucent alabaster. The Holy Door opens only during Jubilees. UNESCO listed the basilica in 1980.
Comments