PIO-CHRISTIAN MUSEUM

St Paul Outside the Walls

Being restored thanks to the generosity of the Florida Patrons

The exceptional importance of the ruins and ancient objects found in the archaeological site of St. Paul Outside the Walls called for building a new Museum above the site. This allowed for the conservation improvement efforts of the ancient ruins and to open the site to the public. This project was proposed and sponsored by His Most Reverend Eminency Cardinal Andrea Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo (Archpriest of the Basilica until June 2009). This building will not only promote the preservation of the ruins, but will also enhance the appreciation of the history and tradition of St. Paul's Basilica. In fact, during the final stages of excavations completed between May and September 2009, scholars discovered traces predating the IV Century Basilica (during the I and II century AD, the area housed several gardens connected to the surrounding Villas) and of the room for the cult and prayer of the Apostle Paul (IV-VII A.D). The archaeologists found precious objects (like marble sculptures, inscriptions, glass, metal and ceramics), including a tube made of plumb; an extremely rare object. The inscription on this tube states that this piece belonged to the area and likely dates back to 499 – 514, during the work carried on by Pope Simmaco in St. Paul. The building, which will soon be completed, will be unveiled this coming summer and will be one of the largest covered archaeological areas in Rome (more than 1000 square meters). The area is unique because of the ecclesiastic ruins from medieval days. Upon entering, the public will have the interesting and unique opportunity to walk from the Basilica to the tomb of St. Paul (end of the IV century), to the cloister and Abbey (XIV century) and through the monastery and the arcade (VIII-IX century). While the building is still under construction, a new didactic layout for the archaeological site is ongoing in order to provide guests with a better understanding of the history of St. Paul Outside the Walls and its archaeological site. This project consists of: New climate control for better preservation of the ruins New lighting equipment Restoration and conservation of the ancient walls Didactic panels which will explain the chronology and history of the ancient walls and will be organized in a journey through the ruins, thanks to several catwalks which will lead visitors to the past. Several screens will show virtual reconstruction for a better understanding of the history and growth of the site. Access will be arranged for the physically disabled.