Papal Basilica of Saint Lawrence Outside the Walls, Rome

The Papal Basilica of Saint Lawrence Outside the Walls is one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome and one of the five papal basilicas. Historically, it was under the care of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem. The basilica is well-known as the burial site of Saint Lawrence, one of the first seven deacons of Rome, martyred in 258. Pope Pius IX and several other saints are also interred here, alongside an extensive and ancient burial complex.

The site originally had a small oratory built by Emperor Constantine I over Saint Lawrence's burial place. Later, Pope Damasus I restored or rebuilt it during his time. In the 580s, Pope Pelagius II constructed a church to honor Saint Lawrence, and in the 13th century, Pope Honorius III added another church in front of the earlier structure. These changes resulted in a layout that combines parts of the older church, like the nave and triumphal arch, with the newer construction.

The basilica features frescoes depicting the lives of Saints Lawrence and Stephen, both of whom are buried in the crypt beneath the high altar. Excavations have uncovered additional crypts below the current street level. The 13th-century portico has Cosmatesque decorations and includes two ancient sarcophagi, one adorned with images of cherubs and grapes, along with Romanesque stone lions from the original entrance.

The campanile, built in the 12th century, stands out as a notable feature. Inside, visitors can find the tomb of Cardinal Guglielmo Fieschi, interred in an older sarcophagus that depicts a pagan marital feast. The basilica also inspired painter J. M. W. Turner, who sketched it during his visit in 1819.