San Paolo alla Regola, Baroque church in Regola district, Rome, Italy
San Paolo alla Regola is a baroque church in Rome's Regola district, built on a Greek cross plan and topped by a central dome. Its facade was designed by Giuseppe Sardi in 1728, and the building is listed as part of Italy's national heritage.
Tradition holds that Saint Paul was kept under house arrest at this location before his execution under Emperor Nero. The baroque church was later built to mark the site, which has been considered sacred since early Christian times.
The name refers to Saint Paul, whose veneration has shaped this place for centuries. Visitors can see artworks inside that tell stories of the saint and reflect the spiritual meaning the location holds for the community.
The church is open for worship and visits, and access to the underground levels is available when the site is open. Sturdy shoes are a good idea if you plan to go below, as the ancient foundations can be uneven.
Excavations between 1978 and 1982 uncovered four building levels beneath the church, including Roman-era structures that once served as riverside warehouses along the Tiber. Visitors can walk through these layered remains directly below the church floor.
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