Basilica of San Sebastiano fuori le mura
The burial place of St. Sebastian.
St. Sebastian → Plan a trip hereThe Story
The Basilica of San Sebastiano fuori le mura stands on the ancient Appian Way, built above the catacombs from which the very word "catacomb" derives. First raised in the 4th century as the Basilica Apostolorum, it honored the memory of the apostles Peter and Paul, whose relics tradition holds were sheltered here for a time during persecution. The church came to bear the name of St. Sebastian, a Roman soldier martyred in the late 3rd century under Diocletian. According to the traditional account, Sebastian was condemned for his faith, shot with arrows, and, having survived, boldly confessed Christ again before being put to death. He was buried in the cemetery on the Appian Way over which the basilica rose. Across the centuries portions of his relics were translated to other churches, yet his burial place remained a goal of pilgrims, and relics of the saint are venerated in the basilica to this day. St. Sebastian became one of the most invoked saints of the Middle Ages, a patron against plague and a model of courage for soldiers and athletes. The present church, rebuilt in the early 17th century under Cardinal Scipione Borghese, is counted among the traditional Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome. Pilgrims visit the Chapel of the Relics, a celebrated bust of the Savior attributed to Bernini, and the catacombs of San Sebastiano beneath, where early Christian devotion to Peter and Paul is still visible in ancient graffiti.
Church Recognition
San Sebastiano fuori le mura is a minor basilica and one of the traditional Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome; St. Sebastian is venerated on the General Roman Calendar, and the basilica and its catacombs remain in active Church care.
Catholic Teaching
The basilica bears witness to the Church's ancient veneration of the martyrs and their relics (CCC 1674; 2473) and to the communion of saints (CCC 946-962), by which the faithful on earth are joined to those who have given their lives for Christ.
Plan Your Visit
Practical
Additional Information
Pilgrims visit the tomb and relics of St. Sebastian, the Chapel of the Relics, and the catacombs of San Sebastiano beneath the basilica, a highlight of any Appian Way pilgrimage. The basilica is part of the traditional Seven Churches walk, and the saint's feast is kept on January 20.
Go Deeper
The parish's official website is https://www.sansebastianofuorilemura.org. For background, see the Catechism on the veneration of relics (CCC 1674) and guides to the catacombs of Rome published by the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology.
Location
Visit the official website ↗ See it on the interactive map →Pilgrim Photos
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In the Area
Other sacred sites within 40 miles.
- Catacomb of Callixtus (Relics of St. Cornelius) <1 mi
- Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls 2 mi
- Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls 2 mi
- Basilica of Sts. Nereus and Achilleus 2 mi
- Basilica of St. John Lateran 2 mi
- The Scala Santa (Holy Stairs), Rome 2 mi
- Basilica of Sts. John and Paul (Tomb of St. Paul of the Cross) 2 mi
- Basilica of San Clemente 3 mi