Basilica of Saint Lawrence Outside the Walls

The Basilica di San Lorenzo Fuori le Mura (Basilica of Saint Lawrence Outside the Walls) was constructed in the IV century by Emperor Costantino, close to the tomb of the martyr Lorenzo who died in 258. It is one of the Seven Churches and one of the five patriarchal Basilica's, as well as being an important Roman church.

Lorenzo was an Archdeacon of the Roman Church. In this same church there are the tombs of Popes Ilario and Pio IX, and Alcide De Gasperi.

The Basilica di San Lorenzo Fuori le Mura was the office of the Patriarca Latino di Gerusalemme (Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem) between 1374 and 1847.

During the second world war, the Basilica was the object of an ally bombardment, however it was reconstructed and restored with original material. The restoration terminated in 1948.

In 1957 excavations were carried out in correspondence with the wall of the Verano cemetery, allowing the identification of the remains of the Constantine-era Basilica. The excavations carried out beneath the Basilica allowed the discovery of many rooms and crypts.