Photos

Rome has literally thousands of wonderful buildings ranging back to 2000 years and more. Many such as this bell tower, part of the San Paolo Basilica has a history to it as well as thes notes following describe:

After his execution and burial in Rome in the 1st century AD, Saint Paul's followers erected a shrine (cella memoriae) over the grave. Early Christians frequently visited the site to honor the great Apostle to the Gentiles and author of more than half of the New Testament.

The first church on the site was a small one, founded by Emperor Constantine and consecrated on November 18, 324.

In 386 Emperor Theodosius demolished the original church and began the construction of a much larger basilica. According to the inscription on the triumphal arch, it was consecrated in 390 by Siricius, and completed in 395 under Emperor Honorius. Although heavily restored, the present basilica looks much the same as it did in the 4th century.

In the course of time the monasteries and the basilica declined, but St. Gregory II restored the monasteries and entrusted the monks with the care of the basilica.

In 883, the walls and tower encircling the church were completed. This was known as the "Johannipolis," or "City of John" after Pope John VIII (872-882), and was built to protect the church from Lombards and Saracens. The defense works were tested in 1083-1084, when they withstood several attacks by Emperor Henry IV.
www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-st-paul-outside-walls.htm
For Ciro, my kind host who booked me into a hotel just next door to this facinating spot.