The Basilica of Saint Sebastian Outside the Walls is located on Via Appia Antica, south of the Aurelian Wall. It was originally built in the 4^th century AD under Constantine the Great as the resting place of the apostles Peter and Paul until their remains were moved to separate basilicas. The building was first dedicated to Saint Sebastian in the 9^th century, although his remains are said to have been kept there since around 350 AD. Due to the burial vaults, the church is also called “San Sebastiano alle Catacombe“ (Italian for “Saint Sebastian at the Catacombs”).

Architecture

Over the centuries, San Sebastiano underwent several restorations. The basilica's current appearance is mainly the result of work carried out by Flamminio Ponzio and Giovanni Vasanzio in the 17^th century. The commission for the redesign came from Cardinal Scipione Borghese in 1609.

Notable works of art

The interior features a niche with an important sculpture of Jesus Christ, the “Bust of the Savior” or “Salvator Mundi” from 1679. It is the last work of Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Also worth seeing is Giuseppe Giorgetti's recumbent statue of Saint Sebastian (c. 1671/72). Saint Sebastian lived in the 3^rd century AD. According to Christian tradition, he was tied to a tree and shot with arrows for his faith during the Diocletian persecution of Christians.