San Paolo alla Regola

Map of the Churches of Rome
Church of San Paolo alla Regola, Rome
San Paolo alla Regola
Of ancient foundation, San Paolo alla Regola is an early-18th century titular and convent church. 

According to tradition, the church is built on the site where St Paul lived while awaiting trial; it is believed that his room is preserved therein.
Facade, Bas-relief of St Paul, Church of San Paolo alla Regola, Rome
Bas-relief of St Paul
The inscription on the facade reads: GENTIVM · DOCTORI · DIVO · PAVLO · APOSTOLO · COLLEGIVM · SICVLVM · TERT · ORD · S · FRANCISCI (The Sicilian college of the Third Order of St Francis to Saint Paul the Apostle the teacher of the Gentiles). ​

​The facade also sports a bas-relief of St Paul holding a book and a sword. 
High altar, San Paolo alla Regola, Rome
Sanctuary
The interior takes the form of a Greek Cross, which is surmounted by a dome. 
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The wall of the apse behind the main altar sports three frescoes by Luigi Garzi (1638-1721), which depict The Preaching of St Paul, The Conversion of Saul and The Martyrdom of St Paul. The two doors lead to the choir stalls. Unusually, the door frames act as candle holders. 
Dome, San Paolo alla Regola, Rome
Dome
The dome is not quite what it seems. On the outside it is covered by a pitched and tiled roof, through which only the lantern protrudes. 
Chapel of St Anne, San Paolo alla Regola, Rome
Chapel of St Anne
The grandest of the chapels (second left) is dedicated to St Anne. The altar has a pair of very impressive Solomonic columns; the altarpiece is by the Sicicilan painter Giacinto Calandrucci (1646-1707) and depicts St Anne Receiving Jesus from Mary. 
Chapel of St Francis, San Paolo alla Regola, Rome
Chapel of St Francis of Assisi
The chapel directly opposite is dedicated to St Francis of Assisi. The altarpiece of St Francis Receiving the Stigmata is by Michele Rocca (1666-1751). 
Icon of Madonna Lactans, San Paolo alla Regola, Rome
Icon of the Madonna Lactans
The third chapel on the left is dedicated to Our Lady of Graces and contains a venerated 14th century icon of the Madonna Lactans. The icon has a spectacular Baroque glory involving angels, putti and an enormous crown. 
Cupola, Chapel of St Rosalia, San Paolo alla Regola, Rome
Cupola, Chapel of St Rosalia
The Chapel of St Rosalia (first right) has a rather beautiful cupola. The altarpiece depicts St Rosalia with St Clare and St Rose of Viterbo (artist unknown). 
Mosaic of St Paul in Chains by Eugenio Cisterna, San Paolo alla Regola, Rome
St Paul in Chains
To the right of the sanctuary is the room held to be the erstwhile residence of St Paul. The mosaic of St Paul in Chains is the work of Eugenio Cisterna (1862-1933).