Basilica of San Sebastiano fuori le mura in Rome

San Sebastiano fuori le mura or Saint Sebastian outside the Walls, is a Roman basilica that is considered one of the seven pilgrimage churches of Rome.
The church was originally built in the late 300’s most believe by Constantine the Great, and was named the Basilica of the Apostles. It was later dedicated to Saint Sebastian, a favorite martyred saint who is buried there. The church is also refered to as Saint Sebastain of the Catacombs since its placement was directly above the pagan burial grounds of ancient Rome. The building itself now is largely from the sixteen hundreds as the original edifice, which had been subject to countless attacks and plundering over the years, has been near destroyed.

San Sebastiano fuori le mura is tended by friars who willingly provide tours to the parts of the ancient church that still remains. There are many ancient sculptures and inscriptions in that part of the church that no one is sure of their origins. This makes for quite interesting research. San Sebastiano fuori le mura houses famous relics that draw attention of many visitors and pilgrims who come to Rome. The most famous being a stone that is said to have the actual footprint of Jesus. Along with this relic they have an actual arrow used against St. Sebastian during his martyrdom and the pillar he was tied to for execution. They have recently discovered the sarcophagi of Saint Pope Fabian in the church, whose burial place was unknown until then.