Interpreting Medieval Architecture through Renovations: The Roof of the Old Basilica of San Paolo fuori le Mura in Rome

A dramatic fire in 1823 destroyed the roof of the Basilica of San Paolo fuori le Mura, Rome's oldest standing basilica, marking the final chapter in a series of 21 recorded restorations spanning from the fifth to nineteenth centuries. This study reveals that these renovations, often driven by structural failures or accidents like the carpenter's neglected candle, offer valuable insights into medieval architectural practices and historical preservation efforts. By analyzing the sequence of roof reconstructions, researchers can reconstruct the basilica's evolution, uncovering details about materials, techniques, and the challenges faced during each restoration phase.

(Ed.). (2016). Interpreting Medieval Architecture through Renovations: The Roof of the Old Basilica of San Paolo fuori le Mura in Rome. Approaches to Byzantine Architecture and Its Decoration, 279–296. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315262307-24