Around 330 Constantine built a basilica over the tomb of St. Peter. Reconstruction began in the 14th c. and the present basilica of St. Peter was consecrated 18 Nov. 1626 by Pope Urban VIII. The construction of St. Paul's on the Via Ostiense was begun by Valentinian II in 386, taking the place of a smaller church built by Constantine. Destroyed by fire in 1823, the new basilica was consecrated 10 Dec. 1854 by Pope Pius IX who joined in one solemn celebration the dedication of these two basilicas.