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Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli
Attraction
4.7 (15550 reviews)
Michelangelo's statue of Moses dominates this coffered 400s church, also home to St. Peter's chains.
Piazza di San Pietro in Vincoli, 4/a, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
+39 06 4543 7949
Did You Know?
Holy Relic
The Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli (Saint Peter in Chains) is named after the chains believed to have bound Saint Peter during his imprisonment in Jerusalem and later in Rome. These chains are the church's most revered relic, displayed in a reliquary beneath the main altar.
Moses Masterpiece
The basilica is famously home to Michelangelo's monumental statue of Moses, completed in 1515. This iconic sculpture was originally intended as part of Pope Julius II's tomb, which was to be a grander structure but was scaled back significantly.
Moses' Unique Feature
Michelangelo's Moses is depicted with horns on his head. This unusual feature stems from a mistranslation in the Latin Vulgate Bible of a Hebrew word (qaran), which could mean either 'radiated' (light) or 'grew horns' when describing Moses after descending from Mount Sinai.
Ancient Origins
The basilica was first consecrated in the mid-5th century by Pope Sixtus III. It was built to house the venerated chains of Saint Peter, brought to Rome from Constantinople by Empress Eudoxia, wife of Emperor Valentinian III.
Highlights from Reviews
• Michelangelo's Moses
The statue is frequently described as extraordinary, incredible, breathtaking, and a masterpiece, drawing universal praise for its detail and power.
• St. Peter's chains
The ancient chains are a powerful and deeply moving spiritual relic, offering a tangible link to early Christian history.
• serene atmosphere
Many visitors appreciated the basilica's quiet, intimate, and contemplative ambiance, contrasting it with more crowded Roman sites.
• free entry
The fact that there is no entry ticket required makes this historic and artistically rich site an accessible and highly recommended visit.
• rich history
The basilica offers a profound blend of historical, spiritual, and artistic significance, allowing visitors to connect with ancient Rome and Christian traditions.
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