Basilica di San Pitero in Vincoli is most famous for Michelangelo’s colossal sculpture of Moses. This extremely realistic sculpture is considered to be one of the best Michelangelo’s works of art, and the main reason why so many people visit this church every year.
Basilica of Saint Peter in Chains is a minor basilica in Rome and not to be confused with Basilica of Saint Peter in Vatican. This basilica is most famous for Michelangelo’s colossal sculpture of Moses (a part of a tomb of Pope Julius II) and the chains with which Saint Peter was imprisoned in Jerusalem.
The basilica was built in the 5th century in order to host the chains with which Saint Peter was imprisoned in Jerusalem. The wife of Imperator Valentinian III, Eudoxia, received the chains from her mother, who, on the other hand, got them as a gift from the bishop of Jerusalem. These chains are on display in the church under the altar.
The name of the church is therefore derived from the Latin word “vincula” meaning chains. In the 16th century, Michelangelo made a colossal sculpture of Moses as a part of the tomb of Pope Julius II, who was actually buried in this basilica. Nowadays, at least among tourists, the church became more famous for this sculpture of Michelangelo than because of the chains. Nevertheless, this sculpture is considered to be extremely realistic and one of the best works of art of this famous artist.
Ticket price for Basilica di San Pitero in Vincoli
The entrance to the basilica is FREE of charge.
Working hours of Basilica di San Pitero in Vincoli
From April to September working hours are: 8:00-12:30/15:00-19:00h.
From October to March working hours are: 8:00-12:30/15:00-18:00h.
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