San Pietro in Vincoli
Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli
A church that houses the chains that bound Saint Peter. Michelangelo's statue of Moses is a world-class sculpture you can see for free.
The Basilica of St. Peter in Chains was built in the 5th century to house the chains that bound Saint Peter in Jerusalem and Rome. The chains are still displayed in a glass reliquary beneath the high altar. The church's highlight is Michelangelo's statue of Moses, created for the tomb of Pope Julius II. With horns on his head, the tablets of the law in hand and a piercing gaze, Moses is considered one of Michelangelo's greatest sculptures. The church is free to enter, but the lights that illuminate the statue require coins. It sits on a small hill northwest of the Colosseum. It is about a 10-minute walk from Cavour station on Metro Line B or from the Colosseum, and it closes for a lunchtime break.
Opening hours
08:00–12:30 and 15:00–19:00 (until 18:00 in winter)
Nearby sights
- Colosseum
- Basilica of San Clemente
- Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
- Trajan's Market & Imperial Fora
- Roman Forum / Palatine Hill
- Altare della Patria (Vittoriano)
- Capitoline Museums
- Circus Maximus