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The Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli was built in the middle of 5th century to house the relic of the chains that bound Saint Peter when he was imprisoned in Jerusalem. Legend has it that the chains were originally broke into two pieces but they miraculously fused together when reunited. It is now stored in a reliquary under the main altar in the basilica. The basilica is also famous for its Michelangelo’s Moses. It was originally carved as a part of a 47-statue funeral monument for Pope Julius II. However, only three were finished when the Pope died – Moses, Leah and Rachel. The successor pope, from a rival family, had Michelangelo abandoned the plan.
Address: Piazza di San Pietro in Vincoli 4/a, 00184 Rome
Opening hours: Daily 8am – 12:30pm, 3:30pm – 6:30pm
Direction: Subway Line B to Cavour Station
Phone: +39 06 9784 4952
Website: www.vicariatusurbis.org
Photo credit: Diana Ringo, sailko, Rabanus Flavus, Raja Patnaik
