The Church of San Pietro in Vincoli

Visit Saint Peter in Chains in Rome: a beauty that lies within

Every year, thousands of visitors flock to the church of San Pietro in Vincoli in Rome’s Monti not because of the sheer beauty of the church itself, but rather to witness the beauty of what’s inside. Though the church was named after St. Peter himself, his presence takes backseat to what truly dominates the setting. 

Underneath the high altar are the relics of the chains that bound Saint Peter when he escaped from imprisonment in Jerusalem as well as the chains that later held him in Rome.

The real showstopper of this church is the magnificent statue of Moses (1515) sculpted and carved by none other than the great Michelangelo. Initially, it was intended to be a part of the tomb of Pope Julius II, along with 40 other statues that never got finished after Pope Julius II died. The statue is compelling and experts believe that the sculptor carved his own profile and that of the pope somewhere in the beard of Moses. In addition, the chains that bound Peter during his imprisonment in Jerusalem are located in an urn under the main altar of the church.

How to get to San Pietro in Vincoli

San Pietro in Vincoli is located in Piazza San Pietro in Vincoli, a small square on the Oppian Hill, very close from the Colosseum and Monti neighbourhood. You can reach the church by car, parking right in front, or, better, you can come here on foot. You can walk up from the Colosseum or from Via Cavour, via the steps climbing Salita dei Borgia. The closest metro stop is Metro B Cavour.