San Pietro in Vincoli Rome
Home to Michelangelo's awe-inspiring Moses statue and the sacred chains of St. Peter, this ancient basilica offers free entry and rich history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer tour groups
San Pietro in Vincoli Rome
Best Time
Fewer tour groups
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Home to Michelangelo's awe-inspiring Moses statue and the sacred chains of St. Peter, this ancient basilica offers free entry and rich history.
"See a Michelangelo masterpiece for free in this historic Roman church!"
🎯 Free Entry Gem
Admission is free! A great way to see world-class art without a ticket.
🚶♂️ Easy to Miss Entrance
Located on a quiet street near the Colosseum, look for the unassuming entrance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Michelangelo's Moses
Main Altar
A powerful, awe-inspiring sculpture by Michelangelo, a must-see for art lovers in Rome.
Chains of St. Peter
Under the Main Altar
See the legendary chains believed to have bound St. Peter, a significant relic for many visitors.
Tomb of Pope Julius II
Near the Moses
The monumental tomb designed by Michelangelo, featuring the iconic Moses sculpture.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Michelangelo's Moses
Discover Hidden History and Art
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Entry Gem
Admission is free! A great way to see world-class art without a ticket.
🚶♂️ Easy to Miss Entrance
Located on a quiet street near the Colosseum, look for the unassuming entrance.
⏳ Timing is Key
Missed Michelangelo once due to timing? Plan your visit outside peak hours.
🖼️ Early Jesus Depiction
Look for a painting believed to be the earliest depiction of Jesus.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Entry Gem
Admission is free! A great way to see world-class art without a ticket.
🚶♂️ Easy to Miss Entrance
Located on a quiet street near the Colosseum, look for the unassuming entrance.
⏳ Timing is Key
Missed Michelangelo once due to timing? Plan your visit outside peak hours.
🖼️ Early Jesus Depiction
Look for a painting believed to be the earliest depiction of Jesus.
🤫 Secret Rooms
Discover hidden rooms behind the Moses monument!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise San Pietro in Vincoli for housing Michelangelo's stunning Moses statue, often noting the free entry as a major plus. Many appreciate the historical significance of the chains of St. Peter and the basilica's ancient atmosphere. Some find it can get crowded, and a few mention missing the Moses due to timing, highlighting the importance of planning.
"As I stood in the hallowed halls of Basilica San Pietro in Vincoli, the majestic sounds of the orga enveloped me, transporting me to a realm of spiritual connection. The music seemed to bridge the gap between heaven and earth, and I felt an overwhelming sense of unity with the divine. The intricate carvings and stunning architecture of the basilica added to the sense of awe, but it was Michelangelo's breathtaking sculpture that truly stole my breath. The way the light danced across the single block of marble, expertly carved to bring forth a masterpiece, left me speechless. In this sacred space, art and faith converged, and I felt my spirit soar."
Ramona Ignat
"San Pietro in Vincoli (Saint Peter in Chains) was a deeply memorable stop for my wife and me during our time in Rome, blending powerful history with remarkable art. Originally built in the 5th century to house the relic of the chains that bound Saint Peter during his imprisonment in Jerusalem, the basilica holds these sacred chains beneath the main altar—revered as a symbol of Peter’s faith and resilience. The church itself is serene and modest in comparison to some of Rome’s grander basilicas, but it holds one of Michelangelo’s most breathtaking masterpieces: the monumental statue of Moses, part of the unfinished tomb of Pope Julius II. Michelangelo’s Moses is famed for its lifelike detail and the striking expression on the prophet’s face, complete with the distinctive horns drawn from a mistranslation of the Hebrew Bible. Standing in front of such an iconic work, surrounded by centuries of faith and history, made for a powerful and unforgettable experience."
Kirk Belmont
"Rome - Italy 🇮🇹
The church’s name means “St. Peter in Chains. Inside the basilica, there’s a relic of the chains that, according to tradition, bound Saint Peter when he was imprisoned in Jerusalem. These chains are displayed under the main altar, and according to legend, when these chains were compared to the ones from Peter’s Roman imprisonment, they miraculously fused together.
The Moses of Michelangelo is one of the most powerful and iconic sculptures of the Renaissance. It is located inside the Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli (Saint Peter in Chains), Rome, Italy.
Moses is shown seated, holding the Tablets of the Law (the Ten Commandments) under his arm.
If you are around Rome, please don’t miss this holy sacred lovely Basilica with the original chains of St Peter ♥️😇🙏🏻"
Sony Jose Baby K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
San Pietro in Vincoli is conveniently located near the Colosseum. You can walk from the Colosseo Metro station (Line B) in about 10-15 minutes. It's also accessible via bus routes that stop along Via Cavour. 
Yes, it's situated in a charming neighborhood between the Colosseum and Monti. Many visitors find it an easy walk from other major attractions.
Many suggest approaching from Via Cavour and taking the 'Salita dei Borgia' or 'Via San Francesco di Paola' for a more atmospheric entry.
Absolutely. The nearest Metro station is Colosseo (Line B). Several bus lines also serve the area, making it easily accessible.
Yes, it's a short walk from the Colosseum and Roman Forum, making it easy to combine with other sightseeing.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli is free. It's a fantastic way to experience significant art and history without an admission fee.
Opening hours can vary, but it's generally open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check the most current schedule before your visit, especially if you plan to go on a Sunday or holiday.
The Moses statue is inside the Basilica, and since the Basilica is free to enter, there is no separate charge to see the statue.
Yes, you can typically visit on Sundays, but hours might be slightly different due to religious services. It's always best to confirm beforehand.
While there isn't always a dedicated tour for just this church, many Rome walking tours include a stop here, or you can hire a private guide.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The undisputed highlight is Michelangelo's magnificent statue of Moses, a powerful and detailed masterpiece.
These are sacred relics housed in a reliquary under the main altar, believed to be the very chains that bound St. Peter during his imprisonment.
Yes, the church itself is a historic 5th-century basilica, and it also contains the tomb of Pope Julius II and a painting believed to be an early depiction of Jesus.
Most visitors spend around 30-60 minutes here, allowing time to admire the Moses, see the chains, and appreciate the church's architecture.
Yes, it's a beautiful church for photography, though flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the artwork.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The area around Michelangelo's Moses offers dramatic shots. Also, try to capture the grandeur of the basilica's interior and the reliquary of the chains.
Generally, photography is allowed, but it's always wise to be discreet and avoid using flash, especially near sensitive artworks or during services.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light and fewer people, making for better photographic opportunities.
Yes, you can walk around the area in front of the altar to get various perspectives of the Moses sculpture.
Consider capturing the 'Salita dei Borgia' or the street leading up to the church for atmospheric shots of the approach.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep the visit brief to maintain younger attention spans. Focus on the 'wow' factor of the Moses and the story of the chains. It's a manageable size, so you won't feel overwhelmed with little ones.
💰 Budget Travelers
You get to see a world-renowned Michelangelo sculpture and significant religious relics without spending a euro.Combine your visit with a walk through the charming Monti neighborhood, which is also very budget-friendly for exploring and finding affordable eats.
🏛️ Art & History Buffs
Take time to appreciate the architectural details and any other artworks present, such as the early depiction of Jesus. It offers a more intimate encounter with Roman art and history compared to larger, more crowded museums.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Michelangelo's Moses: A Masterpiece
Many visitors are struck by the statue's commanding presence and the intricate details of Moses's beard and robes. It's a testament to Michelangelo's genius and his ability to imbue stone with life and raw emotion.
Remember that the statue is part of a larger, unfinished tomb project for Pope Julius II. Despite the original grand vision not being fully realized, the Moses itself stands as one of Michelangelo's most iconic works.
The Sacred Chains of St. Peter
While they appear as a single chain, legend states they are two separate chains that miraculously fused together when brought into contact with each other. This relic is a significant draw for pilgrims and those interested in early Christian history.
The reliquary holding the chains is a focal point of devotion within the basilica, offering a tangible connection to a pivotal figure in Christian history.
A Glimpse into Early Christian Rome
The church has undergone several renovations over the centuries, but it retains much of its historical character. Its architecture and the presence of ancient relics offer a fascinating glimpse into Rome's early Christian past, distinct from the more famous basilicas.
Beyond the main attractions, the basilica also features other notable artworks, including a painting believed to be the earliest depiction of Jesus, adding to its historical and artistic significance.
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