Located in the heart of Rome, San Pietro in Vincoli is a minor basilica known for housing the mausoleum of Pope Julius II with the Statue of Moses by Michelangelo. Because of this, this Church is beloved by citizens of the city of Rome for both its artistic and religious importance.
If you are interested in the history of Christian Rome, don’t miss out our Tour of Christian Rome.
Now let’s find out some more about San Pietro in Vincoli!
History of San Pietro in Vincoli: from its construction to restoration works
The San Pietro in Vincoli basilica was built in 432 by Licinia Eudoxia, wife of Emperor Valentinian III. The chains of this church were given to Pope Leo I and they’re now in a reliquary in the Basilica. The Basilica was consecrated in 439 by Pope Sixtus III and, since then, it underwent a lot of restoration works, the last one being in 1875. Some of the people that contributed to the maintenance and redesign of this Church are Cardinal Della Rovere, Baccio Pontelli (who worked on the front portico), Giuliano da Sangallo (who worked on the walkway), and Francesco Fontana.
Inside San Pietro in Vincoli: awe-inspiring frescoes and artworks
The most interesting aspect of this Church surely resides in its interior. It consists of two aisles and a nave surrounded by Doric white columns and a coffered ceiling.
One of the most beautiful things about San Pietro in Vincoli definitely is its frescoes, mainly the one located in the center, made by Giovanni Battista Parodi figuring the Miracle of The Chains where Pope Alexander manages to heal the neck of Saint Balbina with the chains that used to hold St. Peter.
Here’s a list of other works of art you will be able to find inside San Pietro in Vincoli Basilica:
- Saint Augustine by Guercino;
- St. Margaret by Guercino;
- the Deposition by Cristoforo Roncalli;
- the relief Cardinal Nicholas before St. Peter by Andrea Bregno;
- the monument of Cardinal Girolamo Agucchi by Domenichino;
Apart from housing the tomb of Pope Julius II, San Pietro in Vincoli also houses the tombs of:
- Antonio del Pollaiuolo, the artist who sculpted the Romulus and Remus that were added to the sculpture of the Capitoline Wolf;
- Cardinal Cinzio Aldobrandini, designed by architect Carlo Francesco Bizzaccheri;
The Statue of Moses: a masterpiece by Michelangelo in San Pietro in Vincoli
As mentioned before, San Pietro in Vincoli houses the tomb of Pope Julius II where you will be able to find the statue of Moses by Michelangelo. It was commissioned by Pope Julius II himself and it figures the biblical character Moses based on chapter 34 of Exodus in the Vulgate which was the Latin translation of the Bible.
The most interesting aspect of this statue is the fact that Moses is represented with two horns on his head. The reason behind his appearance is that it’s specifically said in verses 29, 30 and 35 of Exodus chapter 34 that Moses’ face is “cornuta” which means “horned”.
Visit San Pietro in Vincoli: a must-see Basilica in Rome
The city of Rome is filled with great monuments, art and Churches and San Pietro in Vincoli Basilica should definitely be part of your itinerary when visiting the Eternal City. If you want to get lost in the beauty and history of this Church, make sure to book a tour with us for the best experience possible!
