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Church · Roma, Lazio
Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli
Church near the Colosseum that houses Michelangelo's Moses, in the tomb of Pope Julius II, and the chains that, according to tradition, bound São Pedro.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli
Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli (São Pedro Acorrentado) sits on the top of the Oppian Hill, a few minutes from the Coliseu. It was built in the 5th century to house the chains that, according to tradition, bound the apostle Peter in Jerusalem and in Rome. The chains are in a reliquary beneath the high altar.
The main reason most visitors come is the Moisés de Michelangelo. The statue, carved around 1513–1515, was part of the grand tomb commissioned in 1505 by Pope Júlio II, which called for dozens of figures and was never completed as planned. What remains in San Pietro in Vincoli is a reduced version, with Moisés seated at the center, flanked by Raquel and Lia, also by Michelangelo.
Moisés appears with horns on his head because of a Latin translation of the Bible that described the prophet's face as "with horns" when the original spoke of rays of light. The details of the beard, the veins in the arms and the tense gaze make the sculpture one of the artist's most studied works. Júlio II, incidentally, was ultimately buried in the Basílica de São Pedro, not here.
The church has a wide nave with ancient marble columns. A coin-operated light helps to see the sculpture better, and there is no entrance fee. As it is a place of worship, shoulders and knees must be covered.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
20 to 30 minutes.
Best time
Early, at opening, or in the early afternoon after reopening. The church usually closes at lunchtime; check the opening times before you go.
How to get there
From Cavour metro station (line B) it's a 5-minute walk, up the steps of Via di San Francesco di Paola. From the Coliseu it's about a 10-minute walk.
Tip
It's worth fitting the visit between the Coliseu and Santa Maria Maior, which is about a 15-minute walk away. View Moisés from the side to see the twist of the body and the retracted leg, as if about to stand up.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli
Where is Michelangelo's Moses?
In the Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli, about a 10‑minute walk from the Colosseum, in the tomb of Pope Julius II.
Do you have to pay to see the Moses?
Entrance to the church is free. There's a coin‑operated lighting system to see the sculpture better.
Why does Moses have horns?
Because of the Latin translation of the Bible used at the time, which described Moses's face as "horned" when descending Mount Sinai, whereas the original text spoke of rays of light.
Does the church close at lunchtime?
It usually closes around midday and reopens in the afternoon. Check opening hours before you go.