San Pietro in Vincoli
San Pietro in Vincoli
4.5
8:00 AM - 12:20 PM, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 12:20 PM
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 12:20 PM
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 12:20 PM
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 12:20 PM
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 12:20 PM
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 12:20 PM
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 12:20 PM
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
About
This 5th-century church features Michelangelo's sculpture of Moses that adorns the incomplete tomb of Pope Julius II.
Duration: < 1 hour
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Centro
How to get there
- Cavour • 3 min walk
- Colosseo • 4 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
8,150 within 3 miles
Attractions
2,334 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- tbchick2011Bradenton, Florida197 contributionsSt. Peter's in VincoliThe basilica is near the ancient ruins/coliseum so I recommend anyone visiting Monti to visit. It is free to enter, with no lines or security to worry about. Besides having Michaenlengo's famous Moses sculpture, it has St. Peter's chains and the "potential" bodies of the 7 sons mentioned in Maccabees. Bring Euro coins to donate to certain displays for more information about each relic. It's beautiful but empty, which was a nice break from the crowds.Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 20, 2023
- Hendrik_NLVlaardingen, The Netherlands7,913 contributionsThis church should be high on your visiting listSan Pietro in Vincoli, situated on a hill close to the Colosseum, is impossible to ignore when on a Rome visit. Yes, the Vatican is the undisputed number one on the religious site ranking, but San Pietro in Vincoli is in the running for a 'medal spot'. Just the sculpture of Michelangelo's Moses is worth the visit. See the pictures.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 3, 2024
- Emma GSeattle, Washington59 contributionsMichelangelo Masterpiece!I highly recommend fitting this in on your journey to the Colosseum! The church is absolutely breathtaking! The mostly white walls and ceilings along with so much natural light truly highlight the white marble of Michelangelo’s Tomb of Pope Julius II (where you’ll see his famous sculpture of Moses). Walk down a short flight of stairs to see St Peter’s chains. You could easily miss this church as it’s up a hill, but I recommend seeking it out if you have time.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 9, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
5,528 reviews
Excellent
3,787
Very good
1,476
Average
235
Poor
19
Terrible
10
dapper777
Monaco65,451 contributions
Apr 2021 • Friends
It is always a great pleasure to return to this splendid church.
This year it was even more beautiful because we attended mass on Easter day: a very simple and intimate mass, also due to the Covid pandemic, and the church was almost empty.
"Unmissable" on a visit to Rome.
Very beautiful and particular, but the attention will rightly be focused on the statue of Moses.
We don't think there is an art history book that doesn't mention it.
Impossible to describe it.
To fully appreciate its beauty, some plaster reproductions nearby are available in order to allow you to grasp details that the distance from the work of art may not make you notice.
It is not far from the Colosseum, it is worth a visit to Rome.
This year it was even more beautiful because we attended mass on Easter day: a very simple and intimate mass, also due to the Covid pandemic, and the church was almost empty.
"Unmissable" on a visit to Rome.
Very beautiful and particular, but the attention will rightly be focused on the statue of Moses.
We don't think there is an art history book that doesn't mention it.
Impossible to describe it.
To fully appreciate its beauty, some plaster reproductions nearby are available in order to allow you to grasp details that the distance from the work of art may not make you notice.
It is not far from the Colosseum, it is worth a visit to Rome.
Written April 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PatMurff
Ballymoney, UK633 contributions
Mar 2022 • Solo
This wonderful basilica is well worth a visit. The chains after which it is named are traditionally believed to be the chains that bound St. Peter during his incarceration in Jerusalem. Peter walked free from prison on that occasion. Legend says that when the chains were compared with those that bound him during his final incarceration in Rome, the chains fused together, and those chains are said to be the ones on display here.
For art and history buffs perhaps the highlight of this lovely church will be the statue of Moses by Michelangelo. Only in Rome can you find such a masterpiece in a fairly insignificant church. It was originally intended as part of the tomb of Pope Julius the second.
This is only one of many tombs and monuments in this church which is certainly worth visiting if you are in Rome.
For art and history buffs perhaps the highlight of this lovely church will be the statue of Moses by Michelangelo. Only in Rome can you find such a masterpiece in a fairly insignificant church. It was originally intended as part of the tomb of Pope Julius the second.
This is only one of many tombs and monuments in this church which is certainly worth visiting if you are in Rome.
Written June 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma G
Seattle, WA59 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
I highly recommend fitting this in on your journey to the Colosseum! The church is absolutely breathtaking! The mostly white walls and ceilings along with so much natural light truly highlight the white marble of Michelangelo’s Tomb of Pope Julius II (where you’ll see his famous sculpture of Moses). Walk down a short flight of stairs to see St Peter’s chains. You could easily miss this church as it’s up a hill, but I recommend seeking it out if you have time.
Written May 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
D. Browning Gibson
539 contributions
Oct 2022 • Solo
Unlike many basilicas I've recently visited, this one is not overly filled with art and sculpture and tombs (though it does have each of these and each individual item is worthy of attention and perhaps a photo). Rather than an inundation of stimuli making it impossible to take in any one item, whereupon leaving one struggles to recall the experience in any detail, I trust I will be able to recall both what I saw and my impressions of the basilica and its constituent parts.
(An additional noteworthy aspect that I loved is that only a handful of people were there when I visited just prior to 9 AM, making the cavernous space wondrously empty and accessible. See! Total recall and proof of my point!)
The history of the basilica is very interesting. Constructed in the 5th century over pre-existing structures, it owes its existence to two women, the wife (Eudoxia) and daughter of Emperor Arcadius, both of whom provided funding.
There is an amazing fresco from 1476, produced at the time of a plague; a polychrome marble altar hosts a 7th century mosaic icon of St. Sebastian, he of the Basilica and Catecombs found on the Appian Way heading out of Rome; the Crypt and Altar of the Chains, those supposedly worn by Peter before his crucifixion; and a hulking and stunning Carrara marble tomb of Pope Julius II, with Moses as its centerpiece and sculpted by Michelangelo from 1513 to 1542.
I'm not a religious person and have not been since my adolescence, yet I love great architecture and sculpture. Though the basilica is not much to look at from outside its entrance, twenty stupendous Doric columns greet visitors as they step inside. It's truly a majestic place and worth adding to one's itinerary when in Rome.
(An additional noteworthy aspect that I loved is that only a handful of people were there when I visited just prior to 9 AM, making the cavernous space wondrously empty and accessible. See! Total recall and proof of my point!)
The history of the basilica is very interesting. Constructed in the 5th century over pre-existing structures, it owes its existence to two women, the wife (Eudoxia) and daughter of Emperor Arcadius, both of whom provided funding.
There is an amazing fresco from 1476, produced at the time of a plague; a polychrome marble altar hosts a 7th century mosaic icon of St. Sebastian, he of the Basilica and Catecombs found on the Appian Way heading out of Rome; the Crypt and Altar of the Chains, those supposedly worn by Peter before his crucifixion; and a hulking and stunning Carrara marble tomb of Pope Julius II, with Moses as its centerpiece and sculpted by Michelangelo from 1513 to 1542.
I'm not a religious person and have not been since my adolescence, yet I love great architecture and sculpture. Though the basilica is not much to look at from outside its entrance, twenty stupendous Doric columns greet visitors as they step inside. It's truly a majestic place and worth adding to one's itinerary when in Rome.
Written October 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill A
Spring Lake, NJ587 contributions
Dec 2021
One of the most wonderful things about the city of Rome, is that there are some many masterpieces available for viewing free of charge. One such masterpiece is Michelangelo's Moses, which is on display at the Basilica of San Pietro in Vincolo. From the outside, the Basilica is very modes looking - you might not even think that it is a church. On the inside, the Basilica is not all that memorable, except for Michelangelo's stunning sculpture of Moses. It is one of his finest sculptures, along with the Pieta, and it can be viewed at no charge. If you're anywhere near the Basilica, it is worth stopping in for a few minutes.
Written January 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tbchick2011
Bradenton, FL197 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
The basilica is near the ancient ruins/coliseum so I recommend anyone visiting Monti to visit. It is free to enter, with no lines or security to worry about. Besides having Michaenlengo's famous Moses sculpture, it has St. Peter's chains and the "potential" bodies of the 7 sons mentioned in Maccabees. Bring Euro coins to donate to certain displays for more information about each relic. It's beautiful but empty, which was a nice break from the crowds.
Written December 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hilary B
Keene, NH21 contributions
Sep 2022 • Friends
Our colosseum tour guide told us about this church which was very close so we walked over and checked it out. There is no charge for entry. It was quite beautiful and interesting. There is a marble tomb masterpiece by Michaelangelo that rivaled anything we saw at the Vatican. There are also the chains that were- apparently- used to imprison St Peter. Couldn’t recommend this side stop more. And best of all- it’s free!
Written September 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wyn R
7 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Michelangelo’s statute of Moses was incredible. I have read about and seen pictures Pope Julius’ tomb (though he is not actually buried there). But you cannot get the scale and magnificence of this work until you see it in person. Worth a visit while on Rome.
Written June 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anita D
Decatur, AL430 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
1/2/20 Michelangelo’s Moses is in this church. Beautiful. Remember it was supposed to be up 12’ on 2nd tier. Items are exaggerated such as neck and shoulders due to that. Stunning! Check times it is open-they close around lunch every day. You must go see this beautiful church and the Moses sculpture.
Written February 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda Evans
West Memphis, AR422 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
We saw this church from the outside but did not have time to go in. When we return to Rome, we will definitely be visiting this church again and make time to go inside. Always remember to keep a Shaw with you just in case you need it to enter a church!
Written September 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there any place to store luggage? We will be going straight from train station and before we check in to our lodging. Thank you.
Written May 26, 2019
This is not a large church compared to others and it is not easily accessed by the long stairway from Via Cavour (your direct walking route from Termini Station), so try to drop off bags at your hotel first.
Written May 26, 2019
Does anyone know the hours during Holy Week? Thank you.
Written April 11, 2019
Call first to make sure. Some churches don’t even allow people in during Easter services.
Written April 11, 2019
Does anyone know the hours during Holy Week? Thank you.
Written April 11, 2019
No I’m sorry i don’t.
Written April 11, 2019
Hola MAnuel, hay que reservar para ver el Moisés, o se va directamente?
Written September 15, 2018
Se ve directamente
Written September 18, 2018
Is there a charrge to enter the church or can we just a donation.Thank you
Written March 3, 2018
There was no charge when I was there. It's a gorgeous church add to your list. You could make a donation but no charge.
Written March 16, 2018
According to the tradition Elia Eudocia, mother of Eudossia, during a trip to Palestine in 442, you/he/she would have received from Giovenale Patriarca in Jerusalem as a gift, the chains that would have bound St. Pietro during the imprisonment, suffered in Jerusalem for order of Erode Agrippa. Elia Eudocia, his/her daughter Licinia Eudossia entrusted to bring her to Rome.
In 432 it was chosen Pope Leo I, the tradition of the Church it tells that Licinia Eudossia showed the chains of Pietro to Leo I, that approached her to those that were of Pietro in the Jail Mamertino. For miracle the two chains were melted in irreversible way.
Written January 30, 2018
I don't know when they are taken out. But I will say that they are very clearly visible through the glass when kneeling in front of the reliquary in which they are housed. (Exact opposite of say, Mary's veil in Assisi, which is "displayed" twice a year. This means they open the doors of the reliquary, and it is still very difficult to see, given the protective screen, the distance at which the public is kept, and the height of the reliquary itself.)
Written January 24, 2018
Hola a todos.Por favor,quisiera saber como llegar del barrio de Pratti,a S.P.in vincoli.Y a sea metro o bus.
gracias ,saludos.
Written September 21, 2017
Hola! Con el metro te bajas en Cavour cruzas la calle y caminando unos metros hacia la izquierda te topas con unas escaleras que te conducen a una plaza por donde se ingresa a la iglesia.Suerte!!
Written September 22, 2017
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