Saint Peter in Chains Rome
St. Peter in Chains is within three blocks of the Colosseum. It located on a hill so you will have to climb a little to attain this 5th-century church. Saint Peter is not much to look at from the outside, however the artwork that can be found inside is amazing.
When you arrive at the church it looks quite plain from the outside. Don’t let that stop you from visiting this charming basilica. The church is beautifully decorated with ornate structure, paintings, and sculptures.
Peter was one of twelve apostles selected by Jesus from his first disciples. This church houses the relics of the chains that bound Saint Peter during his persecution by Nero, the sixth emperor of Rome. Saint Peter requested to be crucified upside down, because he saw himself unworthy to be crucified in the same way as Jesus Christ. Seeing the actual chains is quite breathtaking, it is displayed in a glass case beneath the main altar.
St. Peter in Chains is stunning in its lightness. A spacious aisle with white marble fluted Doric columns. In addition there are many frescoes, icons and tombs to admire.
The tomb of Pope Julius II is on the side of the main altar. The entire tomb is magnificent. The center sculpture of Moses, by Michelangelo is a true masterpiece.
Make sure to see the Tomb of Cardinal Cinzio Passeri Aldobrandini. I found it very unusual, it is decorated with scenes of the Grim Reaper.
It is wonderful to see the stunning mosaic of St. Sebastian. While visiting in Saint Peter you can pay 1 euro to turn on the light that illuminates it.
Before leaving St. Peter in Chains you should sit down and take in the spectacular ceiling with the impressive fresco by Parodi. It will leave you awestruck.
You can easily see and enjoy everything at St. Peter in Chains in less than an hour.
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Phone number: +39 06 9784 4952
Address: Piazza di San Pietro in Vincoli, 4/a, 00184 Rome, Italy
Hours: Monday through Sunday, 8:00 am – 12:30 pm, 3:30 – 6:30 pm
Free admission. Not crowded, definitely worth visiting.
Make sure to dress appropriately for church, cover shoulders and avoid short shorts.
