San Pietro in Vincoli – Home of Michelangelo’s Moses and a Forum Connection

#romanforum While San Pietro in Vincoli is best known for housing Michelangelo’s famous Moses statue, it also has ties to the Roman Forum. Located just a short walk from the Forum, this church was built in the 5th century to house the chains that allegedly held Saint Peter when he was imprisoned in the Mamertine Prison, located at the Forum’s edge. These relics make the church a significant stop for those exploring the religious history of ancient Rome. Michelangelo’s Moses, part of the unfinished tomb of Pope Julius II, is an artistic masterpiece that alone makes the visit worthwhile. The church’s connection to Saint Peter’s captivity reinforces the role of the Forum as a center of Roman authority, where early Christians were persecuted before the empire embraced Christianity. For history and art lovers alike, San Pietro in Vincoli is an essential stop after exploring the Forum.