Come for the chains of St. Peter. Stay to be moved by Michelangelo’s Moses Within the Basilica that holds the chains of St. Peter is also one of the greatest masterpieces of the Renaissance — Michelangelo’s “Moses”, the centerpiece of the monumental tomb of Pope Julius II. Originally envisioned as a massive structure with over 40 figures, the final version of this tomb was scaled down and completed in stages. Still, what remains is nothing short of awe-inspiring. At the heart of it all is Moses, captured in a moment of divine intensity — holding the tablets of the Law, his muscular frame tense, his gaze alive with righteous fury after seeing the Israelites worship the golden calf (Exodus 32). The “horns” on his head are based on a Latin translation of Exodus 34:29, where Moses’ face is said to have “radiated” (translated as “horned”) after encountering God. Above him lie other powerful symbols of strength, virtue, and wisdom — saints, sibyls, and even the Madonna and Child — all unified in a tomb that reminds us not only of death, but of glory and resurrection. In a quiet Roman church, this sculpture speaks volumes: about leadership, holiness, human weakness, and the mysterious majesty of divine calling. Included are a few additional photos of the basilica. The Prison Chains of St. Peter! ⛓️️
Beneath the high altar of the stunning Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in Chains) lie two incredible biblical treasures:

- The chains that once bound St. Peter in prison — but could not hold him, thanks to the miraculous intervention of the Lord!“And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him… and the chains fell off his hands.”— Acts 12:7

- The remains of the seven Maccabean brothers, heroic figures from the Old Testament who gave their lives for fidelity to God’s Law.“We are ready to die rather than transgress the laws of our ancestors.”— 2 Maccabees 7:2To stand before these holy relics — witnesses of both suffering and divine deliverance — was a powerful moment of grace.