Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Sebastian Bergmann

The church was built on the site, where according to legend, was St. Peter sentenced to death, 400 years before. At that time, the Emperor Nero, persecuted all Christians. The people started to build a church originally only as a place where they could store “Vincoli” – the chains that St. Peter was bound with in Jerusalem.

But much more attractive relics in the church is a monumental statue of Moses situated at the end of the right side of the aisle. Michelangelo was supposed to create a total of 42 sculptures for the tomb of Pope Claire II., but finally only one statue was completed. The pope gave Michelangelo also another work in the Sistine Chapel, so he didn’t have much time to complete his tomb. After his death, no one had an interest in wasting money for the celebration, so Michelangelo decided to create at least the first sculpture as a powerful and soulful figure of Moses. And this is how one of Michelangelo’s greatest masterpieces grew up.

View San Pietro in Vincoli – home of Michelangelo’s statue of Moses Rome, Italy in a larger map

Basilica San Pietro in Vincoli is located in the centre of Rome, just few steps from Colosseum. Walk up the hill towards the park and you are there. However this church is not in every city guide, you certainly should not miss this great piece of art. If you will be stressed from all those crowds, this is the best place you can relax.

View San Pietro in Vincoli – home of Michelangelo’s statue of Moses Rome, Italy in a larger map

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While Emperor Constantine had given the area to Pope Miltiades back in 313 A.D., the establishment of the city did not occur until 1929 with the signing of the Lateran Treaty. The area which today comprises of the Vatican City has been the home of the popes since 1377. Previously, the popes had lived in Avignon.

St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City / Photo by admin

The Mediterranean climate means that during the summer months, the weather is dry and hot around the Vatican City. In the winter months however, there is a regular presence of rain. Because of the size of the St Peter’s Basilica, a hazy mist regularly forms around the city throughout the year.

Situated along the western banks of the Tiber River, the first walls built around the Vatican City were done so by order of Leo IV between 847 and 855. However, these walls would later be expanded in 1534 by Paul III, again in 1559 by Pius IV. The current fortified walls surrounding the Vatican City were built between 1623 and 1644 by order of Urban VIII.

Today, a white line runs through the middle of St. Peter’s Square which is used to distinguish the Vatican City borders with Rome. There are also a number of other famous landmarks in Rome which are designated as part of the Holy See, but are not part of the Vatican City; the most notable of which is the Castel Gandolfo and several major basilicas which are scattered throughout the city of Rome.

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