Michelangelo's Moses: A Renaissance Masterpiece in Rome

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Discover Michelangelo's Moses, a powerful Renaissance sculpture, and the sacred chains of St. Peter in Rome's historic Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli.

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Mosè di Michelangelo

Located in the Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli, Michelangelo's Moses is a stunning sculpture originally intended for Pope Julius II's tomb. This iconic artwork draws visitors to witness its powerful presence and intricate details, including the famous horns resulting from a mistranslation.

A brief summary to Mosè di Michelangelo

Piazza di San Pietro in Vincoli, 4/A, Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, 00184, IT
Click to display

Monday 8 am-12:30 pm
Tuesday 8 am-12:30 pm
Wednesday 8 am-12:30 pm
Thursday 8 am-12:30 pm
Friday 8 am-12:30 pm
Saturday 8 am-12:30 pm
Sunday 8 am-12:30 pm

Local tips

Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and have a more intimate experience with Michelangelo's Moses.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Colosseum and Roman Forum for a full day of historical exploration.
Take a moment to view the chains of St. Peter, housed under the main altar, a significant relic within the basilica.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli

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Getting There

Walking

From the Colosseum, walk northwest along Via dei Fori Imperiali, then turn right onto Via Cavour. Continue along Via Cavour until you see the staircase of Via San Francesco di Paola on your right. Climb the staircase to Piazza di San Pietro in Vincoli, where the basilica is located. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes. No costs involved.
Public Transport

Take Metro Line B to the Cavour station. From the station, walk a short distance along Via Cavour, then turn onto the staircase of Via San Francesco di Paola. Climb the staircase to Piazza di San Pietro in Vincoli. A single metro ticket costs €1.50 and is valid for 100 minutes.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Rome. A short ride from Termini Station or the Colosseum to Piazza di San Pietro in Vincoli will typically cost between €10-€15, depending on traffic and the specific service.

Discover more about Mosè di Michelangelo

The Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli, or Saint Peter in Chains, is a 5th-century church that houses Michelangelo's Moses, a masterpiece of Renaissance art. Commissioned by Pope Julius II, the Moses was meant to be part of a grand tomb, but the project was never fully realized. Michelangelo sculpted the statue between 1513 and 1515, capturing Moses at the moment he returns from Mount Sinai with the Ten Commandments, only to find the Israelites worshipping a golden calf. The statue is renowned for its incredible detail and lifelike quality. Moses is depicted with horns, a common artistic representation stemming from a mistranslation of the Hebrew word for 'radiating light'. The basilica itself is a beautiful example of early Christian architecture, rebuilt over the centuries. It was initially constructed in the 5th century to house the chains that bound Saint Peter in Jerusalem. These chains are now displayed under the main altar. Inside the basilica, visitors can also admire other works of art, including frescoes and tombs of notable figures. The basilica's architecture features Doric columns and a coffered ceiling, adding to the serene atmosphere. The combination of historical significance and artistic grandeur makes the Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli a must-see destination in Rome.