When Pope Julius II envisioned his tomb more than 500 years ago, he commissioned Michelangelo to build a monumental structure featuring dozens of marble sculptures. The over-the-top mausoleum was meant to stand in St Peter’s Basilica, but plans fell through and the project was scaled down dramatically. Ultimately, only a handful of statues were completed and the tomb was destined for the right transept of San Pietro in Vincoli (St Peter in Chains). Today, Michelangelo’s striking sculpture of Moses appears in a lifelike rendering, flanked by Old Testament women Leah and Rachel. Beneath the main altar are the church’s relics, a set of chains that reputedly bound St Peter in Rome and in Jerusalem; they give the church its unique name. Admission to the church is free, but bring a few coins to illuminate Michelangelo’s tomb.
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Michelangelo's Magnificent Moses
When Pope Julius II envisioned his tomb more than 500 years ago, he commissioned Michelangelo to build a monumental structure featuring dozens of marble sculptures. The over-the-top mausoleum was meant to stand in St Peter’s Basilica, but plans fell through and the project was scaled down dramatically. Ultimately, only a handful of statues were completed and the tomb was destined for the right transept of San Pietro in Vincoli (St Peter in Chains). Today, Michelangelo’s striking sculpture of Moses appears in a lifelike rendering, flanked by Old Testament women Leah and Rachel. Beneath the main altar are the church’s relics, a set of chains that reputedly bound St Peter in Rome and in Jerusalem; they give the church its unique name. Admission to the church is free, but bring a few coins to illuminate Michelangelo’s tomb.
Michelangelo's "Moses"
“Moses” by Michelangelo which is in the church of San Pietro in Vincoli - Rome. Fantastic experience. No lines, no tickets, no reservation to see this masterpiece of Michelangelo. Michelangelo had a special connection with Moses and he felt it was his most lifelike creation. He supposedly hit the right knee of the sculpture demanding Moses speak. The “scar” on his knee can be seen and is thought to be that of Michelangelo ‘s hammer.