The chains of Peter: San Pietro extra moenia in Spoleto, Italy

The chains of Peter: San Pietro extra moenia in Spoleto, Italy

In a hill outside Spoleto lies San Pietro extra moenia, a Roman Catholic church dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. It stands out for its remarkable Romanesque sculpture and for its connection to an ancient relic.

San Pietro extra moenia is an ancient Roman Catholic church in Spoleto, Umbria, Italy. Originally, the site was a necropolis, but a church dedicated to Saint Peter was founded here in the 5th - 6th centuries to house the chains that were believed to have once bound the saint. The present structure was constructed between the 12th and 13th centuries. Its richly decorated façade features ornamental figures, animals, and sculpted reliefs. Some scenes depict events from the life of Saint Peter, while others illustrate moral tales, such as a deer battling a snake. San Pietro extra moenia is a remarkable example of Romanesque architecture, with its decorative facade and connection to an ancient relic.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons

Written by Nicolo Ciampini

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