The church was first built in the 5th century to house the chains that bound Saint Peter when he was imprisoned in Jerusalem. The chains are now kept in a reliquary under the main alter in the basilica. The most famous part of the church is not the chain but the statue of Moses, crafted by Michelangelo. If you look carefully at the carved knee, you will see cracks in the marble. Legend has it that Michelangelo believed his sculpture was so accurate that he asked God to bring Moses to life before his eyes. When nothing happened, the temperamental artist slammed a hammer on Moses' knee so it was no longer perfect and wouldn't upset him.
