Years ago I looked at this church with skepticism. Chains that held St. Peter– really!

However, i've modified my judgment. Archeologists think the Roman Prefecture, where criminals were brought to justice in ancient times, stood just across the piazza from this church. One of Rome’s prisons must have been close by. Executions by beheading or strangulation also took place not far from here.

So this place marks the spot where Christians, along with many others, were held in jail, judged and executed by a Roman justice that was swift and cruel.

Maybe these chains–perhaps from the ancient jail–did hold Peter and countless others after all?

This church, honoring Peter the Apostle, also honors others killed in the persecution of Christians by Nero around 66 AD.

The video tells the story.
For further information about the church, see cptryon.org/compassion/sum00/martyrs.html