A Virtual Tour of the 

Cathedral of St. Peter in Chains 

The mosaic on the sanctuary's rear wall blends the radiance of gold infused Venetian glass with the strong colors of various marbles and glass. The work of August Wendling of Aachen, Germany, shows a glorious Christ, in Byzantine fashion, seated with one hand raised in blessing. He gives the keys of the Kingdom to a kneeling St. Peter, who is surmounted by the triple papal tiara.

Peter appears twice more: in chains at Jerusalem at the lower left, and imprisoned with Paul in Rome's ancient Mamertine Prison at the lower right. The quotation in the center of the mosaic is from the Acts of the Apostles: "and Peter was kept in prison, bound in chains" (12:5,6).

The title of the Cathedral, St. Peter in Chains, is represented by continuous links of a chain framing the mural as well as in other decorative elements of the cathedral.

The mosaic measures 35 feet high by 40 feet wide. At the time of its installation, it was the largest mosaic in the United States.