Located on the top of the Esquilino hill in Rome, it is one of the four papal basilicas of Rome. It is the only one that has preserved the original early Christian structure, with later additions. It is considered the oldest and most important Marian shrine in the West.

Also known as Eudoxana basilica. This was built in the 5th century by Licinia Eudoxia, daughter of Theodosius II, Emperor of the East. His mother, Elijah Eudocia, was given by Juvenal, the Patriarch of Jerusalem, the chains that had bound Saint Peter during his captivity in Jerusalem. The basilica's name comes from the chains that are preserved under the high altar, which translate to the Latin term 'vincula' and are visible to the faithful on August 1st every year.