The Basilica of Santa Pudenziana is one of the oldest churches in Rome. It is located in the Via Urbana in the fashionable Monti district. It is built on top of the domus of a senator called Pudens, who was converted to Christianity by St. Peter himself.
Santa Pudenziana Church Rome
Address, opening hours and admission
The address of the Chiesa di Santa Pudenziana is Via Urbana, 160 – 00184 Rome (tel. +39 064814622). District: Monti. Metro: Termini (lijn A, B), Cavour (lijn B). Opening hours: 08.30 to 12.00 and 15.00 to 18.00 hours. Admission: Free.
History and description
According to legend it was constructed by Pius I, at the site where the house of Senator Pudente used to be found. It was a token of recognition for the Senator, after he had shown hospitality to Saint Peter in his house. The domus is located 9 metres below the present basilica.
Saint Pudenziana never existed: Just like Prassede, who also gave her name to a Roman church, she was not a saint but just one of Mr. Pudente‘s daughters.
The Chiesa di Santa Pudenziana is the national church of the Philippines in Rome.
Its most interesting aspects are the 19th century facade and the elegant 14th century mosaics that embellish its interior. The Romanesque bell-tower was built in the 13th century.
Santa Pudenziana initially consisted of 3 naves, but in 1588 the architect Francesco da Volterra‘s reconstruction changed this to one single nave.