ARCHITECT, Italian
(active 4th century in Rome)

Exterior view

390s
Photo
Santa Pudenziana, Rome

The 4th-century basilica was originally built by Pope Pius I (reg c. 140–c. 155) in AD 145 over the former residence of the Roman senator Pudens, allegedly to honour St Peter who had stayed there sometime in the 1st century. The church was dedicated to St Pudentiana, daughter of Pudens.

Significant building took place under Pope Siricius (reg 384–99); he reused part of the original bath complex, which forms the core of the present church. In the nave, seven arcades of Roman columns are part of the original structure. The apse mosaic dates from 390 and depicts an early figural representation of Christ. He sits on a throne flanked by apostles dressed as Roman Senators and personifications of Ecclesia and Synagoga. Above these figures is a jewelled cross flanked by the earliest known representations of the animal emblems of the Evangelists, and buildings representing Jerusalem and Golgotha.

The church is situated below street level with steps leading down to a courtyard in front of the entrance. The architrave over the entrance bears a portion of marble frieze that belonged to an 11th-century portal. A Romanesque bell-tower was added in the 13th century. The many chapels include the chapel of St Peter, the Caetani Chapel, and the chapel of the Crucifix, and were rebuilt and redecorated several times, notably in 1588 under the supervision of Francesco da Volterra. The façade and courtyard were rebuilt with additions in the 19th century. The basilica is considered one of the oldest places of worship in Rome.

The photo shows the façade of the church.

View the ground plan of the building.