Our capital is almost an open-air museum. There are many in Rome monuments and buildings that boast a centuries-old history, as well as full of events. What was once the driving force of the Empire, today offers breathtaking views: Castel Sant'Angelo, the Colosseum, the Imperial Forums… A lifetime would not be enough to list them all! Many treasures of Rome, then, are hidden in its streets, and we present one to you today. This is the Basilica of Santa Pudenziana, the oldest Christian church in the city.
The Basilica of Santa Pudenziana: a more than remote history ...
According to historical reconstructions, the basilica was built on the remains of the domus of Senator Pudente, buried nine meters below the basilica. The figure of Pudente, like many others, represented one of the happy examples of conversion to Christianity. According to the story, he was converted by the apostle Peter, to whom he had offered hospitality for seven years. In reality, the theories on the dating of the Basilica of Santa Pudenziana are still under discussion. Some clarification in this regard was obtained with the restoration work, dating back to the forties. From these it was deduced that the original structure of the church was part of the Terme di Novato, dating back to around the XNUMXnd century. The conversion of the baths into a church would have taken place at the end of the XNUMXth century, under the pontificate of Siricius.
On the other hand, some more recent studies have ruled out the hypothesis that the building had replaced the baths, since no basins, aquifers and especially basins have ever been found. There have been many alterations to this sacred and evocative place, which over the centuries has seen so many changes that it has retained little of its initial appearance. Still, the body of the basilica is largely born from restorations dating back to the sixteenth century. At the end of the 1588th century, the structure was transformed into a church with a portico. The bell tower was added in the XNUMXth century, and the restoration works were completed in XNUMX. These led to the demolition of the portico by removing the medieval choir, and giving rise to some pillars to better support the columns.
The Basilica and its mosaic, a feast for the eyes at the roots of Christianity
The peculiarity of the Basilica of Santa Pudenziana perhaps lies not so much in its external appearance, but in the beauty of his mosaic. It is located in the apse, and depicts Christ surrounded by the apostles. Unfortunately a part of this fantastic find was destroyed during the renovations by Francesco Capriani, in fact the part of the lower area is still visibly compromised. Beyond the obstacles caused by the inexorable passage of time, the mosaic is still today a source of study and imperishable charm. Next to the figure of Jesus, there are two women who offer him crowns. Most likely these women would fit Santa Pudenziana and Santa Prassede, daughters of Pudente.
Behind it is a city, almost certainly Jerusalem. Finally, it appears rather difficult to attribute a meaning to the different and disparate iconographic elements of the mosaic. According to an accredited theory, the setting of the work would convey the figure of Christ as philosopher or teacher. The one who made this splendid mosaic was certainly linked to the cultural circles of San Girolamo. This is evident from the use of the symbol of Tetramorph, which also appears in St. Jerome's commentary on Origen, who in turn commented on Ezekiel's prophecy. The Basilica of Santa Pudenziana constitutes a little hidden treasure effigy of spirituality, as well as of art and culture!
