This church is a little off the beaten track but has incredible fourth century mosaics, some of the earliest in Rome. It is tucked on a side street close to Santa Maria Maggiore, and is below street level and is quite small and quiet with a pleasant courtyard. However how the church became called Santa Pudenziana is a mystery with the story of a woman called Pudenziana - with the Roman Catholic church rejecting that Pudenziana existed and declaring her invalid, though the church retained the name.

One alternate story is that it is a derivation from Pudens who is mentioned in the New Testament as a Christina in Rome and that he lived in this area of Rome, but that this connection was later lost and a woman holding the name Pudenziana was created as explanation. Despite all the confusion, the mosaic in the apse is beautiful, with Jesus and disciples sitting in a what could be described as a Roman setting and in Roman dress. However, later renovation lead to two of the apostles being knocked off one at each side. There are several other paintings that are much later in date but they pale in comparison to the mosaic. If you are visiting Santa Maria Maggiore, take a few minutes and walk across the way to visit this church as the mosaic is exquisite. Entrance to the church is free.