List of oldest church buildings explained

This article lists some but by no means all of the oldest known church buildings in the world. In most instances, buildings listed here were reconstructed numerous times and only fragments of the original buildings have survived. These surviving freestanding buildings were purposely constructed for use by congregations (or used at an early date). The dates are the approximate dates when they were built and/or reconstructed and/or first used by Christian congregations for worship.

The term church may be used in the sense of "Christian denomination" or in the singular as the Christian Church as a whole. The "church" (Greek, 'assembly') is traced to Pentecost and the beginning of the Christian mission in the first century and was not used in reference to a building.

According to the Catholic Encyclopedia the Cenacle (the site of the Last Supper) in Jerusalem was the "first Christian church."[1] The Dura-Europos church in Syria is the oldest surviving church building in the world, while the archaeological remains of both the Aqaba Church and the Megiddo church have been considered to be the world's oldest known purpose-built church, erected in the Roman Empire's administrative Diocese of the East in the 3rd century. Several authors have cited the Etchmiadzin Cathedral (Armenia's mother church) as the oldest cathedral.[2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]

St. Thaddeus Monastery or Qara Kelisa[8] (meaning 'black church') in Chaldoran County, Iran is also noted by UNESCO World Heritage Centre as relating to 66 AD: "According to Armenian tradition such a location was chosen because saint Thaddeus built the earliest church—parts of which are still believed to be in place as the base of the old section—upon the ruins of the temple."[9] In 66 AD, he as one of the Apostles and SanDokht (the daughter of the King or daughter of Abbot Simeon) and other Thaddeus' devotees were tortured and executed by Armenia's King Sanatrouk or Sanadruk.[9] [10] [11]

Early Christianity to Late Antiquity

See also: Eastern Orthodox Church.

Church buildings of the 1st to 4th centuries (AD30400), either excavated archaeologically or substantially preserved.

Africa

BuildingImageLocationCountryOldest part DenominationNotes
Monastery of Saint AnthonyEastern DesertEgyptdata-sort-value="356" 356 Partially destroyed in the 11th century and rebuilt; very little of the original structure remains.
Monastery of ParomeosWadi El NatrunEgyptdata-sort-value="335" 335 Built by St. Macarius the Great, its name (Pa-Romeos) which in Coptic means "The Romans" is thought to refer to his two Roman disciples Saints Maximus and Domitius sons of the Roman Emperor Valentinian II. The Monastery flourished during the Middle Ages and continues to be a major monastery within Egypt.
Monastery of Saint Macarius the GreatWadi El NatrunEgyptdata-sort-value="360" 360 Built by St. Macarius the Great, Who was a father for more than 4000 Monks of different Nationalities. It has been continually inhabited since its construction and has experienced renovation and expansion in the 20th century.
Debre SinaAnsebaEritreadata-sort-value="382" <383It was the site of the first Holy Communion prepared in the Eritrean Orthodox Church, by the 4th-century bishop Aba Salama.[12]
Monastery of Saint PishoyWadi El NatrunEgyptdata-sort-value="301" 4th century Built by St Pishoy, his body was moved to the monastery on December 13 in 841 AD. The Monastery contains five Churches and a Keep, constructed in the 5th century AD, for protection against Berber raids. The Monastery has been raided several times by the Berbers throughout the ages, the most famous incident is when forty of the Monasteries elders were martyred and thrown in a neighboring well, consequently called "The Well of Martyrs".
Monastery of Saint Mary DeiparaWadi El NatrunEgyptdata-sort-value="301" 4th century Most commonly known as "Syrian Monastery". Some sources claim that Monks had lived there since the 4th century, but it is most commonly believed that it Was established in the 6th century by monks from the Monastery of St. Pishoy who rejected the Julian Heresy, which claimed that Christ was incorruptible. As a result, they abandoned the Monastery and established a new one which they named after the Theotokos, to emphasize that they believed in Christ's humanity and corruptibility. The Monastery was bought by Syrian Merchants in the eighth century and inhabited by Syrian Monks.
Abu Mena Basilica and ComplexAlexandriaEgyptdata-sort-value="265" late 3rd century Built near the place at which the Body of St. Mina the Martyr was buried, the Basilica was ordered to be built by Emperor Zenon after the Saint healed his leper daughter. A Monastic community and a city eventually sprang up near the Basilica and it became a famous site of pilgrimage. Terracotta pots with the image of the Saint and spices from his body have been found all throughout the Roman Empire and as far north as Germany. The City complex and Basilica as well as the Monastery were sacked and destroyed in the 7th century by the Arab invaders. The ruins are currently a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Monastery of Saint John the ShortWadi El NatrunEgyptdata-sort-value="301" 4th century Built by Saint John around his "Tree of Obedience". The Monastery remained open until the 17th century when it was finally abandoned. Originally the body of St. John was in a Church near modern-day Suez, Egypt, but his disciples moved it to the monastery in 515 AD.
Monastery of Saint Moses the StrongWadi El NatrunEgyptdata-sort-value="301" 4th century Built by Saint Moses the Strong, who is called the Apostle of Peace. St. Moses was an Outlaw who repented and became a Monk in Sketes. As he progressed in age he became a father unto many, some of whom were criminals following his example. He was ordained a Priest and built a Chapel and a small monastic community around it. In 405 AD St. Moses heard news that the Monastery was going to be sacked, his disciples wanted to pick up arms and defend their home, however he urged them to either stand as Martyrs with him or escape to neighboring monastic communities. He and 7 others remained in the Church as it was sacked. Later some of his disciples returned and took his body, and the 7 others, with them to Paramous, where they lay today. The Monastery has remained desolate to this day.
Church of Our Lady Mary of ZionAxumEthiopiadata-sort-value="301" 4th century Originally built in the 4th century, it has been rebuilt several times, most recently in the 17th century during the reign of Emperor Fasilides.
Beta SamatiBeta Samati, near Edaga Rebua, MezbirKingdom of Aksum, Ethiopiadata-sort-value="301" 4th century Originally built in the 4th century, the church may be the oldest known from sub-Saharan Africa.[13] [14]

Asia

BuildingImageLocationCountryOldest part DenominationNotes
Monastery of Saint ThaddeusChaldoran CountyIrandata-sort-value="265" In Armenian sources, it is said that this church was built in 66 AD. Another source mentions the construction of this building in 239 AD by Saint Gregory the IlluminatorNo archaeological evidence confirms the 3rd century date. During the repetitive wars in Iranian history, the building has been repaired and restored multiple times.
Dura-Europos churchDura-EuroposSyriadata-sort-value="241" [15] House church. Several walls still standing, oldest images of Jesus discovered within the surviving frescoes of the large baptistry room. Fragments of parchment scrolls with Hebrew texts unearthed containing Christian Eucharistic prayers closely connected with the prayers in the Didache.[16]
Megiddo churchLegio near Tel MegiddoIsraeldata-sort-value="265" late 3rd century[17] Early ChurchRuins discovered on prison grounds in 2005, possibly oldest building constructed as a church ever discovered. It retains mosaic floor decoration with Christian motifs – possibly the oldest building with this feature.[18]
Aqaba ChurchAqabaJordandata-sort-value="299" late 3rd-early 4th century[19] Early ChurchEarly ChurchRuins uncovered in 1988; Remains of an early basilica.[20] Considered to be the world's first purpose-built church.[21]
Etchmiadzin CathedralVagharshapatArmeniadata-sort-value="301" 301 (tradition); current church: 483–484Armenian Apostolic ChurchAccording to scholars it was the first cathedral of the world (but not the first church) built in ancient Armenia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mar Sarkis MonasteryMa'loulaSyriadata-sort-value="301" 4th centurySyriac CatholicBuilt in the 4th century on the remains of a pagan temple, it likely predates the Council of Nicea (325 AD) as evidenced by the fact that it has a round altar, which was prohibited at the Council.[22] The monastery suffered extensive damage and desecration in the Syrian Civil War.[23]
Hagia Sophia, İznikİznikTurkeydata-sort-value="325" 325; current structure from 1065;Early Christian church; now Orhan Mosque;It was built in Nicaea as a Byzantine-era basilican church.[24]
Cathedral of Saints Constantine and HelenYabroudSyriadata-sort-value="326" 326Greek Melkite CatholicOriginally built as a pagan temple dedicated to Baalshamin during the first millennium BC, it was converted to a church when Saint Helen passed through the city on her way back to Rome from Jerusalem. The church was damaged during the Syrian Civil War.[25]
Church of the Holy SepulchreJerusalemIsrael, Palestinedata-sort-value="335"335SimultaneumOriginally completed in 335, the building suffered extensive damage and was almost completely destroyed in 1009. The church was rebuilt in 1048.
Church of the NativityBethlehemPalestinedata-sort-value="339" 339SimultaneumIt was commissioned in 327 by Constantine and his mother Helena over the site that was traditionally considered to be located over the cave that marks the birthplace of Jesus. The original basilica was completed in 339.
Mar Mattai MonasteryMount AlfafIraqdata-sort-value="363" 363Syriac OrthodoxExtensively rebuilt over the years with the earliest portions built during the 4th century.
Yererouk BasilicaYereroukArmeniadata-sort-value="302" 4th or 5th centuryArmenian ApostolicOriginal building retains many ancient features.
Kasagh BasilicaAparanArmeniadata-sort-value="302" 4th or 5th centuryArmenian ApostolicOriginal building retains many ancient features.
Mor Gabriel MonasteryMidyatTurkeydata-sort-value="397" 397Syriac OrthodoxBuilt on the ruins of an old Assyrian temple, the property is now currently subject to a dispute between the Turkish government and the church.
Jubail ChurchAl-JubailSaudi Arabiadata-sort-value="301" 4th centuryChurch of the EastThe government hides it from locals and bans foreigners from openly visiting it – even archaeologists.[26]
Church of Saint PeterAntioch (Antakya)Turkeydata-sort-value="302" 4th or 5th centuryGreek Orthodox Church of AntiochCave church used by very first Christians of Antioch, where Saint Peter presided as bishop. Known by its original Aramaic name of Knisset Mar Semaan Kefa. Extensively reconstructed, with oldest surviving elements from 4th or 5th century.[27]

Europe

BuildingImageLocationCountryOldest structure part Current main structureYear consecratedDenominationNotes
Temple of Augustus and Livia120px|centerVienneFrancedata-sort-value="-25" First stage during the last quarter of the 1st century BC, reconstruction 1st Century before year 42Before year 42Beginning of the 6th centuryRoman CatholicBuilt in the 1st Century as a temple in honor of Augustus and Livia, it became a Christian Church probably at the beginning of the 6th Century. After 1200 years as Sainte-Marie-la-Vieille, it was converted into a Temple of Reason in 1792 by the French Revolution, then a Court in 1795, and finally a Museum from 1822 to 1852. From 1852 to 1880, it was restored to its first appearance.
Pantheon, RomeRomeItalydata-sort-value="125" 125125609Roman CatholicFormer Roman temple and, since 609 AD, a Catholic church (Basilica di Santa Maria ad Martyres or Basilica of St. Mary and the Martyrs)
Catacomb of CallixtusRomeItalydata-sort-value="218" c.218 - c.222c.218 - c.222c.218 - c.222Early ChristianBuild by Pope Callixtus I, also called Callistus I, the bishop of Rome (according to Sextus Julius Africanus)
Cathedral of Saint DomniusSplitCroatiadata-sort-value="295" 295–305295-305641Roman CatholicBuilt 295–305 as the Mausoleum of emperor Diocletian, is the second oldest structure used by any Christian Cathedral. It is regarded as the oldest Catholic cathedral in the world that remains in use in its original structure, without near-complete renovation at a later date.
Rotunda of Saint GeorgeThessalonikiGreecedata-sort-value="306" 3063064th centuryGreek OrthodoxBuilt as an imperial mausoleum or temple, currently a museum, with church access for various festivities.
Santi Cosma e DamianoRomeItalydata-sort-value="309" Roman CatholicOccupies the former space of the Temple of Romulus in the Roman Forum.
Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran (few remains of the original structure)RomeItalydata-sort-value="313" Roman CatholicOldest Christian basilica. Was founded after a donation of Constantine the Great to Pope Miltiades, right after the Edict of Milan.
Panagia EkatontapilianiParikiaGreecedata-sort-value="326" 326Greek OrthodoxPanagia Ekatontapyliani (also known as the Church of 100 Doors) is a historic Byzantine church complex.
Stavrovouni MonasteryLarnacaCyprusdata-sort-value="327" 327–329[28] Greek OrthodoxIt was founded by Saint Helena the mother of the Byzantine Emperor Constantine the Great at the place where after a miracle she found the lost Holy Cross on her way back from her pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Saint Helena went on the pilgrimage after the First Ecumenical Synod in Nicaea (325). The monastery has a piece of the Holy Cross left there by Saint Helena.
St. Peter's Basilica (few remains of the original structure)Vatican CityVatican City Statedata-sort-value="333" 3331635333Roman CatholicLargest church in the world and the seat of Roman Catholicism, the current church (1635) is built on the site of the original basilica and the grave of St. Peter (who was martyred in Rome).[29] The actual grave is visible in excavations under the church. The original floor and columns are visible in a space under the 17th-century floor.
Rotonda of Saint George churchSofiaBulgariadata-sort-value="306" 4th century during the reign of Constantine the Great (306–337)306–3374th century as baptisteryBuilt by the Romans with many later additions, Saint George is the oldest building in Sofia and Bulgaria and it is dating from the Roman era. Still a functioning church.[30]
Santa Maria in Trastevere (wall structure and floors from the original structure)RomeItalydata-sort-value="340" 340340Roman CatholicThe first sanctuary was built in 221 and 227 by Pope Callixtus I and later completed by Julius I, but the oldest parts of the present church, the wall structure and floors, date from 340 AD[31] [32]
Cathedral of Trier (few remains of the original structure)TrierGermanydata-sort-value="340" 340 11th - 12th centuries340Roman CatholicOldest cathedral in Germany, and still in use today. Its construction was overseen by Bishop Maximin of Trier, the construction of the grandest ensemble of ecclesiastical structures in the West outside Rome. A few 4th-century elements remain in a mainly Romanesque building.
Hagia Sophia (later additions)IstanbulTurkeydata-sort-value="360" 360; current structure build 532-537;537537-1453Greek Orthodox For almost 1,000 years it was the largest church in Christendom, the main center of worship for the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the jewel of Constantinople. In 1453, it was captured and converted into a mosque, becoming a museum in 1932 under Atatürk. In July 2020, it was turned into a mosque again.[33]
Great Basilica, Plovdiv (ruins and mosaics)PlovdivBulgariamid-4th centurymid-4th centurymid-4th centuryEarly Christian Bishop's BasilicaAncient church from the ancient city of Philippopolis[34] It is the largest late antique early-Christian church discovered in Bulgaria and one of the largest from that period on the Balkans. The most interesting findings at the basilica are the mosaics that covered the floor. They spread across an area of nearly revealing extremely interesting motives.
Basilica di San Simpliciano (few remains of the original structure)MilanItalydata-sort-value="374" -40012th - 13th centuriesc.374-400Roman CatholicExterior walls are original from the late 4th century. Roman basilica windows as in Cathedral of Trier are still visible on the flanks of the basilica.
Basilica of Sant'AmbrogioMilanItalydata-sort-value="379" 379379379Roman CatholicOne of the most ancient churches in Milan, it was commissioned by St. Ambrose in 379–386, in an area where numerous martyrs of the Roman persecutions had been buried. The first name of the church was in fact Basilica Martyrum.
Basilica of Saint-Pierre-aux-NonnainsMetzFrancedata-sort-value="380" 3803807th centuryRoman CatholicOriginally built to be part of a Roman spa complex, the structure was converted into use as a church in the 7th century when it became the chapel of a Benedictine monastery.
San Nazaro in BroloMilanItalydata-sort-value="382" Roman CatholicOne of the earliest Latin cross buildings in western Europe; retains few ancient features.[35]
San Paolo fuori le mura (complete reconstruction)RomeItalydata-sort-value="386" 386 Roman CatholicOne of the four major Constantinian basilicas in Rome, and the only one to retain its antique character, the basilica was heavily damaged by an 1823 fire. It was rebuilt true to form, however, so it remains one of the best "preserved" Constantinian basilicas in the Roman world. All that remain of the ancient basilica are the interior portions of the apse and the triumphal arch.[36]
Santi Giovanni e PaoloRomeItalydata-sort-value="398" 398 Roman CatholicA 4th-century basilica was erected on the site of one of the most well-preserved "house churches" of early Christianity (dating from the 1st, 2nd or 3rd century), with intact fresco decoration.[37] The houses are part of a museum currently, but the basilica still functions as a church.
Lullingstone Roman VillaEynsford, KentEnglanddata-sort-value="301" 4th centuryEarly ChristianRoom in a large Roman villa turned into a Christian chapel or house church, with wall-paintings surviving (Chi-Rho, largely restored, illustrated)
Basilica di Sant'Eustorgio ruinsMilanItalydata-sort-value="301" Roman CatholicSome ruins remain of the apse of the ancient basilica.
Aula Palatina (Konstantinbasilika)TrierGermanydata-sort-value="301" 4th century A Roman palace basilica that was built by the Emperor Constantine at the beginning of the 4th century. The basilica contains the largest extant hall from antiquity. The church was converted to Protestant use from its original Roman Catholic use in 1856.[38]
Santi Nereo e AchilleoRomeItalydata-sort-value="301" 4th century (before 336)15th centurybefore 336Roman CatholicAdjoins the Baths of Caracalla at the site where St. Peter is said to have dropped the cloth covering his wounds upon his removal from the Mamertine Prison. First referenced in 336, a 15th-century basilica sits on its original site; only the columns are original.[39]
Santa PudenzianaRomeItalydata-sort-value="301" 4th century15884th centuryRoman CatholicRetains original and unique late Roman mosaic decoration.[40]
San Clemente al LateranoRomeItalydata-sort-value="301" 4th centurybefore 11004th century Roman CatholicThe present basilica was built just before the year 1100, but beneath it is an intact 4th-century basilica that had been converted out of the home of a Roman nobleman, part of which had in the 1st century briefly served as an early church. This ancient basilica retains fresco decoration (see image). The basement the house had in the 2nd century briefly served as a mithraeum. The home of the Roman nobleman had been built on the foundations of a republican era building that had been destroyed in the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD.
Santa CostanzaRomeItalydata-sort-value="301" 4th centuryRoman CatholicBuilt under Constantine as a mausoleum for his daughter, Costanza. Retains many original mosaic decorations, and her porphyry sarcophagus is a gem of the Vatican Museum.
Santi Quattro CoronatiRomeItalydata-sort-value="301" 4th centuryRoman CatholicSanctuary is located in an isolated green area of Rome, so it retains the ambience of the area in antiquity.
Chora Church (few remains of the original structure)IstanbulTurkeydata-sort-value="301" early 4th century 1077–1081early 4th century Very little remains of the 4th-century structure, the majority of the fabric of the current building dates from 1077–1081 and it contains impressive 13th-century mosaic decoration. It was converted to a mosque in 1501 and has been a museum since the time of Atatürk.[41]
Hagia IreneIstanbulTurkeydata-sort-value="301" First structure from the 4th century; restoration from 549549 and 741-7754th century Eastern Orthodox Now a museum and concert hall (due to its excellent acoustics). Its excellent state of preservation is due to the fact that it lies inside the Ottoman palace complex (Topkapı Palace).[42]
Saint Sofia ChurchSofiaBulgariadata-sort-value="301" 4th century (few remains of the original structure), actual building is from 6th century during the reign of Justinian I (527–565)527-5654th centuryEarly Christian; now Bulgarian Orthodox;The church was built near the Amphitheatre of Serdica. In 343 in the building took place the Council of Serdica that was attended by 316 bishops. The current building is from the 6th century.
Basilica of St. George in Sostra (in ruins)Sostra ancient Roman fort and settlement of Sostra.[43] Bulgariadata-sort-value="301" 4th century4th century 4th century Early ChristianThe city and the church were completely destroyed by the Huns at the end of the 5th century.
Hagios DemetriosThessalonikiGreecedata-sort-value="301" 4th centuryafter 629-6344th century Greek OrthodoxMain sanctuary dedicated to Saint Demetrius, the patron saint of Thessaloniki (in Central Macedonia, Greece), dating from a time when it was the second largest city of the Byzantine Empire. Since 1988, it has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a part of the site Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki.[44]
Hagia Sophia, ThessalonikiThessalonikiGreecedata-sort-value="301" 4th century7th century (after 620)4th century Greek OrthodoxWith its current structure dating from the 7th century, it is one of the oldest churches in the city still standing today. Because of its outstanding Byzantine art and architecture, in addition to its importance in early Christianity, it is one of several monuments in Thessaloniki listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.
Basilica di San Lorenzo (rebuilt several times over the centuries)MilanItalydata-sort-value="364" 364-402Roman Catholic When built, it was the biggest circular church building standing. It was an inspiration for the current structure of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. Few ancient features remain.

Late Antiquity to Early Middle Ages

See also: Decline of Hellenistic paganism, State church of the Roman Empire, History of late ancient Christianity, Christianization, Christianization of England, Germanic Christianity and Baptism of Rus.

Church buildings dating to between the 5th and 10th centuries (AD400900).

Africa

BuildingImageLocationCountryOldest Part DenominationNotes
Saint Catherine's MonasterySinai PeninsulaEgyptAD 548Greek OrthodoxBuilt by Emperor Justinian surrounding St. Helen's Chapel of the Burning Bush. One of the Monasteries was converted into a Mosque by the Fatimid Caliphs in the 10th century and remained in popular use till the 13th century. The Mosque was restored in the 20th century and continues to be used in special occasions.
Monastery of Saint Paul the AnchoriteEastern DesertEgyptAD 560Coptic OrthodoxPartially destroyed in the 15th century and rebuilt; was abandoned in the 16th century, but was later repopulated by Monks from St. Antony's monastery early in the 17th century.
Church of Saint MenasCairoEgypt6th century ADCoptic OrthodoxBuilt in honor of the Saint and Martyr, the Church was built within what later was renamed "Cairo". The Church was renovated in the 8th century, and the body of Saint Mena which had been in the ruins of the Abu Mena Complex in Mariout was moved there. The body remained there until a modern Monastery bearing the Saint's name was built adjacent to the ruins, in 1967 the body was moved to the new Monastery. The Church remains open to this day and is a prominent pilgrimage and tourist center in Cairo.
Debre DamoTigray RegionEthiopia6th centuryThe best preserved example of Aksumite Architecture.
Church of the Virgin Mary in Haret ZuweilaCairoEgypt10th Century ADCoptic OrthodoxServed as the See of St. Mark, and the Seat of the Coptic Orthodox Pope of Alexandria from 1400 to 1520. Later a Nun's Convent was added to it in the 19th Century.

Asia

BuildingImageLocationCountryOldest Part DenominationNotes
IstanbulTurkey462Greek Orthodox No longer a functioning church, and was a mosque until it fell into ruin. As with many other archaeological sites in Turkey, plans to revert the ruins back into a mosque are underway.[45]
Qalb LozeQalb LozeSyria5th centuryAssyrian ChurchBuilt in 460s, one of the best-preserved early Syrian churches, the first known with a wide basilica, where the columns that separate the aisles from the nave have been replaced with low piers and soaring arches that create the feeling of expanded space.
Church of Saint Simeon Stylites (Deir Semaan, in ruins)AleppoSyria475Greek Orthodox Once a popular pilgrimage site, now in ruins, but walls still standing.
Turmanin Basilica (in ruins)TurmaninSyria480Early ChurchDrawing reconstruction shown. Now in ruins, served a monastery and hospice.[46]
Mor Hananyo MonasteryMardinTurkey493Syriac OrthodoxFounded in 493 by Mor Shlemon on the site of a temple dedicated to the Assyrian sun god Shamash that was converted into a citadel by the Romans, then transformed into a monastery. Better known as Saffron Monastery. (Deir-ul-Zafran)
Church of the NativityBethlehemPalestinec. 565 SimultaneumOne of the oldest church buildings in the world which has continuously functioned as a church.
Saint Hripsime ChurchVagarshapatArmenia618Armenian ApostolicThe current building was erected during the reign of Catholicos Komitas (615–628), according to an account of contemporary chronicler Sebeos and two inscriptions, one on the west facade and the other on the east apse. It replaced the earlier mausoleum of Hripsime.
Saint Gayane ChurchVagarshapatArmenia630Armenian ApostolicSt. Gayane was built by Catholicos Ezra I in the year 630. Its design has remained unchanged despite partial renovations of the dome and some ceilings in 1652.
Zvartnots CathedralVagarshapatArmenia643-652Armenian ApostolicZvartnots was noted for its circular exterior structure, unique in medieval Armenian architecture, and a set of interior piers that upheld a multifloor structure crowned with a dome.

Europe

BuildingImageLocationCountryOldest Part DenominationNotes
RomeItaly400Roman Catholic Although it was restored several times, the church retains its original structure and walls; it actually sits below street level due to its age and relative lack of major structural renovations. The portico is one of the most ancient parts of the church.
RomeItaly422Roman Catholic Mostly unaltered, with some original mosaic decoration and agate window treatments. Notably, wooden doors date from around the same era and contain an early depiction of the crucifixion.
San Giovanni EvangelistaRavennaItaly424Roman Catholic Partially original walls, with original floors and columns under layers of new floors.
RomeItaly432Roman Catholic Features intact original mosaic decoration, including some of the oldest depictions of the Virgin Mary. 18th-century façade covers 12th-century façade which replaced the original.
Valkum (Fenekpuszta) basilica near lake BalatonHungarybefore 433Early Christian church Features intact original mosaic decoration, including some of the oldest depictions of the Virgin Mary. 18th-century façade covers 12th-century façade which replaced the original.
ThessalonikiGreece450–470Greek OrthodoxThe Acheiropoietos has been dated from its bricks and mosaics to c. 450–470, making it perhaps the earliest of the city's surviving churches. It was modified in the 7th century and again in the 14th and 15th centuries, but retains much of its original character. Known as the Panagia Theotokos in Byzantine times, it is dedicated to Mary.
RomeItaly455Roman Catholic Believed to be the first church in Rome with a circular plan, inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
RomeItaly460Roman Catholic Built for the Arian Goths by Ricimer, this ancient church retains its original site plan and columns, despite many restorations.
Stenče BasilicaPolog ValleyNorth Macedonia420–465Early ChurchTo date remains of 16 early Christian basilicas have been revealed in the Polog Valley, of which 12 in Tetovo area and 4 in Gostivar area, and best has been investigated the one in Stenče dating from the 5th century AD, which is unique in Macedonia with 3 baptisteries.
Bolnisi SioniBolnisiGeorgia479–493Oldest extant church building in Georgia
Basilica of Sant'Apollinare NuovoRavennaItaly504Originally Arianism, later Roman CatholicIt was erected by the Ostrogothic king Theodoric the Great as his palace chapel.
Santa PriscaRomeItaly4th or 5th centuryRoman CatholicIn the interior, the columns are the only visible remains of the ancient church after a 17th-century restoration, but the floor plan remains. A baptismal font allegedly used by Saint Peter is also conserved.
Red Church (in ruins)Perushtitsa Bulgaria491–518Early Christian Bishop's BasilicaLarge partially preserved late Roman (early Byzantine) Christian basilica in south central Bulgaria.
Hagia Sophia Church, Nesebar (in ruins)NesebarBulgarialate 5th - early 6th centuryEarly Christian churchSituated in the old quarter of the town which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site list and of the 100 Tourist Sites of Bulgaria. The church has a total length of 25.5 m and a width of 13 m. Its present appearance was dated from the beginning of the 9th century when it was reconstructed. During the Middle Ages it served as a cathedral for the bishopric eparchy centered in Nesebar. In 1257 the church was looted by the Venetians during a campaign against the Bulgarian Empire and many religious relics were taken in the Church of San Salvatore in Venice. The basilica was abandoned in the 18th century.
Elenska Basilica (in ruins)PirdopBulgaria5th–6th centuryEarly Christian Bishop's BasilicaLarge partially preserved late Roman (early Byzantine) Christian basilica in west central Bulgaria. The initially domeless basilica, which features thick walls and defensive towers, had a dome added in the mid-6th century, during the reign of Justinian I.[47]
Little Hagia SophiaIstanbulTurkey532-536Greek OrthodoxA former Eastern Orthodox church dedicated to Saints Sergius and Bacchus in Constantinople, converted into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire. This Byzantine building with a central dome plan was erected in the 6th century by Justinian, likely was a model for Hagia Sophia, and is one of the most important early Byzantine buildings in Istanbul. Poorly executed restorations leave the church with a modern character.[48]
Basilica di San VitaleRavennaItaly547Roman CatholicThe best-preserved basilica from the time of Justinian I, filled with outstanding Byzantine mosaics in an excellent state of preservation.
Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in ClasseRavennaItaly549Originally - Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, later Roman CatholicConsecrated on 9 May 549 by the bishop Maximian and dedicated to Saint Apollinaris, the first bishop of Ravenna and Classe. An important monument of Byzantine art, in 1996 it was inscribed with seven other nearby monuments in the UNESCO World Heritage List
Basilica of Saint ServatiusMaastrichtNetherlandsc. 550Roman CatholicThe oldest church in the Netherlands. There was a small memorial chapel on the site dedicated to the Saint Servatius (310–384), who became the first bishop of Maastricht, and this was later replaced by a larger stone church, incorporating the ancient stone.
Dranda CathedralDrandaAbkhazia / Georgiac. 550–600Abkhazian OrthodoxStill functioning as a church.
Dormition of the Theotokos Church, Labovë e KryqitGjirokastërAlbania6th centuryAlbanian OrthodoxThe Dormition of the Theotokos Church (Albanian: Kisha e Shën Mërisë) is a church in Labovë e Kryqit, Gjirokastër County, Albania. The foundation on the structure dates from 6th, with the rest from 13th. It is a Cultural Monument of Albania.[49] The present building dates from the 13th century.[50]
Jvari (monastery)MtskhetaGeorgia590–604Georgian Orthodox A World Heritage Site.
St. Martin's ChurchCanterburyEnglandc. 580 Church of EnglandThe oldest church building in Great Britain still functioning as a church.
Church of Saint Apostles Peter and PaulStari Ras, Novi PazarSerbia6th century Also known as Peter's Church (Serbian: Петрова црква / Petrova crkva), it is a Serbian Orthodox church, the oldest intact church in Serbia. It is situated on a hill of Ras, the medieval capital of the Serbian Grand Principality (Rascia), near Novi Pazar, Serbia. It is part of the Stari Ras complex, listed on the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites in Serbia. The foundations of the structure date from the 6th century, with the rest from the 7th, 9th, and 12th centuries.[51]
Chapel of São FrutuosoReal, BragaPortugal656Catholic ChurchVisigoth chapel. It has been modified and rebuilt many times.
San Juan BautistaBaños de Cerrato, Venta de Baños, Castile and LeónSpainCompleted in 661Catholic ChurchVisigoth church.
Santa María de MelqueSan Martín de Montalbán, Castile-La ManchaSpain668Catholic ChurchChurch in Toledo.
Chapel of St Peter-on-the-WallBradwell-on-Sea, EssexEngland660–662Catholic, now Church of EnglandEarly Anglo-Saxon church, reusing Roman brick. Still in use.[52]
Escomb ChurchEscomb, County DurhamEnglandc. 670–675Catholic, now Church of EnglandEarly Anglo-Saxon church. Still in use.
All Saints' Church, BrixworthBrixworth, NorthamptonshireEnglandbefore 675Catholic, now Church of EnglandEarly Anglo-Saxon church, with later additions. Still in use.
San Pedro de la NaveEl Campillo, San Pedro de la Nave-Almendra, Castile and LeónSpain680Catholic ChurchVisigothic church built between 680 and 711.
Crypt of San Antolín of the Cathedral of PalenciaPalencia, Castile and LeónSpain7th centuryCatholic ChurchRemnant of the primitive Visigothic cathedral.
Hermitage of Santa María de LaraQuintanilla de las Viñas, Mambrillas de Lara, Castile and LeónSpainCompleted at late-7th century or early-8th centuryCatholic ChurchVisigothic hermitage.
Church of St John the Baptist, KerchKerchUkraine717 Ukrainian OrthodoxFounded in 717, later rebuilt on several occasions.
St. Patrick's Church, DuleekDuleek, County MeathRepublic of IrelandBefore 724Roman Catholic (pre-Reformation)Mentioned in accounts of AD 724, although it may date to the 6th or 7th century. Believed to be the first stone church built in Ireland, although Gallarus Oratory may be older.
Santa Cruz de Cangas de OnísCangas de Onís, AsturiasSpainCompleted in 737Roman CatholicChurch of Kingdom of Asturias. It was consecrated in 737. The church was restored in 1633 and 1936. A World Heritage Site.
Church of San Juan Apóstol y EvangelistaSantianes, Pravia, AsturiasSpain774Roman CatholicChurch of Kingdom of Asturias. Built between 774 and 783. A World Heritage Site.
Oviedo CathedralOviedo, AsturiasSpain781Roman CatholicChurch of Kingdom of Asturias. It underwent modifications and was enlarged until 16th century. A World Heritage Site.
Santa María de BendonesBendones, AsturiasSpain792Roman CatholicChurch of Kingdom of Asturias. Built between 792 and 842. A World Heritage Site.
Aachen CathedralAachenGermany805Roman CatholicIt is the oldest cathedral in northern Europe and was constructed by order of the emperor Charlemagne, who was buried there after his death in 814. It is a World Heritage Site.
San Julián de los PradosOviedo, AsturiasSpainCompleted in 830Roman CatholicChurch of Kingdom of Asturias. The church's construction was ordered by Alfonso II of Asturias and it was built by the court architect Tioda. A World Heritage Site.
Santa María del NarancoMunicipality of Oviedo, AsturiasSpainCompleted in 842Roman CatholicChurch of Kingdom of Asturias. Built as a banqueting house, later used as a church. It is a World Heritage Site.
San Miguel de LilloOviedo, AsturiasSpainCompleted in 842Roman CatholicChurch of Kingdom of Asturias. It is a World Heritage Site.
Santa Cristina de LenaLena, AsturiasSpainCompleted in 852Roman CatholicChurch of Kingdom of Asturias. It is a World Heritage Site.
Hildesheim CathedralHildesheimGermany872Roman CatholicThe original form of the cathedral is still clearly recognizable. It is a World Heritage Site.
Great Basilica, PliskaPliskaBulgariaCompleted around 875 during the rule of Knyaz Boris I (852–889)Bulgarian OrthodoxArchitectural complex in Pliska, the first capital of the Bulgarian Empire, which includes a cathedral, an archbishop's palace and a monastery. Completed around 875, the basilica was the largest Christian cathedral in Europe around 1000 years,[53] with an area of 2920m2. The basilica was built at the place of what is known as the Cross-shaped Mausoleum, an older religious building that is thought by some researchers to be an unknown kind of Bulgar heathen temple. According to the Shumen architectural museum's research, an early Christian martyrium that included a cross-shaped church and a holy spring also existed at that place. The martyr buried there is thought to be Enravota, the first Bulgarian saint. The martyrium is thought to have been destroyed in 865 during the failed rebellion of the heathens in the wake of the Christianization of Bulgaria. Other researchers, however, regard the cross-shaped remains as a mausoleum of early Bulgarian rulers.
Church of St. Sophia, OhridOhridNorth Macedonia9th century during the rule of Knyaz Boris I (852–889)originally Bulgarian Orthodox, now Macedonian Orthodox ChurchThe church was built during the First Bulgarian Empire, after the official conversion to Christianity. Some sources date the building of the church during the rule of Knyaz Boris I (852–889).[54]
Round Church, PreslavPreslavBulgariaBefore 907 during the rule of Tsar Simeon IBulgarian OrthodoxLarge partially preserved early medieval Eastern Orthodox church in Preslav, the former capital of the First Bulgarian Empire, today a town in northeastern Bulgaria. The church dates to the early 10th century, the time of Tsar Simeon I's rule, and was unearthed and first archaeologically examined in 1927–1928. Considered to be one of the most impressive examples of medieval Bulgarian architecture, the Round Church takes its name from the distinctive shape of one of its three sections, the cella (naos), which is a rotunda that serves as a place of liturgy. The church's design also includes a wide atrium and a rectangular entrance area, or narthex, marked by two circular turrets.
Iglesia de San TirsoOviedo, AsturiasSpain9th centuryRoman CatholicChurch of Kingdom of Asturias. It was founded in the 9th century. It has undergone various reconstructions and restorations. Now it is a World Heritage Site.
San Pedro de NoraLas Regueras, AsturiasSpain9th centuryRoman CatholicChurch of Kingdom of Asturias. It suffered a restoration after Spanish Civil War.
Cámara SantaOviedo, AsturiasSpain9th centuryRoman CatholicChurch of Kingdom of Asturias.. It is a World Heritage Site.
Municipality of Villaviciosa, AsturiasSpain9th centuryRoman CatholicChurch of Kingdom of Asturias. Consecrated in 893. It is a World Heritage Site.
Santiago de GobiendesGobiendes, AsturiasSpainlate-9th centuryRoman CatholicChurch of Kingdom of Asturias. It was restored in three times.
Tuñón, AsturiasSpain9th centuryRoman CatholicChurch of Kingdom of Asturias. Founded in 891.
KopčanySlovakia9th or 10th centuryRoman CatholicThe only remaining Great Moravian building. The oldest church in Slovakia. Well-preserved and openly accessible to the public.
Villaviciosa, AsturiasSpainCompleted in 921Roman CatholicChurch of Kingdom of Asturias. Consecrated in 921. It is a World Heritage Site.
San Pietro in TrentoRavennaItalyc. 977Roman Catholic Facade restored, but very much intact. Constructed by Galla Placidia.
Hosios Loukas Churchnear the town of Distomo, BoeotiaGreece10th centuryEastern Orthodox ChurchThe oldest building in the complex is the only church known with certainty to have been built in the 10th century in its site in mainland Greece.[55] This centralized parallelogram-shaped building is the oldest example of the cross-in-square type in the country; its plan closely follows that of Lips Monastery in Constantinople.
SofiaBulgarialate 10th or early 11th centuryBulgarian Orthodox ChurchMedieval Bulgarian Orthodox church situated on the outskirts of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, in the Boyana quarter. In 1979, the building was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The east wing of the two-storey church was originally constructed in the late 10th or early 11th century, then the central wing was added in the 13th century under the Second Bulgarian Empire, the whole building being finished with a further expansion to the west in the middle of the 19th century. A total of 89 scenes with 240 human images are depicted on the walls of the church.

High to Late Middle Ages

See also: Crusades, Northern Crusades and Christianization of Scandinavia. A selection of notable churches, extant from the 11th to the 14th century (AD10001300).

BuildingImageLocationCountryOldest PartDenominationNotes
Dalby churchDalby, SwedenSweden1060Church of Sweden (Lutheran)Oldest parts date to around the year 1060 and is therefore considered the oldest building in the Nordic countries; however, the only remaining parts from that time are parts of one of the walls.[66]
Church of Our LadyAarhusDenmark1060Lutheran An older wooden church was on the site in the 10th century. The crypt of the church is the oldest extant stone church in Scandinavia. It is still functioning as a church.
Cathedral of PisaPisaItaly1063Roman CatholicBuilt on the foundations of an older church. Dedicated to the Assumption of St. Mary, it is a Primatial church.
Santiago de Compostela CathedralSantiago de Compostela, GaliciaSpain1075 (current church)Roman CatholicAccording to tradition, the Apostle James, son of Zebedee spread Christianity in the Iberian Peninsula. In the year 44 he was beheaded in Jerusalem and his remains were later transferred to Galicia in a stone boat. The king Alfonso II of Asturias ordered the construction of a chapel in 810s in the place. This chapel was followed by a first church in 829 and later by a pre-Romanesque church on 899, gradually becoming an important place of pilgrimage. In 997 this primitive church was reduced to ashes by Almanzor, commander of the army of the Caliphate of Cordoba. The construction of the current cathedral in the same place was built between 1075 and 1122 under the reign of Alfonso VI of León and Castile. The baroque façade of Obradoiro was made in 1740; also baroque is that of Acibecharía; that of Pratarías was built by Master Esteban in 1103; the Pórtico da Gloria, a primordial work of Romanesque sculpture, completed by Master Mateo in 1188.
Pammakaristos ChurchIstanbulTurkey1071-1078Orthodox Christianity; Islam after 1591;One of the most famous Byzantine churches in Istanbul, Turkey, and was the last pre-Ottoman building to house the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Converted in 1591 into the Fethiye Mosque
Church of the Holy Mother of God, Asen's FortressAsen's FortressBulgaria1100–1200Bulgarian Orthodox ChurchMedieval Eastern Orthodox church located in Asen's Fortress. It lies near Asenovgrad in the Rhodope Mountains of Plovdiv Province, south central Bulgaria. Constructed most likely in the 12th century, it features two stories, of which the upper story is the church proper and the lower story is of unclear function. The rectangular tower over the church's narthex is regarded as the earliest preserved of its kind in the Balkans. Fragments of frescoes are visible on the walls of the church's upper story.[67]
Monastery of the PantokratorIstanbulTurkey1124-1136Orthodox Christianity; Islam shortly after 1453;It is made up of two former Byzantine churches and a chapel joined together and represents the best example of Middle Byzantine architecture in Constantinople. After Hagia Sophia, it is the largest Byzantine religious edifice still standing in Istanbul. [68]
Garðar CathedralIgalikuGreenland1126Roman Catholic.The first cathedral built in the Americas. Abandoned in the 14th century.
Notre-Dame de ParisParisFrance1160–1260Roman CatholicMedieval Catholic cathedral located in Paris, France, consecrated to the Virgin Mary and considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture.[69]
Church of St Demetrius of Thessaloniki, Veliko TarnovoVeliko TarnovoBulgaria1185Bulgarian Orthodox ChurchMedieval Bulgarian Orthodox Church in the city of Veliko Tarnovo in central northern Bulgaria, the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. The church lies at the northeastern foot of the Trapezitsa and Tsarevets hills, on the right bank of the Yantra River, outside the city's medieval fortifications. Architecturally, it has a pentahedral apse and a cross-domed design with a narthex and a fore-apse space. It was once part of a large monastery and belonged in its southeastern part. The church's exterior is decorated with blind arches and colourful ornaments: glazed rosettes, suns, rhombs and other painted figures. The church was built of stone alternated with three rows of bricks. It is 15.75x in size. The church was the place where the anti-Byzantine Uprising of Asen and Peter was proclaimed in 1185; it was this uprising that led to the reestablishment of the Bulgarian Empire and the proclamation of Tarnovo for its capital.[70]
Holy Forty Martyrs Church, Veliko TarnovoVeliko TarnovoBulgaria1230Bulgarian Orthodox ChurchMedieval Eastern Orthodox church constructed in 1230 in the town of Veliko Tarnovo in Bulgaria, the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. The Holy Forty Martyrs Church, an elongated six-columned basilica, has three semicircular apses and a narrow narthex from the west. Another building was added later to the west side of the church. The church interior was covered with mural painting probably in 1230. On the western addition some of the outer decoration survived revealing the traditional arches and coloured small ceramic plates inserted into the wall. It is not clear if the church has frescoes painted on the outer walls. Some of the Bulgarian Empire's most significant historical records are stored in the church, including Omurtag's Column, Asen's Column and the Border Column from Rodosto from the rule of Khan Krum.[71]
St. Michael's ChurchViennaAustria1220–1240Roman CatholicOne of the oldest churches in Vienna, Austria, and also one of its few remaining Romanesque buildings. Dedicated to the Archangel Michael, St. Michael's Church is located at Michaelerplatz across from St. Michael's Gate at the Hofburg Palace.
Church of Saints Peter and Paul, Veliko TarnovoVeliko TarnovoBulgaria1218–1241Bulgarian Orthodox ChurchMedieval Bulgarian Orthodox church in the city of Veliko Tarnovo in central northern Bulgaria, the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. The 13th-century church lies at the foot of the Tsarevets hill's northern slopes and was reconstructed in 1981. The church is dedicated to the Christian Apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul. It follows the cross-domed design and has a single apse. The cella is divided into three naves by two rows of columns. The columns' capitals are decorated with plastic carving and tracery. The church has a high, massive iconostasis. According to the 14th-century account of Patriarch Evtimiy, the church and the surrounding monastery were built on the order of Tsar Ivan Asen II's (ruled 1218–1241) wife Anna.[72]
Hagia Sophia, TrabzonTrabzonTurkey1238-1263Orthodox Christianity; Islam after 1584;The building dates back to the thirteenth century, when Trabzon was the capital of the Empire of Trebizond. It is one of a few dozen Byzantine sites extant in the area and has been described as being "regarded as one of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture".[73]
Ascension Cathedral (Veliko Tarnovo)Veliko TarnovoBulgaria1331–1371Bulgarian Orthodox ChurchReconstructed Eastern Orthodox cathedral in the city of Veliko Tarnovo, in north central Bulgaria. Located on top of the fortified Tsarevets hill in the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, the cathedral was the seat of the Bulgarian patriarch from its construction in the 11th–12th century to its destruction in 1393. Standing on top of a late Roman church, the cathedral, reconstructed in the 1970s and 1980s, follows a cross-domed plan with a bell tower and a triple apse. Richly decorated on both the exterior and interior, its internal walls now feature modern frescoes, the presence of which has meant that it has not been reconsecrated. Though not active as a Christian place of worship, it has been open for visitors since 1985.[74]
Church of Christ Pantocrator, NesebarNesebarBulgaria1331–1371Bulgarian Orthodox ChurchMedieval Eastern Orthodox church in the eastern Bulgarian town of Nesebar (medieval Mesembria), on the Black Sea coast of Burgas Province. Part of the Ancient Nesebar UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Church of Christ Pantocrator was constructed in the 13th–14th century and is best known for its lavish exterior decoration. The church, today an art gallery, survives largely intact and is among Bulgaria's best preserved churches of the Middle Ages.[75]
Church of Saint Paraskevi, NesebarNesebarBulgaria1331–1371Bulgarian Orthodox ChurchPartially preserved medieval Eastern Orthodox church in Nesebar (medieval Mesembria), a town on the Black Sea coast of Burgas Province in eastern Bulgaria. It was most likely built in the 13th or 14th century and forms part of the Ancient Nesebar UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Church of Saint Paraskevi features a single nave and a pentagonal apse as well as rich exterior decoration. Its dome and the belfry surmounting the narthex have not been preserved today, and it is unknown which of the three saints named Paraskevi it was dedicated to.[76]

a 5th-century church was rebuilt in the 7th century, and again between 990 and 1030. The church building remained mostly unchanged since the 11th century, and qualifies as one of the oldest romanesque buildings in Switzerland.

Early Modern

See also: Age of Exploration, Colonialism and Christian mission. Notable early churches built in the New World between the 15th and 19th centuries. Listed are especially the oldest extant church buildings by country.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: To the time of Constantine (71–312). Catholic Encyclopedia. 15 November 2013. Certainly no spot in Christendom can be more venerable than the place of the Last Supper, which became the first Christian church.. 24 February 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230224025203/https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08355a.htm. live.
  2. Book: Encyclopedia of the Peoples of Africa and the Middle East. 2008. Infobase Publishing. New York. 9781438126760. 65. Stokes, Jamie. Etchmiatzin is located in the west of modern Armenia, close to the border with Turkey, and its fourth-century cathedral is generally regarded as the oldest in the world..
  3. Book: Dhilawala, Sakina. Armenia. 1997. Marshall Cavendish. New York. 9780761406839. 72. Echmiadzin Cathedral is the spiritual center of the Armenian Church and the seat of the Catholicos of all Armenians. It is also the oldest cathedral and Christian monastery in the world.. registration.
  4. Book: Bauer-Manndorff, Elisabeth. Armenia: Past and Present. 1981. Reich Verlag. Lucerne. Etchmiadzin, with the world's oldest cathedral and the seat of the Catholicos, draws tourists from all over the world..
  5. Book: Utudjian, Édouard. Armenian Architecture: 4th to 17th Century. 1968. Editions A. Morancé. 7. Édouard Utudjian. ...he also wanted to contribute to the restoration of the oldest cathedral in Christendom, that of Etchmiadzin, founded in the 4th century..
  6. Book: Horne, Charles Francis. The World and Its People: Or, A Comprehensive Tour of All Lands. 1925. I.R. Hiller. New York. 1312. Charles Francis Horne. A far more interesting relic in this Russian section of Armenia is the old monastery of Etchmiadzin. It has been in constant use since the founding of Christianity in Armenia in the third century of our era, and is thus the oldest Christian monastery in the world today..
  7. Book: Bryce, James, Viscount. Transcaucasia and Ararat, being notes of a vacation tour in the autumn of 1876, by James Bryce. 1896. Macmillan and Co. LTD.. London. 311. James Bryce, 1st Viscount Bryce. ...the famous monastery of Etchmiadzin, which claims to be the oldest monastic foundation in the world....
  8. http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Qara-Kelisa,-the-feast-of-St-Thaddeus-of-the-Armenians-in-the-oldest-church-in-the-world-(photos)-38150.html Qara Kelisa, the feast of St Thaddeus of the Armenians in the oldest church in the world (photos)
  9. https://whc.unesco.org/uploads/nominations/1262.pdf The Armenian Monastic Ensembles in Iranian Azarbayjan
  10. https://whc.unesco.org/document/152207 Armenian monastic ensembles (Iran) No 1262
  11. https://www.jerusalem-lospazioltre.it/st-thaddeus-monastery-armeninan-church-iran/ St. Thaddeus Monastery, Armeninan church in Iran
  12. Book: Eritrea: The Bradt Travel Guide. 2007. Edward Denison. Edward Paice. 978-1841621715. 187. 2020-09-25. 2023-02-16. https://web.archive.org/web/20230216164006/https://books.google.com/books?id=Qi-KQchGks8C&pg=PA187. live.
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  16. J.L. Teicher, "Ancient Eucharistic Prayers in Hebrew (Dura-Europos Parchment D. Pg. 25)", The Jewish Quarterly Review New Series 54.2 (October 1963), pp. 99–109
  17. The Ancient Church at Megiddo: The Discovery and an Assessment of its Significance E Adams – The Expository Times, 2008 "... chronologically distinct. The structure at Megiddo is obviously not a basilica. According to Tepper, the Megiddo church is a unique ecclesiastical form. It could not have resembled the church buildings of the late third century."
  18. News: Holy Land's 'oldest church' found at Armageddon . The Guardian . Chris . McGreal . 7 November 2005 . 14 September 2015 . 2 October 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20151002181337/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2005/nov/07/israel.artsnews . live .
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  20. Web site: Early Church at Aqaba – Archaeology Magazine Archive. 21 December 2016. 3 July 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130703120339/http://archive.archaeology.org/9811/newsbriefs/aqaba.html. live.
  21. Web site: First purpose-built church. 21 December 2016. 17 June 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180617193456/http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/first-purpose-built-church. live.
  22. Web site: Maalula Monasteries, Syria . sacred-destinations.com . 14 September 2015 . 24 August 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190824101616/http://www.sacred-destinations.com/syria/maalula . live .
  23. News: Syria war: Maaloula's monastery destroyed after Assad forces drive rebels out . London . The Daily Telegraph . Peter . Oborne . 15 April 2014 . 4 April 2018 . 16 February 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170216091819/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/10768900/Syria-war-Maaloulas-monastery-destroyed-after-Assad-forces-drive-rebels-out.html . live .
  24. Web site: 15 April 2014 . İznik . https://web.archive.org/web/20230501194619/https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5900/ . 1 May 2023 . UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
  25. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/10384025/The-damage-done-to-Syrias-oldest-church-seen-first-hand.html The damage done to 'Syria's oldest church' seen first hand
  26. Web site: 4th Century Assyrian Church in Saudi Arabia . Assyrian International News Agency . 28 August 2008 . 14 September 2015 . 12 February 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170212102502/http://www.aina.org/ata/20080828165925.htm . live .
  27. Clyde E. Fant, Mitchell Glenn Reddish, A guide to biblical sites in Greece and Turkey (Oxford University Press US, 2003), pg. 149
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  34. Web site: Trankova . Dimana . 2017 . Last updated 2023 . Photography by Anthony Georgieff and Yuliyan Hristov . Georgieff . Anthony . 4. Roman Plovdiv"; "5.1 The Bishop's Basilica . The Bishop's Basilica and the Roman Mosaic Heritage of Philippopolos . Republic of Bulgaria, Ministry of Culture . https://web.archive.org/web/20230220164604/https://www.plovdivmosaics.org/bishops-basilica/ . 20 February 2023.
  35. Web site: Basilica di San Nazaro Maggiore (detta in Brolo) di Milano – Chiesa – Arte.it. ARTE.it Srl -. info@arte.it. 21 December 2016. 20 December 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161220070143/http://www.arte.it/guida-arte/milano/da-vedere/chiesa/basilica-di-san-nazaro-maggiore-detta-in-brolo-1498. live.
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  40. Web site: Basilica di Santa Pudenziana. 21 December 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161106054947/http://www.stpudenziana.org/. 6 November 2016. dead.
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