When Christianity emerged in the first century, most Christians practiced in “house churches,” which were converted homes that doubled as clandestine places of worship. As Christianity became widespread, churches grew in size and style, transforming from humble abodes to magnificent pieces of architecture. From Baroque buildings to ancient ruins, here are eight of the oldest churches in the world.
8. Basilica of San Lorenzo – Italy
Of the many spectacular churches in Florence, the Basilica of San Lorenzo is one of the oldest, dating back to the fourth century CE. The original Roman site was renovated in the 15th century under the direction of Italian architect Brunelleschi, who made it a place of worship for the Medicis, the powerful ruling family of Florence at the time. Today, members of the Medici family are buried in San Lorenzo’s private mausoleum, while the church’s glorious painted frescoes, tomb sculptures, and portraits are exemplary of the shapes and artistic styles associated with the Italian Renaissance.
7. St. Peter’s Basilica – Vatican City
A famous pilgrimage site for Catholics all over the world, St. Peter’s Basilica is not only the planet’s largest Catholic church but also one of the world’s oldest churches. Located in Vatican City, the church dates back to the first half of the fourth century, shortly after Christianity was legalized in 313 CE. Built on the site of a former Roman cemetery, the basilica was erected over St. Peter’s tomb to honor Jesus’ apostle who was one of the early leaders of the Catholic Church. After 1,200 years, St. Peter’s Basilica was reconstructed in the Baroque style, with several Renaissance architects contributing to the grandeur still admired by millions today.
6. Cathedral of St. Peter – Trier, Germany
Dating back to the early fourth century CE, the Cathedral of St. Peter in Trier is the oldest church in Germany. The church contains original relics donated by Empress Helena, a beloved patron saint of Christianity and the mother of Constantinople. One of these contributions was the Holy Robe, a seamless tunic said to have been worn by Jesus before his crucifixion. To this day, the Holy Robe continues to draw visitors, making the Cathedral of St. Peter in Trier another popular pilgrimage site.
5. Mar Sarkis – Syria
Situated inside Maaloula, an early Christian village located in modern-day Syria, Mar Sarkis is a monastery that dates back to the early fourth century CE. Although only the foundation remains in existence today, there is evidence of a horseshoe-shaped altar that is believed to have been used for Christian worship. Named for St. Sergius, a Christian martyr who refused to renounce his faith, Mar Sarkis also contains one of the oldest icons in the world to depict the Last Supper. Today, some residents of Maaloula continue to speak Aramaic, the ancient language of Christianity that was spoken by Jesus Christ.
4. Church of the Nativity – Israel
Built on the spot where Jesus is believed to have been born, the Church of the Nativity dates back to 327 CE. The famous site in Bethlehem was first constructed by Emperor Constantine, but it was partially destroyed during a rebellion. A later emperor rebuilt it in the Byzantine style, and although it was renovated throughout the centuries, it remains largely the same build. A notable architectural detail from the Ottoman era includes the Door of Humility, a small doorway that requires visitors to stoop upon entrance to the church.
3. Megiddo Church – Israel
An accidental archaeological find, Megiddo Church was discovered in 2005 inside a local prison in northern Israel. When the prison was breaking ground to expand the complex, inmates uncovered the remains of a Christian worship site. In addition to the foundations of a rectangular building, the workers found an intricate, well-preserved mosaic with an inscription to “the memory of the Lord Jesus Christ” and early Christian symbols. Researchers date the worship site to sometime between 300 and 400 CE.
2. Aqaba Church – Jordan
Named by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s oldest purpose-built church, Aqaba Church was built sometime between 293 and 303 CE. Unlike the secret converted “house churches” prevalent at the time, Aqaba Church was constructed with the express purpose of being a church before the legalization of Christianity. As such, the church would have been considered radical for breaking the norm. Built with stone and mud brick, Aqaba’s modest construction still allowed space for Christian architectural elements, including a nave, an apse, and a baptismal site.
1. Dura-Europos Church – Syria
Believed to be the oldest church in existence, Dura-Europos was discovered in the 1930s by an archaeological team. The church was located in an ancient city of the same name, which was founded around 300 BCE on the banks of the Euphrates River. The church itself dates to approximately 233 to 256 CE.
After studying the ruins, researchers ascertained that Dura-Europos was a “house church.” The former residence was transformed into a place of worship, used for secret meetings and clandestine baptism rituals, allowing Christians to practice their faith while avoiding persecution. As some of the earliest examples of Christian art, the biblical scenes painted on the church walls were removed and are now preserved at Yale University.
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