Religion has been a part of the world for as long as humans have been roaming Earth. Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Catholicism, and Hinduism are just some of the many faiths people follow, but these religions require a place of worship. Similar to religion, churches have been a mainstay of almost every town in the world, bringing people together in times of joy and sorrow. Listed below are twelve of the oldest churches in the world, all created over 150 years ago.
12. Santa Maria in Trastevere (340)
Our first church on the list hails from Rome and was built in 340 AD. Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the earliest Roman churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary and continues to attract both historians and pilgrims alike. The 12th century introduced new additions to the church, including a Romanesque bell tower, interior mosaics, and a golden façade. Visitors enjoy the 12th-century mosaics the most, as they document the life of the Virgin Mary through six panels.
11. Cathedral of Trier (340)
Constructed in the 4th century, our eleventh-oldest church is the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Trier. The church has expanded over time and remains both the oldest bishop’s church in Germany and the biggest religious building in Trier. The prized possession of the Cathedral of Trier is the sacred “Holy Robe” which is believed to contain fragments of Christ’s tunic and is only revealed on special occasions. You can also visit the Holy Nail in the cathedral, which is thought to have been used during the Crucifixion.
10. Church of the Nativity (339)
Widely believed to be the birthplace of Jesus, the Church of the Nativity is located in Bethlehem and is a well-visited pilgrimage route, visited by millions ever year. Since Jesus was born in this located, the Church of the Nativity is one of the holiest places of Christianity and the oldest Christian church in use. The old church was destroyed during a 6th-century revolt, so the new church has been built in the mouth of an ancient cave but still has the original red-and-white limestone columns and floors.
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9. Church of the Holy Sepulchre (335)
We travel to Jerusalem for our ninth oldest church, which is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Consecrated in 335, the church is made out of wood and stone and stands over the biblical Rock of Cavalry and the Tomb of the Sepulchre. Known to some as the Church of the Resurrection, it is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in the world, drawing in millions to touch the sacred Rock of Cavalry and visit the Tomb.
8. St. Peter’s Basilica (333)
One of the more recognizable churches on this list is St. Peters Basilica, located in the Vatican City. The church dates back to 333 and was rebuilt in the 16th century, making it one of the largest and oldest basilicas in Rome.
There are several focal points outside and inside of St. Peter’s Basilica. The central balcony, known as the Loggia della benedizione, is where the Pope speaks to the public on special occasions. The façade has 13 statues of influential figures, including St. John the Baptist and Christ the Redeemer. Finally, on the inside, you can view several works of art, such as Michelangelo’s sculpture Pieta.
7. Stavrovouni Monastery (327-329)
Believed to be the oldest monastery on the island of Cyprus, the Stavrovouni Monastery is located on the top of Stavrovouni, or “the Mountain of the Cross.” Even though the location is quite precarious, there is a special reason why pilgrims continue to make the trek up the side of the mountain. A piece of the Holy Cross is preserved within solid silver in the church, supposedly brought back by St. Helena after her travels to Jerusalem.
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6. Panagia Ekatontapiliani (326)
Our sixth oldest church is the Panagia Ekatontapiliani, which means “the Church with a Hundred Doors.” The building is located on the island of Paros in Greece and is an incredible Paleo-Christian monument of the Cyclades. The complex consists of a series of churches and chapels, some of which date to 326 AD.
Along with the church, there is a legend surrounding the Panagia Ekatontapiliani complex. It is said there are 99 doors within the complex, with the 100th door only opening when the church of Hagia Sofia in Constantinople is turned back to Orthodox.
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5. Mar Sarkis (pre 325)
Though experts are not completely sure when Mar Sarkis was built, they figure it was before 325 AD. The monastery and convent is one of the oldest in Christendom and holds ancient artifacts, including some from the fourth century. Several festivals now occur at the church throughout the year, including the Festival of Mar Sarkis held on October 7th.
4. Etchmiadzin Cathedral (301)
The Etchmiadzin Cathedral was consecrated in 301 AD and is believed to be the oldest Christian cathedral. Also the Vatican of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the building was built over a pagan temple when King Tiridates III enforced the state religion of Christianity.
The cathedral has been rebuilt several times in different centuries, creating a blend of Armenian architecture. Today the cathedral consists of a central cupola with glittering frescos and a Treasury that holds relics like the Holy Lance and a remnant of Noah’s ark.
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3. Aqaba Church (293-303)
The Aqaba Church was hidden for thousands of years until it was uncovered by archaeologists in 1998 and is thought to be one of the oldest remaining Christian churches in the world. While excavating, the team found tombs with golden crosses, a cemetery with skeletal remains, and coins in a collection box. Believed to be destroyed in an earthquake in 363 AD, it was rebuilt to hold almost double its original amount.
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2. Megiddo Church (late 3rd-early 4th century)
It’s not every day that you learn an ancient church was built upon the site of a modern prison. This is exactly what happened with the Megiddo Church as prisoners discovered clues of the ruins in 2005. As archaeologists excavated the site, they found that the building was rectangular, along with preserved mosaics and several Christian artifacts. They believe that the site became a church around the early 4th century.
1. Dura-Europos Church (233)
Our final oldest church is the Dura-Europos Church, which was believed to be a private home before becoming a religious symbol. Though the site is in ruins now, the remains were excavated during the 1920s and 1930s by a team of French and American archaeologists. Some of the frescos were able to be transported to an art gallery at Yale University, but more extensive excavation has been stunted by the presence of ISIS a few years ago.
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