List of oldest church buildings

Updated: 5/20/2026, 7:02:42 PM Wikipedia source

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 ekklēsía, '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." 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. St. Thaddeus Monastery or Qara Kelisa (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." 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.

Tables

· Early Christianity to late antiquity › Africa

Monastery of Saint Anthony

Building

Monastery of Saint Anthony

Location

Eastern Desert

Country

Egypt

Oldest part

356

Denomination

Coptic Orthodox

Notes

Partially destroyed in the 11th century and rebuilt; very little of the original structure remains.

Monastery of Paromeos

Building

Monastery of Paromeos

Location

Wadi El Natrun

Country

Egypt

Oldest part

335

Denomination

Coptic Orthodox

Notes

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 Great

Building

Monastery of Saint Macarius the Great

Location

Wadi El Natrun

Country

Egypt

Oldest part

360

Denomination

Coptic Orthodox

Notes

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 Sina

Building

Debre Sina

Location

Anseba

Country

Eritrea

Oldest part

<383

Denomination

Eritrean Orthodox

Notes

It was the site of the first Holy Communion prepared in the Eritrean Orthodox Church, by the 4th-century bishop Aba Salama.

Monastery of Saint Pishoy

Building

Monastery of Saint Pishoy

Location

Wadi El Natrun

Country

Egypt

Oldest part

4th century

Denomination

Coptic Orthodox

Notes

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 we

Monastery of Saint Mary Deipara

Building

Monastery of Saint Mary Deipara

Location

Wadi El Natrun

Country

Egypt

Oldest part

4th century

Denomination

Coptic Orthodox

Notes

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 a

Abu Mena Basilica and Complex

Building

Abu Mena Basilica and Complex

Location

Alexandria

Country

Egypt

Oldest part

late 3rd century

Denomination

Coptic Orthodox

Notes

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 b

Monastery of Saint John the Short

Building

Monastery of Saint John the Short

Location

Wadi El Natrun

Country

Egypt

Oldest part

4th century

Denomination

Coptic Orthodox

Notes

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 Strong

Building

Monastery of Saint Moses the Strong

Location

Wadi El Natrun

Country

Egypt

Oldest part

4th century

Denomination

Coptic Orthodox

Notes

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 hear

Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion

Building

Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion

Location

Axum

Country

Ethiopia

Oldest part

4th century

Denomination

Ethiopian Orthodox

Notes

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 Samati

Building

Beta Samati

Location

Beta Samati, near Edaga Rebua, Mezbir

Country

Kingdom of Aksum, Ethiopia

Oldest part

4th century

Denomination

Ethiopian Orthodox

Notes

Originally built in the 4th century, the church may be the oldest known from sub-Saharan Africa.

Building	Image	Location	Country	Oldest part	Denomination	Notes
Monastery of Saint Anthony		Eastern Desert	Egypt	356	Coptic Orthodox	Partially destroyed in the 11th century and rebuilt; very little of the original structure remains.
Monastery of Paromeos		Wadi El Natrun	Egypt	335	Coptic Orthodox	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 Great		Wadi El Natrun	Egypt	360	Coptic Orthodox	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 Sina		Anseba	Eritrea	<383	Eritrean Orthodox	It was the site of the first Holy Communion prepared in the Eritrean Orthodox Church, by the 4th-century bishop Aba Salama.
Monastery of Saint Pishoy		Wadi El Natrun	Egypt	4th century	Coptic Orthodox	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 we
Monastery of Saint Mary Deipara		Wadi El Natrun	Egypt	4th century	Coptic Orthodox	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 a
Abu Mena Basilica and Complex		Alexandria	Egypt	late 3rd century	Coptic Orthodox	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 b
Monastery of Saint John the Short		Wadi El Natrun	Egypt	4th century	Coptic Orthodox	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 Strong		Wadi El Natrun	Egypt	4th century	Coptic Orthodox	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 hear
Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion		Axum	Ethiopia	4th century	Ethiopian Orthodox	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 Samati		Beta Samati, near Edaga Rebua, Mezbir	Kingdom of Aksum, Ethiopia	4th century	Ethiopian Orthodox	Originally built in the 4th century, the church may be the oldest known from sub-Saharan Africa.

· Early Christianity to late antiquity › Asia

Monastery of Saint Thaddeus

Building

Monastery of Saint Thaddeus

Location

Chaldoran County

Country

Iran

Oldest part

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 Illuminator

Denomination

Early Church

Notes

No 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 church

Building

Dura-Europos church

Location

Dura-Europos

Country

Syria

Oldest part

c. 241

Denomination

Early Church

Notes

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.

Megiddo church

Building

Megiddo church

Location

Legio near Tel Megiddo

Country

Israel

Oldest part

c. 230

Denomination

Early Church

Notes

Ruins 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.

Aqaba Church

Building

Aqaba Church

Location

Aqaba

Country

Jordan

Oldest part

late 3rd-early 4th century

Denomination

Early Church

Notes

Ruins uncovered in 1998; Remains of an early basilica. Considered to be the world's first known purpose-built church.

Artaxata church

Building

Artaxata church

Location

Artaxata

Country

Armenia

Oldest part

4th century

Denomination

Early church

Notes

In 2024, a team of archaeologists from Armenia and Germany discovered in Artaxata the remains of Armenia's oldest known church.

Etchmiadzin Cathedral

Building

Etchmiadzin Cathedral

Location

Vagharshapat

Country

Armenia

Oldest part

301 (tradition); current church: 483–484

Denomination

Armenian Apostolic Church

Notes

According 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 Monastery

Building

Mar Sarkis Monastery

Location

Ma'loula

Country

Syria

Oldest part

4th century

Denomination

Syriac Catholic

Notes

Built 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. The monastery suffered extensive damage and desecration in the Syrian Civil War.

Hagia Sophia, İznik

Building

Hagia Sophia, İznik

Location

İznik

Country

Turkey

Oldest part

325; current structure from 1065;

Denomination

Early Christian church; now Orhan Mosque;

Notes

It was built in Nicaea as a Byzantine-era basilican church.

Cathedral of Saints Constantine and Helen

Building

Cathedral of Saints Constantine and Helen

Location

Yabroud

Country

Syria

Oldest part

326

Denomination

Greek Melkite Catholic

Notes

Originally 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.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Building

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Location

Jerusalem (East Jerusalem)

Country

Palestine

Oldest part

335

Denomination

Simultaneum

Notes

Originally completed in 335, the building suffered extensive damage and was almost completely destroyed in 1009. The church was rebuilt in 1048.

Church of the Nativity

Building

Church of the Nativity

Location

Bethlehem

Country

Palestine

Oldest part

339

Denomination

Simultaneum

Notes

It 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 Monastery

Building

Mar Mattai Monastery

Location

Mount Alfaf

Country

Iraq

Oldest part

363

Denomination

Syriac Orthodox

Notes

Extensively rebuilt over the years with the earliest portions built during the 4th century.

Yererouk Basilica

Building

Yererouk Basilica

Location

Yererouk

Country

Armenia

Oldest part

4th or 5th century

Denomination

Armenian Apostolic

Notes

Original building retains many ancient features.

Kasagh Basilica

Building

Kasagh Basilica

Location

Aparan

Country

Armenia

Oldest part

4th or 5th century

Denomination

Armenian Apostolic

Notes

Original building retains many ancient features.

Mor Gabriel Monastery

Building

Mor Gabriel Monastery

Location

Midyat

Country

Turkey

Oldest part

397

Denomination

Syriac Orthodox

Notes

Built 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 Church

Building

Jubail Church

Location

Al-Jubail

Country

Saudi Arabia

Oldest part

4th century

Denomination

Church of the East

Notes

Rediscovered in 1986 and excavated by the Saudi government, which prohibits access in line with its policy of Muslim exclusivity.

Church of Saint Peter

Building

Church of Saint Peter

Location

Antioch (Antakya)

Country

Turkey

Oldest part

4th or 5th century

Denomination

Syriac Orthodox Church

Notes

Cave 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.

Building	Image	Location	Country	Oldest part	Denomination	Notes
Monastery of Saint Thaddeus		Chaldoran County	Iran	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 Illuminator	Early Church	No 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 church		Dura-Europos	Syria	c. 241	Early Church	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.
Megiddo church		Legio near Tel Megiddo	Israel	c. 230	Early Church	Ruins 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.
Aqaba Church		Aqaba	Jordan	late 3rd-early 4th century	Early Church	Ruins uncovered in 1998; Remains of an early basilica. Considered to be the world's first known purpose-built church.
Artaxata church		Artaxata	Armenia	4th century	Early church	In 2024, a team of archaeologists from Armenia and Germany discovered in Artaxata the remains of Armenia's oldest known church.
Etchmiadzin Cathedral		Vagharshapat	Armenia	301 (tradition); current church: 483–484	Armenian Apostolic Church	According 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 Monastery		Ma'loula	Syria	4th century	Syriac Catholic	Built 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. The monastery suffered extensive damage and desecration in the Syrian Civil War.
Hagia Sophia, İznik		İznik	Turkey	325; current structure from 1065;	Early Christian church; now Orhan Mosque;	It was built in Nicaea as a Byzantine-era basilican church.
Cathedral of Saints Constantine and Helen		Yabroud	Syria	326	Greek Melkite Catholic	Originally 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.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre		Jerusalem (East Jerusalem)	Palestine	335	Simultaneum	Originally completed in 335, the building suffered extensive damage and was almost completely destroyed in 1009. The church was rebuilt in 1048.
Church of the Nativity		Bethlehem	Palestine	339	Simultaneum	It 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 Monastery		Mount Alfaf	Iraq	363	Syriac Orthodox	Extensively rebuilt over the years with the earliest portions built during the 4th century.
Yererouk Basilica		Yererouk	Armenia	4th or 5th century	Armenian Apostolic	Original building retains many ancient features.
Kasagh Basilica		Aparan	Armenia	4th or 5th century	Armenian Apostolic	Original building retains many ancient features.
Mor Gabriel Monastery		Midyat	Turkey	397	Syriac Orthodox	Built 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 Church		Al-Jubail	Saudi Arabia	4th century	Church of the East	Rediscovered in 1986 and excavated by the Saudi government, which prohibits access in line with its policy of Muslim exclusivity.
Church of Saint Peter		Antioch (Antakya)	Turkey	4th or 5th century	Syriac Orthodox Church	Cave 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.

· Early Christianity to late antiquity › Europe

Temple of Augustus and Livia

Building

Temple of Augustus and Livia

Location

Vienne

Country

France

Oldest structure part

First stage during the last quarter of the 1st century BC, reconstruction 1st Century before year 42

Current main structure

Before year 42

Year consecrated

Beginning of the 6th century

Denomination

Roman Catholic

Notes

Built 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 wa

Pantheon, Rome

Building

Pantheon, Rome

Location

Rome

Country

Italy

Oldest structure part

125

Current main structure

125

Year consecrated

609

Denomination

Roman Catholic

Notes

Former 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 Callixtus

Building

Catacomb of Callixtus

Location

Rome

Country

Italy

Oldest structure part

c - c

Current main structure

c - c

Year consecrated

c - c

Denomination

Early Christian

Notes

Built by Pope Callixtus I, also called Callistus I, the bishop of Rome (according to Sextus Julius Africanus)

Cathedral of Saint Domnius

Building

Cathedral of Saint Domnius

Location

Split

Country

Croatia

Oldest structure part

295–305

Current main structure

295-305

Year consecrated

641

Denomination

Roman Catholic

Notes

Built 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 George

Building

Rotunda of Saint George

Location

Thessaloniki

Country

Greece

Oldest structure part

306

Current main structure

306

Year consecrated

4th century

Denomination

Greek Orthodox

Notes

Built as an imperial mausoleum or temple, currently a museum, with church access for various festivities.

Santi Cosma e Damiano

Building

Santi Cosma e Damiano

Location

Rome

Country

Italy

Oldest structure part

c. 309

Current main structure

c. 309

Denomination

Roman Catholic

Notes

Occupies the former space of the Temple of Romulus in the Roman Forum.

Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran (few remains of the original structure)

Building

Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran (few remains of the original structure)

Location

Rome

Country

Italy

Oldest structure part

c. 313-324

Current main structure

c. 313-324

Year consecrated

c. 313-324

Denomination

Roman Catholic

Notes

Oldest Christian basilica. Was founded after a donation of Constantine the Great to Pope Miltiades, right after the Edict of Milan.

Panagia Ekatontapiliani

Building

Panagia Ekatontapiliani

Location

Parikia

Country

Greece

Oldest structure part

326

Denomination

Greek Orthodox

Notes

Panagia Ekatontapyliani (also known as the Church of 100 Doors) is a historic Byzantine church complex.

Stavrovouni Monastery

Building

Stavrovouni Monastery

Location

Larnaca

Country

Cyprus

Oldest structure part

327–329

Denomination

Greek Orthodox

Notes

It 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 b

St. Peter's Basilica (few remains of the original structure)

Building

St. Peter's Basilica (few remains of the original structure)

Location

Vatican City

Country

Vatican City State

Oldest structure part

333

Current main structure

1635

Year consecrated

333

Denomination

Roman Catholic

Notes

Largest 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). 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 church

Building

Rotonda of Saint George church

Location

Sofia

Country

Bulgaria

Oldest structure part

4th century during the reign of Constantine the Great (306–337)

Current main structure

306–337

Year consecrated

4th century as baptistery

Denomination

Bulgarian Orthodox

Notes

Built 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.

Santa Maria in Trastevere (wall structure and floors from the original structure)

Building

Santa Maria in Trastevere (wall structure and floors from the original structure)

Location

Rome

Country

Italy

Oldest structure part

340

Year consecrated

340

Denomination

Roman Catholic

Notes

The 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

Cathedral of Trier (few remains of the original structure)

Building

Cathedral of Trier (few remains of the original structure)

Location

Trier

Country

Germany

Oldest structure part

340

Current main structure

11th - 12th centuries

Year consecrated

340

Denomination

Roman Catholic

Notes

Oldest 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)

Building

Hagia Sophia (later additions)

Location

Istanbul

Country

Turkey

Oldest structure part

360; current structure build 532-537;

Current main structure

537

Year consecrated

537-1453

Denomination

Greek Orthodox

Notes

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.

Great Basilica, Plovdiv (ruins and mosaics)

Building

Great Basilica, Plovdiv (ruins and mosaics)

Location

Plovdiv

Country

Bulgaria

Oldest structure part

mid-4th century

Current main structure

mid-4th century

Year consecrated

mid-4th century

Denomination

Early Christian Bishop's Basilica

Notes

Ancient church from the ancient city of Philippopolis 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 22,000 ft2 (2,000 m2) revealing extremel

Basilica di San Simpliciano (few remains of the original structure)

Building

Basilica di San Simpliciano (few remains of the original structure)

Location

Milan

Country

Italy

Oldest structure part

c. 374-400

Current main structure

12th - 13th centuries

Year consecrated

Denomination

Roman Catholic

Notes

Exterior 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'Ambrogio

Building

Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio

Location

Milan

Country

Italy

Oldest structure part

379

Current main structure

379

Year consecrated

379

Denomination

Roman Catholic

Notes

One 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-Nonnains

Building

Basilica of Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains

Location

Metz

Country

France

Oldest structure part

380

Current main structure

380

Year consecrated

7th century

Denomination

Roman Catholic

Notes

Originally 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 Brolo

Building

San Nazaro in Brolo

Location

Milan

Country

Italy

Oldest structure part

c. 382

Denomination

Roman Catholic

Notes

One of the earliest Latin cross buildings in western Europe; retains few ancient features.

San Paolo fuori le mura (complete reconstruction)

Building

San Paolo fuori le mura (complete reconstruction)

Location

Rome

Country

Italy

Oldest structure part

386

Denomination

Roman Catholic

Notes

One 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 th

Santi Giovanni e Paolo

Building

Santi Giovanni e Paolo

Location

Rome

Country

Italy

Oldest structure part

398

Denomination

Roman Catholic

Notes

A 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. The houses are part of a museum currently, but the basilica still functions as a church.

Lullingstone Roman Villa

Building

Lullingstone Roman Villa

Location

Eynsford, Kent, England

Country

United Kingdom

Oldest structure part

4th century

Denomination

Early Christian

Notes

Room 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 ruins

Building

Basilica di Sant'Eustorgio ruins

Location

Milan

Country

Italy

Oldest structure part

c. 4th century

Denomination

Roman Catholic

Notes

Some ruins remain of the apse of the ancient basilica.

Aula Palatina (Konstantinbasilika)

Building

Aula Palatina (Konstantinbasilika)

Location

Trier

Country

Germany

Oldest structure part

4th century

Denomination

Evangelical Church in the Rhineland

Notes

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.

Santi Nereo e Achilleo

Building

Santi Nereo e Achilleo

Location

Rome

Country

Italy

Oldest structure part

4th century (before 336)

Current main structure

15th century

Year consecrated

before 336

Denomination

Roman Catholic

Notes

Adjoins 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.

Santa Pudenziana

Building

Santa Pudenziana

Location

Rome

Country

Italy

Oldest structure part

4th century

Current main structure

1588

Year consecrated

4th century

Denomination

Roman Catholic

Notes

Retains original and unique late Roman mosaic decoration.

San Clemente al Laterano

Building

San Clemente al Laterano

Location

Rome

Country

Italy

Oldest structure part

4th century

Current main structure

before 1100

Year consecrated

4th century

Denomination

Roman Catholic

Notes

The 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 bri

Santa Costanza

Building

Santa Costanza

Location

Rome

Country

Italy

Oldest structure part

4th century

Denomination

Roman Catholic

Notes

Built 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 Coronati

Building

Santi Quattro Coronati

Location

Rome

Country

Italy

Oldest structure part

4th century

Denomination

Roman Catholic

Notes

Sanctuary 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)

Building

Chora Church (few remains of the original structure)

Location

Istanbul

Country

Turkey

Oldest structure part

early 4th century

Current main structure

1077–1081

Year consecrated

early 4th century

Denomination

Eastern Orthodox

Notes

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.

Hagia Irene

Building

Hagia Irene

Location

Istanbul

Country

Turkey

Oldest structure part

First structure from the 4th century; restoration from 549

Current main structure

549 and 741-775

Year consecrated

4th century

Denomination

Eastern Orthodox

Notes

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).

Saint Sofia Church

Building

Saint Sofia Church

Location

Sofia

Country

Bulgaria

Oldest structure part

4th century (few remains of the original structure), actual building is from 6th century during the reign of Justinian I (527–565)

Current main structure

527-565

Year consecrated

4th century

Denomination

Early Christian; now Bulgarian Orthodox;

Notes

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)

Building

Basilica of St. George in Sostra (in ruins)

Location

Sostra ancient Roman fort and settlement of Sostra.

Country

Bulgaria

Oldest structure part

4th century

Current main structure

4th century

Year consecrated

4th century

Denomination

Early Christian

Notes

The city and the church were completely destroyed by the Huns at the end of the 5th century.

Hagios Demetrios

Building

Hagios Demetrios

Location

Thessaloniki

Country

Greece

Oldest structure part

4th century

Current main structure

after 629-634

Year consecrated

4th century

Denomination

Greek Orthodox

Notes

Main 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.

Hagia Sophia, Thessaloniki

Building

Hagia Sophia, Thessaloniki

Location

Thessaloniki

Country

Greece

Oldest structure part

4th century

Current main structure

7th century (after 620)

Year consecrated

4th century

Denomination

Greek Orthodox

Notes

With 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)

Building

Basilica di San Lorenzo (rebuilt several times over the centuries)

Location

Milan

Country

Italy

Oldest structure part

364-402

Denomination

Roman Catholic

Notes

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.

Building	Image	Location	Country	Oldest structure part	Current main structure	Year consecrated	Denomination	Notes
Temple of Augustus and Livia		Vienne	France	First stage during the last quarter of the 1st century BC, reconstruction 1st Century before year 42	Before year 42	Beginning of the 6th century	Roman Catholic	Built 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 wa
Pantheon, Rome		Rome	Italy	125	125	609	Roman Catholic	Former 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 Callixtus		Rome	Italy	c - c	c - c	c - c	Early Christian	Built by Pope Callixtus I, also called Callistus I, the bishop of Rome (according to Sextus Julius Africanus)
Cathedral of Saint Domnius		Split	Croatia	295–305	295-305	641	Roman Catholic	Built 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 George		Thessaloniki	Greece	306	306	4th century	Greek Orthodox	Built as an imperial mausoleum or temple, currently a museum, with church access for various festivities.
Santi Cosma e Damiano		Rome	Italy	c. 309	c. 309		Roman Catholic	Occupies the former space of the Temple of Romulus in the Roman Forum.
Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran (few remains of the original structure)		Rome	Italy	c. 313-324	c. 313-324	c. 313-324	Roman Catholic	Oldest Christian basilica. Was founded after a donation of Constantine the Great to Pope Miltiades, right after the Edict of Milan.
Panagia Ekatontapiliani		Parikia	Greece	326			Greek Orthodox	Panagia Ekatontapyliani (also known as the Church of 100 Doors) is a historic Byzantine church complex.
Stavrovouni Monastery		Larnaca	Cyprus	327–329			Greek Orthodox	It 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 b
St. Peter's Basilica (few remains of the original structure)		Vatican City	Vatican City State	333	1635	333	Roman Catholic	Largest 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). 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 church		Sofia	Bulgaria	4th century during the reign of Constantine the Great (306–337)	306–337	4th century as baptistery	Bulgarian Orthodox	Built 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.
Santa Maria in Trastevere (wall structure and floors from the original structure)		Rome	Italy	340		340	Roman Catholic	The 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
Cathedral of Trier (few remains of the original structure)		Trier	Germany	340	11th - 12th centuries	340	Roman Catholic	Oldest 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)		Istanbul	Turkey	360; current structure build 532-537;	537	537-1453	Greek 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.
Great Basilica, Plovdiv (ruins and mosaics)		Plovdiv	Bulgaria	mid-4th century	mid-4th century	mid-4th century	Early Christian Bishop's Basilica	Ancient church from the ancient city of Philippopolis 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 22,000 ft2 (2,000 m2) revealing extremel
Basilica di San Simpliciano (few remains of the original structure)		Milan	Italy	c. 374-400	12th - 13th centuries	c	Roman Catholic	Exterior 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'Ambrogio		Milan	Italy	379	379	379	Roman Catholic	One 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-Nonnains		Metz	France	380	380	7th century	Roman Catholic	Originally 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 Brolo		Milan	Italy	c. 382			Roman Catholic	One of the earliest Latin cross buildings in western Europe; retains few ancient features.
San Paolo fuori le mura (complete reconstruction)		Rome	Italy	386			Roman Catholic	One 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 th
Santi Giovanni e Paolo		Rome	Italy	398			Roman Catholic	A 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. The houses are part of a museum currently, but the basilica still functions as a church.
Lullingstone Roman Villa		Eynsford, Kent, England	United Kingdom	4th century			Early Christian	Room 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 ruins		Milan	Italy	c. 4th century			Roman Catholic	Some ruins remain of the apse of the ancient basilica.
Aula Palatina (Konstantinbasilika)		Trier	Germany	4th century			Evangelical Church in the Rhineland	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.
Santi Nereo e Achilleo		Rome	Italy	4th century (before 336)	15th century	before 336	Roman Catholic	Adjoins 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.
Santa Pudenziana		Rome	Italy	4th century	1588	4th century	Roman Catholic	Retains original and unique late Roman mosaic decoration.
San Clemente al Laterano		Rome	Italy	4th century	before 1100	4th century	Roman Catholic	The 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 bri
Santa Costanza		Rome	Italy	4th century			Roman Catholic	Built 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 Coronati		Rome	Italy	4th century			Roman Catholic	Sanctuary 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)		Istanbul	Turkey	early 4th century	1077–1081	early 4th century	Eastern Orthodox	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.
Hagia Irene		Istanbul	Turkey	First structure from the 4th century; restoration from 549	549 and 741-775	4th 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).
Saint Sofia Church		Sofia	Bulgaria	4th century (few remains of the original structure), actual building is from 6th century during the reign of Justinian I (527–565)	527-565	4th century	Early 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.	Bulgaria	4th century	4th century	4th century	Early Christian	The city and the church were completely destroyed by the Huns at the end of the 5th century.
Hagios Demetrios		Thessaloniki	Greece	4th century	after 629-634	4th century	Greek Orthodox	Main 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.
Hagia Sophia, Thessaloniki		Thessaloniki	Greece	4th century	7th century (after 620)	4th century	Greek Orthodox	With 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)		Milan	Italy	364-402			Roman 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 › Africa

Saint Catherine's Monastery

Building

Saint Catherine's Monastery

Location

Sinai Peninsula

Country

Egypt

Oldest Part

AD 548

Denomination

Greek Orthodox

Notes

Built 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 Anchorite

Building

Monastery of Saint Paul the Anchorite

Location

Eastern Desert

Country

Egypt

Oldest Part

AD 560

Denomination

Coptic Orthodox

Notes

Partially 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 Menas

Building

Church of Saint Menas

Location

Cairo

Country

Egypt

Oldest Part

6th century AD

Denomination

Coptic Orthodox

Notes

Built 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 th

Debre Damo

Building

Debre Damo

Location

Tigray Region

Country

Ethiopia

Oldest Part

6th century

Denomination

Ethiopian Orthodox

Notes

The best preserved example of Aksumite Architecture.

Church of the Virgin Mary in Haret Zuweila

Building

Church of the Virgin Mary in Haret Zuweila

Location

Cairo

Country

Egypt

Oldest Part

10th Century AD

Denomination

Coptic Orthodox

Notes

Served 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.

Building	Image	Location	Country	Oldest Part	Denomination	Notes
Saint Catherine's Monastery		Sinai Peninsula	Egypt	AD 548	Greek Orthodox	Built 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 Anchorite		Eastern Desert	Egypt	AD 560	Coptic Orthodox	Partially 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 Menas		Cairo	Egypt	6th century AD	Coptic Orthodox	Built 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 th
Debre Damo		Tigray Region	Ethiopia	6th century	Ethiopian Orthodox	The best preserved example of Aksumite Architecture.
Church of the Virgin Mary in Haret Zuweila		Cairo	Egypt	10th Century AD	Coptic Orthodox	Served 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.

· Late antiquity to early Middle Ages › Asia

Monastery of Stoudios

Building

Monastery of Stoudios

Location

Istanbul

Country

Turkey

Oldest Part

462

Denomination

Greek Orthodox

Notes

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.

Qalb Loze

Building

Qalb Loze

Location

Qalb Loze

Country

Syria

Oldest Part

5th century

Denomination

Assyrian Church

Notes

Built 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)

Building

Church of Saint Simeon Stylites (Deir Semaan, in ruins)

Location

Aleppo

Country

Syria

Oldest Part

475

Denomination

Greek Orthodox

Notes

Once a popular pilgrimage site, now in ruins, but walls still standing.

Turmanin Basilica (in ruins)

Building

Turmanin Basilica (in ruins)

Location

Turmanin

Country

Syria

Oldest Part

480

Denomination

Early Church

Notes

Drawing reconstruction shown. Now in ruins, served a monastery and hospice.

Mor Hananyo Monastery

Building

Mor Hananyo Monastery

Location

Mardin

Country

Turkey

Oldest Part

493

Denomination

Syriac Orthodox

Notes

Founded 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 Nativity

Building

Church of the Nativity

Location

Bethlehem

Country

Palestine

Oldest Part

c. 565

Denomination

Simultaneum

Notes

One of the oldest church buildings in the world which has continuously functioned as a church.

Saint Hripsime Church

Building

Saint Hripsime Church

Location

Vagarshapat

Country

Armenia

Oldest Part

618

Denomination

Armenian Apostolic

Notes

The 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 Church

Building

Saint Gayane Church

Location

Vagarshapat

Country

Armenia

Oldest Part

630

Denomination

Armenian Apostolic

Notes

St. 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 Cathedral

Building

Zvartnots Cathedral

Location

Vagarshapat

Country

Armenia

Oldest Part

643-652

Denomination

Armenian Apostolic

Notes

Zvartnots 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.

Building	Image	Location	Country	Oldest Part	Denomination	Notes
Monastery of Stoudios		Istanbul	Turkey	462	Greek 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.
Qalb Loze		Qalb Loze	Syria	5th century	Assyrian Church	Built 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)		Aleppo	Syria	475	Greek Orthodox	Once a popular pilgrimage site, now in ruins, but walls still standing.
Turmanin Basilica (in ruins)		Turmanin	Syria	480	Early Church	Drawing reconstruction shown. Now in ruins, served a monastery and hospice.
Mor Hananyo Monastery		Mardin	Turkey	493	Syriac Orthodox	Founded 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 Nativity		Bethlehem	Palestine	c. 565	Simultaneum	One of the oldest church buildings in the world which has continuously functioned as a church.
Saint Hripsime Church		Vagarshapat	Armenia	618	Armenian Apostolic	The 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 Church		Vagarshapat	Armenia	630	Armenian Apostolic	St. 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 Cathedral		Vagarshapat	Armenia	643-652	Armenian Apostolic	Zvartnots 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.

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