Saint Mary Church of the Holy Belt and the underground church
The most ancient church in Homs is Saint Mary Church of the Holy Belt, the seat of the Syriac Orthodox archbishopric. Its history may be started in 59 AD.
Dharmaraja Mandapa, Mahabalipuram
Dharmaraja Manapa is simple but elegant rock-cut temple in the southern part of Mahabalipuram. This Hindu shrine was built in the late 7th century AD.
Antakya Church of Saint Peter (cave church)
One of the oldest churches in the world, constructed the latest in the 3rd or 4th century AD. Rock-hewn buildings, with fine facade built by Crusaders sometimes around 1100 AD. Rock-cut passages extend from the church.
Olakkannesvara Temple – the old lighthouse
Olakkannesvara Temple now is just a base part of an early 8th century temple on the top of granite hill. It was used as a lighthouse in earlier times.
Rihab Church of St. George and its underground “church”
Rihab Church of St. George was built ~ 530 AD and is in ruins now. Some researchers consider this to be the oldest church in the world, from 33 – 70 AD.
Seven Pagodas of Mahabalipuram
Only one of the legendary “Seven pagodas” of Mahabalipuram remains – the magnificent Shore Temple. What happened with the other six temples?
Syriac Orthodox Monastery of Saint Mark, Jerusalem
The Syriac Orthodox Monastery of Saint Mark contains library with valuable manuscripts. Possible site of the earliest Christian shrine in the world.
Cenacle – the site of the Last Supper
Legendary site – possible location of The Last Supper. This has been an important pilgrimage site with many structures built and destroyed. The current shrine was built in Gothic style. It is undated, from the 12th – 14th century. It is a mystery – who built it and when.
Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram
Shore Temple is the only remaining of the legendary Seven Pagodas of Mahabalipuram. The first structural temple of Pallavas, built in 700 – 729.
Dura-Europos house church
One of the oldest Christian house churches – a family house that was converted into church sometimes around 233 – 256 AD. Possibly the oldest church in the world. It is adorned with frescoes – possibly the oldest Christian paintings.
