St. Peter’s Church in Capernaum (“House of Saint Peter”)
![Pilgrimage Church of Saint Peter in Capernaum](https://www.wondermondo.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Pilgrimage-Church-Capernaum.jpg)
The house of the mother-in-law of the Apostle Peter, built in the early 1st century AD and served as a house church since around 50 AD. Most likely, the oldest church in the world. Now a modern church is built over it.
Stavrovouni Monastery
![Stavrovouni Monastery](https://www.wondermondo.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Stavrovouni-Monastery.jpg)
One of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world. According to a legend, it was founded in 327-329 AD by Saint Helena who brought a piece of the Holy Cross there.
Panagia Ekatontapyliani
![Panagia Ekatontapyliani](https://www.wondermondo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Panagia-Ekatontapyliani.jpg)
Panagia Ekatontapyliani is a magnificent complex of a fortified church, baptistery, and chapels that are surrounded by a fortification wall. According to tradition, this might be the oldest existing church in Greece, initially constructed in 326 AD.
Church of the Nativity with the Nativity Grotto
![Nave of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem](https://www.wondermondo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Church-of-the-Nativity.jpg)
Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem might be the oldest continuously operating church in the world. It was first built around 326-330 AD or a bit later over the presumed birthplace of Jesus.
Qirqbize church
![Qirqbize house church](https://www.wondermondo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Qirkbize-house-church.jpg)
One of the oldest church buildings in the world, a ruin of a possible early 4th-century church in the abandoned Byzantine village of Qirqbize.
Etchmiadzin Cathedral
![Etchmiadzin Cathedral](https://www.wondermondo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Etchmiadzin-Cathedral.jpg)
The main church in Armenia and, possibly, the oldest cathedral in the world. The first church was built, reportedly, in 301 – 303 AD, but the construction of the current church was started in 483 AD.
Aqaba Church
Remnants of the oldest known purpose-built church. Its construction was started between 293 and 303 AD.
Megiddo church
![Mosaic on the floor of Megiddo church](https://www.wondermondo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/MegiddoChurchMosaic2.webp)
Remnants of one of the oldest known church (rather – a prayer hall) buildings. It was built in the 3rd century AD and there is found a fine mosaic floor with Greek inscription mentioning Jesus Christ.
Dura-Europos house church
![Remnants of Dura-Europos house church, Syria](https://www.wondermondo.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/1024px-Doura_Europos_domus_ecclesiae_front_from_S.jpg)
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.
Archbasilica of St John Lateran
![Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, Rome](https://www.wondermondo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/1280px-La_basilique_Saint-Jean-de-Latran_Rome_5990055352.jpg)
The most important church for Catholics of the world. One of the oldest world’s churches, operating since 318 or 324.