Stavrovouni Monastery

Stavrovouni Monastery

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.