List of oldest churches

List of oldest churches
Church of the Nativity was built circa 550 on the traditional site of Jesus Christ's birth

The designation of the oldest church in the world requires careful use of definitions, and must be divided into two parts, the oldest in the sense of oldest surviving building, and the oldest in the sense of oldest Christian church congregation. Even here, there is the distinction between old church buildings that have been in continuous use as churches, and those that have been converted to other purposes; and between buildings that have been in continuous use as churches and those that were shuttered for many decades. In terms of congregations, they are distinguished between early established congregations that have been in continuous existence, and early congregations that ceased to exist. To be listed here a site must:

  • be the oldest church in a country, large city (top 50), or oldest of its type (denomination, architectural, etc.);
  • be the oldest congregation of its type (denomination).

Contents

Oldest church buildings

This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.
Building Image Location Country Oldest Part Denomination Notes
Dura-Europos house church DuraEuropos-Church.jpg Dura-Europos, Syria Syria 235 House church Several walls still standing, oldest images of Jesus discovered within the surviving frescoes of the large baptistry room.
Megiddo church Megiddo05.JPG Megiddo (Armageddon) Israel 300+ (3rd century) Church building Ruins discovered on prison grounds in 2005, possibly oldest building constructed as a church ever discovered.
Church of St Peter Antioch Saint Pierre Church Front.JPG Antakya (Antioch) Turkey 3rd or 4th century (later additions, possibly earlier usage) Cave church Cave church used by very first Christians of Antioch, where St. Peter presided as bishop. Known by its original Aramaic name of Knisset Mar Semaan Kefa. Extensively reconstructed, with oldest surviving elements from 3rd-4th century.
Etchmiadzin Cathedral Ejmiadzin Cathedral2.jpg Etchmiadzin Armenia 301-303 AD, rebuilt 480 and later Church building Name means "Place where the Only Begotten Descended." It is the Oldest State built church in the world. It still functions as a church and is the center of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Largely rebuilt in 480.
Panagia Ekatontapiliani EKPYL 2881.jpg Parikia Greece The church dates to 326 AD. Its oldest features likely predate the adoption of Christianity as the state religion of the Roman Empire in 391 AD. Eastern Orthodox Panagia Ekatontapyliani (also known as the Church of 100 Doors) is a historic Byzantine church complex
St. Peter's Basilica Vatican City at Large.jpg Rome Vatican 333. (Old St. Peter's, some elements remain) new St. Peter's Basilica 1635 Roman Catholic Largest church in the world
Cathedral of Trier Trier Dom BW 1.JPG Trier Germany 340 AD overseen by Bishop Maximin of Trier, the construction of the grandest ensemble of ecclesiastical structures in the West outside Rome. Some 4th c. elements remain in a mainly Romanesque building Roman Catholic Oldest cathedral in Germany, still in use today.
Santa Maria in Trastevere Santa Maria in Trastevere front.jpg Rome Italy A Christian house-church was founded here c.220 by Pope Saint Callixtus.[1] In 340 Pope Julius I rebuilt the Titulus Callixti on a larger scale, which survives today. Roman Catholic one of the oldest churches in Italy
Monastery of Saint Anthony St. Anthony's Monastery 2006.jpg Eastern Desert Egypt 356 ca. (later additions) Coptic Orthodox Partially destroyed in 11th century and rebuilt.
Mar Mattai Monastery Mount Alfaf Iraq 363 Syriac Orthodox Oldest surviving monastery in Iraq.
Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains basilica Metz st pierre nonnains.jpg Metz France 380 Roman catholic Originally built to be part of a Roman spa complex, but the structure was converted into use as a church in the 7th century becoming the chapel of Benedictine monastery
Mor Gabriel Monastery Morgabrieltowers.jpg Tur Abdin Turkey 397 Syriac Orthodox Oldest surviving monastery in Turkey. In danger of being acquired by the Turkish government.
Church of St. George, Sofia StGeorgeRotundaSofia.JPG Sofia Bulgaria 4th century Eastern Orthodox Built by the Romans
Jubail Church <-- 100px --> Al-Jubail Saudi Arabia A church was founded here in the 4th century. Early-Christian (Assyrian?) one of the oldest churches known
Church of Saint Simeon Stylites (Deir Semaan) ChurchofAleppo.jpg Aleppo Syria 475 Eastern Orthodox Church No longer a functioning church, but walls still standing. Oldest Byzantine church to date.
Hagia Sophia Hagia Sophia exterior 2007 002.jpg Istanbul Turkey 532-537 Eastern Orthodox Church In 1453 captured and converted into Muslim mosque, now a museum.
Basilica of Saint Servatius St Servaas Maastricht.jpg Maastricht The Netherlands 550 ca There were A small memorial chapel on the site of the saint's Saint Servatius (310-384), who became the first bishop of Maastricht, this was later replaced by a larger stone church Roman catholic the oldest church in The Netherlands
Saint Catherine's Monastery, Mount Sinai Katharinenkloster Sinai BW 2.jpg Saint Catherine, Egypt Egypt 550 ca. Eastern Orthodox Church Oldest functioning monastery in the world, received The Patent of Mohammed.
Church of the Nativity Bethlehem BW 1.JPG Bethlehem West Bank 565 ca. Eastern Orthodox Church One of the oldest church buildings in the world, still functioning as a church.
St Martin's Church, Canterbury Canterbury St Martin close.jpg Canterbury United Kingdom 597 Anglican church The oldest church building in England, still functioning as a church.
Daqin Pagoda Da Qin Pagoda.jpg Chang'an China 640 Nestorian Built in 640 by early Nestorian missionaries. Abandoned in about 845. Thereafter a Buddhist temple was installed in the building. Finally abandoned in 1556 after being severely damaged by an earthquake.
Church of St. John the Baptist (Kerch) Kerch ChurchOfStJohn.jpg Kerch Ukraine 717 Orthodox Catholic Church Founded in 717, later rebuilt on several occasions.
Church of Our Lady (Aarhus) Vor Frue Kirke Århus.jpg Aarhus Denmark 1060, a older wooden church was on the site in the 10th century Lutheran The crypt church is the oldest extant stone church in Scandinavia. still functioning as a church.


Oldest continuous church congregations

This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.
Congregation Image Location Country Founded Ethnic Background Notes
Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch Antioch Turkey 33 AD Greco-Syrian It was established in 33 AD by St Peter.
Syriac Orthodox Church شعار الكنيسة.jpg Antioch Turkey 33 AD Syrian-Aramaic It was established in 33 AD by St Peter.
Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria Coptic cross.svg Alexandria Egypt 43 AD Egyptian It was established in 43 AD by St Mark.
Nazrani Christian Church Kerala Backwaters.jpg Kerala India 52 AD Syrian It was established in 52 AD by St Thomas, one of the twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ.
Roman Catholic Church Flag of the Vatican City.svg Rome Vatican City 33 AD It was established in 33 AD by St Peter.

By country

Argentina

  • Compañía de Jesús, built 1676, One of the oldest church buildings in Argentina, (Roman Catholic)

Armenia

  • Etchmiadzin Cathedral, built between 301-303 AD, is the oldest church in Armenia (Armenian Apostolic), and the oldest State built Church in the world
  • Basilica of the Holy Cross, built ca. 300s in Armenia (Armenian Apostolic)
  • Saint Hripsime Church, built 618 AD in Armenia (Armenian Apostolic)

Australia

  • Ebenezer Uniting Church, built in 1809, oldest church building in Australia (Uniting Church)

Austria

  • St. Martin's Church (Martinskirche), built in 8th century, Oldest church building in original form

Azerbaijan

  • Targmanchats Monastery, built in the 4th century (Armenian Apostolic)

Barbados

  • St. James Church, Barbados, founded 1627, oldest congregation (Anglican)

Belarus

Belize

  • St. John's Cathedral in Belize City, built 1812-1820, one of the oldest church buildings in Belize (Anglican)

Brazil

  • Church of Saints Cosme and Damião, built in 1535, in the city of Igarassu, Pernambuco. Brazil's oldest church (Roman Catholic).

Bulgaria

  • Church of St. George, Sofia, built in 4th century CE, with many later additions, One of Bulgaria's oldest church buildings, used as a mosque for a period (Orthodox)

Canada

Chile

  • Church of San Francisco. Built between 1586-1628, One of Chile's oldest surviving buildings (Roman Catholic)

China

Costa Rica

  • Parroquia San Blas, built in , founded in 1644, One of the oldest churches in Costa Rica (Roman Catholic)

Croatia

Cuba

  • Parroquial Mayor (Grand Church) of Sancti Spiritus, built in 1522-1680, One of the oldest churches in Cuba (Roman Catholic)

Cyprus

  • Church of Ayios Lazaros, Larnaca, built in 9th century, One of the oldest churches in Cyrpus

Czech Republic

  • Church of SS. Peter and Paul, built at Budeč fortified settlement between 895 and 905 during rule of Spytihněv I is the oldest extant church building in the Czech Republic. The site (cf. cs:Budeč (hradiště)) is located near village of Zákolany, about 17 kilometres (11 mi) NW of Prague.

Denmark

Dominican Republic

Ecuador

  • Cathedral of Quito (San Francisco), built 1562-67, One of the oldest church buildings in Ecquador (Roman Catholic)

Egypt

Ethiopia

  • Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion, Originally built in 4th century, rebuilt several times, most recently in 17th century, Possibly oldest church building in Sub-Saharan Africa (Ethiopian Orthodox Church)
  • Church of Saint George, Lalibela, Built in 12th century, one of the oldest church buildings in Ethiopia (Ethiopian Orthodox Church)

Finland

  • Sankta Maria Church, built in 12th century, Possibly oldest church building in Finland (Lutheran)

France

  • Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains basilica, built in 380 as a spa, church since 600, Oldest church building in France (Roman Catholic)

Germany

  • Cathedral of Trier, built in 300s, later extensive additions of over than 1000 years, Possibly oldest church building in Germany (Roman Catholic)

Greece

  • Panagia Ekatontapiliani, built ca. 326, Possibly oldest church building (Orthodox)
  • Church of the Acheiropoietos, built ca. 450-470, One of oldest church buildings (Orthodox)

Guatemala

  • Chapel of San Jacinto, Guatemala, founded in 1524, One of the oldest churches in Guatemala (Roman Catholic)

Hungary

India

Some of the oldest churches in the world are said to have been in Kerala, India, built from the time of Saint Thomas. But they were all destroyed as apostate when the Portuguese came to India in the 16th century. [2]

  • Thiruvithamcode Arappally (Arappally means Royal Church) Kanyakumari District is the oldest Church building that still exists in India. It is believed locally that it was built in the first century.
  • St. Francis Church, Kochi, built 1504-1516, Oldest European church building in India (Church of South India)
  • Kadamattom Church, built in the 9th century.
  • St. Marys Church, Puthenchira, First Church built in 400 AD, was destroyed at the time of Tippu Sultan and reconstructed in the early 19th centuary. This Church was the Archbishops head quarters. (Arch diosce of Kodungallur)

Iran

  • Church of St. Mary, built in 600s, Oldest church building

Iraq

  • Al-Aqiser church, built in 500s, Oldest church building (foundations, some walls remain)

Ireland

  • Gallarus Oratory, built between the 6th and 9th centuries, Possibly the oldest church building in Ireland

Israel

  • Church of the Holy Sepulchre, rebuilt in 1089, One of the oldest church buildings in Israel (some walls from earlier structure may exist), (Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, and Ethiopian Orthodox)
  • Church of the Nativity, ca. 565, One of the oldest churches in the world (Eastern Orthodox Church)

Italy

Several buildings from the period soon after Constantine I allowed public Christian worship in 313 remain, especially in Rome.

  • Santa Maria in Trastevere, foundations date from 300s, but church walls reconstructed in 1143, One of the oldest churches in Italy

Jamaica

  • St. Andrew's Parish Church, built 1692-1705, One of the oldest churches in Jamaica (Anglican)

Japan

  • Ōura Church, built in 1864, Possibly the oldest church building in Japan (Roman Catholic)

Jordan

  • Aqaba Church ruins, originally built in 2nd century AD, ruins uncovered in 1998, one of the oldest church buildings discovered in the world
  • Saint Georgeous Church in Rihab, Jordan, allegedly 1st century AD church under the foundation of the current church building, (disputed dating of archaeological site)

Lebanon

  • Church of St. Mamas: Mar Mema, built in 794, Possibly the oldest church building in Lebanon

Liberia

  • Providence Baptist Church, founded in 1821 by Lott Cary, Possibly the oldest church in Liberia (Baptist)

Lithuania

  • Vilnius Cathedral, it was built in 1250's. Later it was many times reconstructed and rebuilt. In 18th century it was reconstructed to it's present appearance.
  • St. Nicholas Church, Vilnius is the oldest surviving church in Lithuania. Originally built in the 14th century.

Macedonia

Malaysia

  • St. Paul's Church, Malacca, built in 1521 as a Roman Catholic chapel and finally abandoned in 1753. It is the oldest known church building in Malaysia
  • Christ Church Melaka, built in 1753 as a Dutch Reformed church, it now houses an Anglican congregation. It is the oldest Protestant church building in Malaysia
  • St. Peter's Church Melaka, built in 1710 as a Roman Catholic church. It is the oldest Catholic church in Malaysia

Mexico

Namibia

  • Bethanie Church, built in 1859, Oldest surviving church building in Namibia

New Zealand

  • Russell's Christ Church, built 1835-36, the oldest church building in New Zealand (Anglican)

Netherlands

  • Basilica of Saint Servatius, church congregation dating to 384 AD, current building built from 11th to 13th centuries, oldest congregation and possibly the oldest church building (Roman Catholic)

Norway

  • Old Aker Church (Norwegian: Gamle Aker kirke) is a medieval church located in Oslo. An active parish, the church is the oldest existing building in Oslo from 1080.

Panama

  • Church of Nata, built in 1522, oldest church, still in use (Roman Catholic)

Philippines

  • San Agustin Church, Manila, built in 1607, One of the Oldest church building, (Roman Catholic)
  • Basilica Minore del Santo Niño,built in 1565, Oldest church building, (Roman Catholic)

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Russia

Saudi Arabia

  • Jubail Church, built in 4th century, One of oldest churches in the world (discovered in 1986, but not open to public viewing) (Assyrian)

Serbia

Singapore

Slovakia

  • Church of Saint Margaret, built in 9th or early 10th century during Great Moravia period is the oldest extant church building in Slovakia. It is located in village of Kopčany, close to Czech border.

South Africa

  • Dutch Reformed Groote Kerk (Great Church), built between 1699 and 1704, Oldest church building in South Africa (Reformed)

South Korea

  • Myeongdong Cathedral, built between 1892-1898, Oldest church building in South Korea (Roman Catholic)
  • Seoul Union Church, founded 1885, Oldest church congregation, oldest Protestant church (Protestant)

Spain

Sweden

  • Lund Cathedral, built in 1123, Possibly the oldest church in Sweden (Lutheran)
  • Näs church, built sometime in 1100, restored a couple times. Possibly the oldest church in Sweden.
  • Herrestads church, built in 1110-1112, as described, might be the oldest church in Sweden

Switzerland

  • Abbey of Romainmôtier, built between 990 and 1030, Possibly oldest church in Switzerland

Syria

  • Dura Eurpous, built in 235, and the oldest church house in the world.
  • Aleppo , Church of Saint Simeon Stylites, built in 475. Oldest byzantin church to date.

Turkey

  • Hagia Sophia, built 332-437 by Emperor Justinian I. Captured and converted into Muslim mosque in 1453, now a museum. (Orthodox)
  • Mor Gabriel Monastery, founded in 397 by Saint Samual & Simon belonging to the Syriac Orthodox Church
  • Church of St Peter, built by 3rd or 4th century (later additions, but possibly earlier usage), Cave church used by very early Christians Aramaic name of Knisset Mar Semaan Kefa. It was extensively reconstructed.

Ukraine

United Kingdom

United States

See also: Oldest churches in the United States

Uruguay

  • Iglesia de San Carlos Borromeo, San Carlos, Uruguay. First adobe structure built on 1763. The construction of the current structure started on 1778. Building inaugurated on 1808.

Vietnam

Zambia

  • Niamkolo Church, built in 1895, Oldest surviving church building in Zambia

See also

External links and references

  1. ^ http://www.halldis.com/content/documentLoad.action?stringId=Rome_attractions
  2. ^ ^ Malabar Manual by William Logan - 1996 published by Asian Educational Services
  3. ^ http://www.canterburybuildings.com/pages/stmart1a.htm

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