Churches are some of the most majestic buildings in existence. Since the dawn of time, civilizations and cultures have gathered in these buildings for worship, and many of these ancient buildings are still standing today. We have found some of the oldest churches in the world and present them below:
1. Hagia Sophia
Years Built: 532 – 537 AD
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Denomination: Christian
Today: Museum
For more than 1,000 years, Hagia Sophia was the largest Christian church in existence. Built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, Hagia Sophia went through several changes over the years. Originally, the church was a Christian cathedral, but it also has been a Greek Orthodox cathedral,
a Roman Catholic cathedral, and an Imperial mosque.
Today, Hagia Sophia still stands, but it is now a museum, not a church. Visitors to Istanbul can tour the museum, and there are estimates that approximately 10,000 people go through it each day.
2. Etchmiadzin Cathedral
Years Built: Construction began in 483 AD
Location: Vagharshapat, Armenia
Denomination: Christia
Today: Still Operational
Etchmiadzin Cathedral was the first cathedral built in ancient Armenia, and it remains the oldest Christian cathedral in existence. Originally, a church was built in the same site in 301 AD, but it was replaced by the current church in 483 AD.
Today, the cathedral still stands and serves as a major shrine for Christians in Armenia. Etchmiadzin Cathedral is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is one of the most popular spots for tourists to visit in the entire country.
3. Basilica of San Lorenzo, Milan
Years Built: Construction began in 364 AD
Location: Milan, Italy
Denomination: Roman Catholic
Today: Still Operational
The Basilica of San Lorenzo is one of the oldest buildings still standing in Milan. When built, the basilica was the largest construction project that the Western world has ever seen. When construction was complete, it was the largest circular church in the world, and it was the inspiration for Hagia Sophia, which is also on this list.
Today, the Basilica of San Lorenzo is still an operational church, and some of the original features remain, though much of it has been rebuilt over the years.
4. Cathedral of Trier
Years Built: 340 AD
Location: Trier, Germany
Denomination: Roman Catholic
Today: Still Operational
The Cathedral of Trier is the oldest in Germany. Originally, it was built on a Roman site that broke ground in the late third century. The most interesting thing about the Cathedral of Trier is its relics. It holds one of the Holy Nails that was said to hold Jesus to the cross when crucified, but that’s not the most remarkable relic.
The church also has an artifact known as the Seamless Robe of Jesus. This relic is said to be the robe Jesus wore shortly before his crucifixion. However, it is rarely available for public viewing, and the last time it was displayed was back in 2012.
5. St. Peter’s Basilica
Years Built: 326 to 360 AD
Location: Vatican City
Denomination: Roman Catholic
Today: Rebuilt in the 16th centuries
The most famous church on our list is St. Peter’s Basilica, home of some of the most famous works of art globally, including Michelangelo’s Pieta. Originally, the church was commissioned by Constantine I and was the site of the crowning of Charlemagne when he was named Holy Roman Emperor.
The original church stood until the 16th century, when the new building, the one standing today, was built. Some original features are still at the site, including the Tomb of St. Peter, one of the disciples of Jesus from the Bible.
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