Reverence Where It’s Due

Historical buildings are impressive enough, but some host much more than grand architecture or centuries-old artwork. Some of the oldest buildings double as places of worship, making them particularly incredible for some sightseers. Here are just a handful of the most beautiful ones!  

Photo by Brandon Morgan on Unsplash

1. Temple of Augustus and Livia (France, 1st Century)

What remains of this temple is an impressive landmark of ancient history. Historians still speculate when construction actually began, but it’s believed to have started in 20 BC and 10 BC. Tourists today can revel in its preservation, particularly the engraved dedication to “Rome and to Augustus Caesar.” 

Jsamwrites on Wikimedia Commons

2. The Pantheon (Italy, 125)

Italy’s well-known for its historical preservation, and the Pantheon is no exception. The building itself is on its second resurrection; construction for today’s third building started around AD 125. However, the original building stood way back in 25 BC during Augustus’s reign.

Roberta Dragan on Wikimedia Commons

3. Catacombs of Callixtus (Italy, 218)

Though not exactly a church in its own right, the Catacombs of Callixtus served as the official cemetery for the Church of Rome. To this day, it’s considered a significant landmark with original Greek inscriptions still preserved on the tombs inside—some of which belonged to several popes from the 2nd to 4th centuries.

Sailko on Wikimedia Commons

4. Monastery of Saint Thaddeus (Iran, AD 239)

It may seem unassuming, but this monastery is rife with both history and beauty. Historians believe construction began in AD 239 and is widely accepted as one of the oldest church buildings in the world. Much of the original structure was damaged throughout history, but its current building still boasts pieces from the 7th century. 

Valen1988 on Wikimedia Commons

5. Dura-Europos Church (Syria, 241) 

Ever wonder where the first house church was? Believe it or not, they very much existed back in the day, and the Dura-Europos Church is considered the first identifiable one. Not only that, but it’s also home to the earliest Christian frescoes discovered—several remain on the walls today. 

Heretiq on Wikimedia Commons

6. Aqaba Church (Jordan, 293)

This church might not be what it once was, but that doesn’t negate its importance. The Aqaba Church had a good 100 years before an earthquake destroyed it, leaving it buried until a group of archeologists recovered it in the ‘90s. It’s easy to dismiss the site as “underwhelming,” but it’s the oldest known purpose-built Christian church and still something to behold.

Utilisateur:Bel Adone on Wikimedia Commons

7. Monastery of Saint Anthony (Egypt, 298)

Originally constructed around AD 298, this ancient monastery still boasts incredible architecture and artwork throughout. Careful restoration took place in the early 2000s, with Egypt spending several million dollars to ensure the project’s completion. 

Tentoila on Wikimedia Commons

8. Etchmiadzin Cathedral (Armenia, 301) 

If a trip to Armenia is on the horizon, make sure to stop by the Etchmiadzin Cathedral—the oldest one in the world. Outside of its impressive architecture, the structure contains several holy relics, such as the Holy Lance and even a piece of Noah’s Ark.

Arman musikyan on Wikimedia Commons

9. Cathedral of Saint Domnius (Croatia, AD 305)

This Croatian cathedral still looks pretty good after all these years, especially since it’s never gone through any significant repairs. It’s actually considered the world’s oldest Catholic cathedral still used in its original state, and tourists can experience everything from its original architecture and paintings to its treasury.  

Jernej Furman on Wikimedia Commons

10. Arch of Galerius (Greece, AD 306)

Whether you visit the arch or the rotunda, history buffs and believers alike have something to experience. The Rotunda was originally built in AD 306 and converted to a Christian church in the 4th century. Construction for the arch, on the other hand, started in AD 298 and still features its original marble carvings. 

Suicasmo on Wikimedia Commons

11. Santi Cosma e Damiano (Italy, AD 309)

Just past those teal doors lies artwork and architecture from the original AD 309 construction. Though it wasn’t an official church until AD 527, tourists are still treated to marble carvings, mosaics, and chapels.  

Dario Crespi on Wikimedia Commons

12. Hagia Sophia, İznik (Turkey, 325)

No, not that Hagia Sophia—though that one’s also in Turkey and just as impressive. This time around, we’re talking about a slightly older building originally constructed in 325. It’s gone through several changes, first as a Byzantine-era church, then a mosque, then a museum, and back to a mosque.  

Dosseman on Wikimedia Commons

13. Panagia Ekatontapiliani (Greece, 326) 

Who doesn’t love beautiful stonework on a historical church? This building is just as pretty inside as out, featuring incredible archways and artwork, and also standing as one of time’s oldest religious structures.  

Olaf Tausch on Wikimedia Commons

14. Stavrovouni Monastery (Cyprus, 327)

To walk into this monastery is to walk into history itself—not only because of its construction but also for the holy relics within. Among them, you can witness a piece of the Holy Cross, one of the Holy Nails, and even a piece of rope said to have tied Jesus to the cross. 

Dickelbers on Wikimedia Commons

15. St. Peter's Basilica (Italy, AD 333)

Not much remains of the original structure,e but that doesn’t make today’s basilica any less incredible. Construction for Old St. Peter’s Basilica began around AD 333, and visitors can still walk on some of the original foundation. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, Michelangelo was also one of the main architects for its 1500s construction.   

Max_Ryazanov on Wikimedia Commons

16. Paromeos Monastery (Egypt, 335)

This monastery is likely the oldest of the four existing monasteries in Scetes, and still contains most of its original AD 335 architecture. Sometimes referred to as the Baramus Monastery, visitors can explore the artwork and construction, as well as holy relics. 

Frank Schulenburg on Wikimedia Commons

17. Mor Gabriel Monastery (Turkey, 397)

Gorgeous archways and towers adorn this monastery, originally built in 397. It’s one of the oldest surviving Syriac Orthodox monasteries in the world, and with so much phenomenal architecture, it’s hard to know where to look first.

 Nevit Dilmen on Wikimedia Commons

18. Monastery of Saint Macarius the Great (Egypt, AD 360)

Founded back in AD 360, this monastery housed several admirable figures, including Christian saints and fathers. Perhaps most notably, both Saint John the Baptist's and Elisha the Prophet’s crypts were found during restoration.  

Faris knight on Wikimedia Commons

19. Yererouk Basilica (Armenia, 4th Century)

This basilica is the earliest of many things—it’s one of the earliest examples of Armenian architecture and one of the country’s earliest Christian monuments still standing. Though left in ruins today, you can still view its chapels and detailed stonework. 

Armenak Margarian on Wikimedia Commons

20. Kasagh Basilica (Armenia, 4th Century)

Scholars believe this quaint basilica was built in the 4th century, and one visit to the chapel would likely have you agree. It might not have the same archways or marble carvings as some religious structures, but it still possesses the stonework and significance. 

Yerevantsi on Wikimedia Commons