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Below is an informal list of some of the oldest sacred sites, religious architecture and religious artifacts in the world and in particular regions. This is a growing index that will continue to develop as we come across old places and things. You might also be interested in our Largest Sacred Sites category.
Oldest Sacred Sites in the World
- Oldest New Testament manuscript in the world
- Papyrus p45, John Rylands library, USA
- Oldest known Christian church
- House-Church of Dura-Europos, Syria
- Oldest known representation of Christ
- Wall painting in the House-Church of Dura-Europos, Syria
- Oldest Islamic monument in the world
- Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem
- Oldest mihrab in the world
- Mihrab in the Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem
- Oldest Byzantine icons in the world
- Icons at St. Catherine's Monastery, Sinai
- Oldest pyramid in the world
- The Djoser Step Pyramid at Saqqara, Egypt, is the oldest pyramid in the world. It was constructed by Imhotep (Djoser's royal architect) c.2630 BC to a height of 62 m (204 ft). Whether this tomb was intended for a member of Djoser's (second pharaoh of the 3rd dynasty) family is not known. The only human remains ever discovered in the Djoser Step Pyramid's tomb was a mummified foot! It's thought the foot belonged to someone who lived about 500 years after Djoser. The body of Djoser has never been found.
- Oldest stained glass windows in the world
- Augsburg Cathedral in Germany has stained glass windows dating from the 12th century, reputedly the oldest in the world.
Oldest Regional Sacred Sites
- Oldest church in Austria
- St. Martin's Church in Linz was founded by Charlemagne in the 8th century
- Oldest church in Germany
- Trier Cathedral was founded by Constantine the Great in the 4th century
- Oldest church in Boston
- Old North Church, consecrated in 1723. Also has the oldest bells in a church in America.
- Oldest Byzantine church in Greece
- Panayia Ekatontapyliani (Hundred Doors Church), Paros
- Oldest Buddhist temple in China
- White Horse Temple (Baima Si), Luoyang, Henan Province (68 AD)
