When were churches first built?

Churches appear in the 1st century as homes of believers in which Christian worship services were held. Buildings constructed specifically as houses of worship appear between the 1st and 2nd centuries.

What is the oldest church in the world?

The oldest church in the world extant is the Dura-Europos Church in Dura-Europos, Syria.

What is the largest church in the world?

St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, constructed 1506-1626, is the largest church in the world.

What caused the change in the design of churches?

Churches were often - not always - ornate and heavily ornamented buildings until the Protestant Reformation of 1517. Afterwards, Protestant congregations constructed more modest structures with a focus on the pulpit and a reduction or elimination of iconography and ornamentation. Catholic churches, generally, continued to be built with an emphasis on the grandeur and majesty of God.

A Gallery of Churches from Around the World (Image Gallery) p. 3

Image Gallery

by Joshua J. Mark
published on 03 December 2024

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Hagia Sophia Panorama

by Mark Cartwright
published on 09 April 2013

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Hagia Sophia Panorama — View Full-Size Image

The former cathedral and mosque Hagia Sophia, Istanbul (formerly Constantinople). Although some historians disagree (claiming Constantine laid the foundation), Constantius II is credited with building the first of three Hagia Sophias, the Church of Holy Wisdom, in 360 CE. The church would be destroyed by fire in 404 CE, rebuilt by Theodosius II, destroyed and rebuilt again under Justinian in 532 CE.

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Questions & Answers

When were churches first built?: Churches appear in the 1st century as homes of believers in which Christian worship services were held. Buildings constructed specifically as houses of worship appear between the 1st and 2nd centuries.
What is the oldest church in the world?: The oldest church in the world extant is the Dura-Europos Church in Dura-Europos, Syria.
What is the largest church in the world?: St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, constructed 1506-1626, is the largest church in the world.
What caused the change in the design of churches?: Churches were often - not always - ornate and heavily ornamented buildings until the Protestant Reformation of 1517. Afterwards, Protestant congregations constructed more modest structures with a focus on the pulpit and a reduction or elimination of iconography and ornamentation. Catholic churches, generally, continued to be built with an emphasis on the grandeur and majesty of God.

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External Links

The Church Building: Catholic Identity

bne.catholic.edu.au

Church Architecture, Styles & History : Types of Churches

nationalchurchestrust.org

Postwar Building Boom | Article Archive | The Institute for Sacred Architecture

sacredarchitecture.org

The History of The Church Steeple - Religious Product News

religiousproductnews.com

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