separateurCreated with Sketch.

Where are the oldest churches in Europe?

whatsappfacebooktwitter-xemailnative
John Burger - published on 04/11/19
whatsappfacebooktwitter-xemailnative

The history of the Church in Europe is an integral part of the continent’s own story.

Lenten Campaign 2025

This content is free of charge, as are all our articles.
Support us with a donation that is tax-deductible and enable us to continue to reach millions of readers.


Donate

History is full of ironies. Diocletian, the Roman emperor from 284 to 305, presided over the empire’s largest and bloodiest official persecution of Christianity. His “Edict against the Christians” of 303 ordered the destruction of Christian scriptures and places of worship. Diocletian was a native of Dalmatia, and when he died, he was buried in the Mausoleum of Diocletian in Split.

Well, not only did his persecution fail to eliminate Christianity in the empire, Diocletian’s final resting place was turned into a church. Now known as the Cathedral of St. Domnius, it is the second oldest structure used as a Christian cathedral.

That’s just one story in the fascinating history of the oldest churches of Europe. Here are some of the others.

Did you enjoy this article? Would you like to read more like this?

Get Aleteia delivered to your inbox. It’s free!

Enjoying your time on Aleteia?

Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you. Please make a tax-deductible donation today!

Help us continue to bring the Gospel to people everywhere through uplifting Catholic news, stories, spirituality, and more.