Aqaba, Jordan
Church building in Aqaba, Jordan
The Aqaba Church is the ruin of a late 3rd-century church in Aqaba, southern Jordan, considered the oldest known building in the world constructed from the outset as a church; earlier churches were houses or other buildings converted to church use. Archaeologists uncovered it in June 1998 and dated its first phase to between AD 293 and 303, making it slightly older than the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Al-Quds and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, both built in the late 320s. The find overturned the view that Jordan's earliest churches dated from the late 4th century. Its position at Aila, on the edge of the Roman Empire, probably saved it from destruction in the Great Persecution that broke out a few years after it was built, and a priest of Aila named Beryllus is recorded among those at the Council of Chalcedon in 451. What you see today are low mud-brick walls on stone foundations showing the church's layout and rooms, with a small information sign. It is close to the Islamic-era ruins of Ayla and Aqaba Fort, part of Aqaba's long history as a Red Sea port.
The site is small and seen in fifteen minutes, so combine it with the Ayla ruins, Aqaba Fort and the Aqaba Archaeological Museum on a heritage walk. It is a place of religious and historic heritage, so visit quietly and respectfully. Go in the morning or before sunset to avoid the midday heat.
Hours and prices change — check before you go. Source: en.wikipedia.org
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AttractionAqaba, Jordan
