Grace Thompson
The oldest Catholic cathedral in Europe is a title held by the Cathedral of Saint Domnius in Split, Croatia. The cathedral was consecrated in 641 AD and is the oldest surviving Catholic cathedral in Europe that remains in use in its original structure. The building was originally constructed as a mausoleum for Roman emperor Diocletian in 310 AD, but was later transformed into a Catholic church.
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What You'll Learn
- The Cathedral of Saint Domnius in Croatia is the oldest Catholic cathedral still in use
- The Hagia Sophia in Turkey is one of the oldest cathedrals in the world
- The Church of the Nativity in Palestine is considered one of the oldest cathedrals
- The Basilica of San Lorenzo in Italy is one of the oldest buildings in Milan
- Santa Maria in Trastevere in Rome, Italy, was built in 340 AD
The Cathedral of Saint Domnius in Croatia is the oldest Catholic cathedral still in use
The Cathedral of Saint Domnius in Split, Croatia, is the oldest Catholic cathedral still in use. It was consecrated at the turn of the 7th century AD and is regarded as the oldest Catholic cathedral in the world that remains in use in its original structure. The cathedral is composed of three sections of different ages. The main part of the cathedral is Emperor Diocletian's mausoleum, which dates back to AD 305 or the end of the 3rd century. Diocletian, a native of Dalmatia, founded the palace in Split where the mausoleum was built.
The structure of the cathedral is fascinating, with an octagonal base surrounded by 24 granite Corinthian columns, typical of Roman art. The interior reveals frescoes, carved friezes, and reliefs dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Saint Domnius. The sacristy contains precious relics of Saint Domnius, ancient liturgical vestments, and pieces of gold and silverware. The cathedral also houses a crypt dedicated to Saint Lucy of Syracuse, with a spring said to cure ailing sight.
The bell tower, constructed in the Romanesque style, was added in the 12th century. The tower was extensively remodelled in 1908, and many of the original Romanesque sculptures were removed. The cathedral's wooden doors, created by the medieval Croatian sculptor and painter Andrija Buvina around 1214, are a highlight. They feature 14 scenes from the life of Jesus Christ, separated by ornate wooden decorations.
The Cathedral of Saint Domnius is an architectural gem with an astonishing past. It stands as a testament to the long and rich history of the Catholic faith in Croatia. Visitors can explore this historic monument and learn about its unique transformation from a mausoleum to a place of Catholic worship.
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The Hagia Sophia in Turkey is one of the oldest cathedrals in the world
The current structure of Hagia Sophia was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I between 532 and 537 AD. It was designed by the Greek geometers Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles. The cathedral combines traditional Orthodox basilica design elements with a large domed roof and a semi-domed altar, featuring two narthexes or "porches". The interior is adorned with mosaics, marble pillars, and artistic coverings.
Hagia Sophia served as the cathedral of Constantinople in the Byzantine liturgical tradition from its dedication in 360 AD until the fall of Constantinople in 1453. During this period, it underwent various changes, including being converted into a mosque by Mehmed the Conqueror after 1453. The site became a museum in 1935 under the secular Republic of Turkey, attracting numerous visitors as the country's most popular tourist destination.
In 2020, the Hagia Sophia was once again reclassified as a mosque by the Turkish Council of State and President Erdoğan, sparking controversy and divided opinions worldwide. Despite these changes, the Hagia Sophia remains a significant landmark for both Orthodox Christians and Muslims, reflecting the shifting cultural dynamics of Istanbul.
While the oldest Catholic cathedral in Europe is unclear, the Hagia Sophia's rich history and architectural grandeur have undoubtedly earned it a place among the world's oldest and most influential cathedrals.
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The Church of the Nativity in Palestine is considered one of the oldest cathedrals
The Church of the Nativity, or Basilica of the Nativity, is a basilica located in Bethlehem, West Bank, Palestine. It is considered one of the oldest cathedrals in the world, with construction beginning in 325 AD. The church holds significant religious importance for Christians of various denominations as it is believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ. The grotto within the church, known as the Nativity Grotto, is thought to be the manger where Jesus was born.
The original basilica was commissioned by Emperor Constantine, with construction starting in 327 AD and completion in 339 AD. The church has undergone several renovations and reconstructions throughout its history due to destruction by fire during the Samaritan revolt in 529 AD. Despite these changes, the present church retains the basic structure built by Emperor Justinian, with the walls, columns, and architrave dating back to his reign.
The Church of the Nativity is renowned for its architectural and artistic significance. It features abundant floor mosaics with geometric designs, flora, fruit, birds, and writings, including the name of Christ in Greek. The mosaics reflect the distinctive position and symbolism of the church. Unfortunately, rainwater seepage has damaged some of the 12th-century wall mosaics and paintings, as well as the structural integrity of the building.
The cathedral is an active centre for various Christian denominations, including the Armenian Apostolic, Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Syriac Orthodox churches. It attracts pilgrims and tourists from around the world, making it a significant destination for Christian worship and pilgrimage. The church became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012, listed under Palestine, further emphasising its historical and cultural importance.
While the Church of the Nativity is considered one of the oldest, there are other cathedrals that lay claim to this title as well. The Etchmiadzin Cathedral in Armenia is often cited as the oldest cathedral in the world, with construction taking place between 301 and 303 AD. Additionally, the Dura-Europos church in Syria is recognised as the oldest surviving church building globally.
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The Basilica of San Lorenzo in Italy is one of the oldest buildings in Milan
The Basilica of San Lorenzo in Milan, Italy, is one of the oldest buildings in the city. It was established during the 4th century, possibly between 390 and 402, and is the oldest church in Milan. The temple is dedicated to the martyr, San Lorenzo (St. Laurence), and was built with remains extracted from other Roman sites. The interior is adorned with marble and impressive mosaics from the 4th and 5th centuries. The chapel may have been originally intended as an imperial Roman mausoleum, featuring Paleochristian mosaics, including a depiction of "Christ the Lawgiver" or "Christ the Teacher".
The basilica's history is long and complex, undergoing numerous renovations and serving multiple purposes over the centuries. It is believed that the basilica was initially the largest, centrally planned building in the West. During the Middle Ages, it symbolised the legacy of the Roman Empire in Milan, and during the Renaissance, it served as an example of classical architecture, studied by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci. The basilica suffered a fire in 1071 and an earthquake in 1175, leading to various reconstructions and renovations.
The adjoining Chapel of Saint Aquilino (or Sant'Aquilino) is particularly notable for its ancient mosaics and relics. The chapel is dedicated to Saint Aquilinus of Cologne, whose remains are housed there. The square facing the basilica features the "Colonne di San Lorenzo", or Columns of St. Lawrence, dating from the 3rd century. These columns, along with other Roman remains in the area, attest to the ancient history of the site.
The Basilica of San Lorenzo is just one example of the oldest Catholic cathedrals in Europe. Others include the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey, built between 532 and 537 AD; the Santa Maria in Trastevere in Rome, Italy, built in 340 AD; and St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, Italy, constructed in 333 AD.
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Santa Maria in Trastevere in Rome, Italy, was built in 340 AD
Santa Maria in Trastevere, a Roman Catholic cathedral located in Rome, Italy, was built in 340 AD. It is considered one of the oldest cathedrals in Rome and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus. The cathedral has a rich history and is renowned for its beautiful architecture and artwork.
The site of Santa Maria in Trastevere has a long association with Christianity. According to tradition, the cathedral was built on the spot where, in 38 BC, a fountain of oil miraculously appeared, foretelling the coming of Christ, the Anointed One. Initially, a house-church was founded on the site around 220 by Pope Callixtus I. This early church was located on the grounds of the Taberna meritoria, a refuge for retired soldiers. The area was designated for Christian use by Emperor Alexander Severus, who settled a dispute between the Christians and tavern-keepers, stating his preference for those who honoured God.
In 340 AD, the church was rebuilt on a larger scale by Pope Julius I. The structure that stands today is largely the result of a major rebuilding campaign in the 12th century under Pope Innocent II, who rebuilt the cathedral on its old foundations. Despite these renovations, many parts of the cathedral date back to earlier periods. For example, the 22 granite columns that separate the nave from the aisles were likely taken from the ruins of the Baths of Caracalla. The portico, or entrance porch, was remodelled in 1702 by Carlo Fontana, who replaced the ancient porch with a sloping tiled roof. The octagonal fountain in the piazza in front of the church was also restored by Fontana and dates back to at least 1472.
The interior of Santa Maria in Trastevere is characterised by its three naves and rich, gilded ceiling designed by Domenichino in 1617. The apse and apsidal arch feature important mosaics depicting the "Life of the Virgin" by Pietro Cavallini from 1291. The bell tower, with its square base, dates to the 12th century and features a Romanesque campanile. The inscriptions found within the cathedral, collected and published by Vincenzo Forcella, provide valuable insights into the history of the basilica.
Today, Santa Maria in Trastevere remains an active parish and a popular site of pilgrimage, especially during Marian feasts such as the Assumption on 15 August. The cathedral is renowned for its medieval mosaics, Baroque interior, and relics, including the head of Saint Apollonia and a portion of the Holy Sponge.
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Frequently asked questions
The oldest Catholic cathedral in Europe is the Cathedral of Saint Domnius in Split, Croatia. The cathedral was consecrated in 641 AD and is regarded as the oldest Catholic cathedral in the world that remains in use in its original structure without near-complete renovation at a later date.
The oldest cathedral of all time is widely regarded to be the Etchmiadzin Cathedral in Armenia, built in 301 CE.
The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Palestine. Construction began in 325 AD and it is still under construction today.
