Archeological Church of Aqaba

Very interesting site right next to the bus station. It is considered to be the world's oldest-known purpose-built Christian church. A short visit to see the site itself is enough and you can get more information on Wikipedia. The site is made from mud and rocks. Very fragile. Not much more info on it but interesting to check out as you visit Aqaba.

While according to the Catholic Encyclopedia, the Cenacle (the site of the Last Supper) in Jerusalem was the "first Christian church," Jordan's Aqaba Roman Church is considered to be the world's first purpose-built Christian church. This historic 3rd-century church was unearthed by a group of archaeologists in June 1998 and from pottery found in its foundations, is believed to have been built sometime in the late 3rd or the beginning of the 4th century. This makes it older than the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, both of which were built in the late 320s.

The church was built of mud-brick over stone foundations, with probably vaulted nave and aisles, and arched doorways. It had the shape of a large three-aisled basilica, with a narthex, and oriented on an east-west axis. Remains of a staircase suggest that it had a second storey. The nave ended in a chancel area followed by a rectangular apse.

As shown in the photos here, the ruined building was filled by wind-blown sand, which no doubt helped preserve its walls to a remarkable height.

Just next to the Late Roman Church, there is a nicely preserved square tower flanked by sections of the curtain wall that protected Byzantine Aila. This feature of a later period is easily overlooked as the information sign only focus on the church remains.

Another section (and longer) of the same defensive wall continues west of here past the road.

Amazing place to see the one of the old church.

Incredible that this is not rated yet. Should be promoted!!!!
Considered to be the world's oldest-known purpose-built Christian church. Its first phase was dated between 293 and 303, which makes it older than the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.... Behind the movenpick hotel

Aqaba archeological Church is a historic 3rd-century church located in Aqaba. It was unearthed in 1998 by a group of archaeologists and is considered to be the world's oldest-known purpose-built Christian church. Wikipedia

You have too see this place if you are already in Aqabah

Okay, nur ein paar Mauern in einem Erdloch und die Beschilderung ist mäßig. ABER es ist die wahrscheinlich älteste Kirche der Welt. Also her mit den 5 Sternen.

W 2014 roku „Księga rekordów Guinnessa” uznała kościół w Akabie (Jordania) za „najstarszy znany budynek kościelny na świecie”.

مكان أثري غير مراعي من الدولة.يقع بجانب بيتي

Ein paar weitere Ruinen, aber bisher der älteste Kirchenneubau der Geschichte.

مكان أثري جميل

مكان رائع

ممتاز

مكان للصلاه والعباده

رااااااائع