Category
Early Church & Apostolic Sites
The first congregations and where they met.
Early church and apostolic sites trace the first Christians and the journeys of the apostles. Ephesus, the catacombs of Rome, Antioch and the island of Patmos where Revelation was written are the key places connected to Paul, Peter and John — each with the New Testament passages that name them, archaeological context and travel details for visiting early Christian ruins today.
11 destinations
5/5 SignificanceCapernaum, Israel
Capernaum
The small fishing village Jesus used as his home base. You can still see the synagogue and a house believed to be Peter's.
5/5 SignificanceSelçuk, Turkey
Ephesus
Paul lived here for three years, and his preaching once caused a riot. The ruins are some of the best kept in the world.
5/5 SignificanceChora, Greece
Patmos
The Greek island where John was sent away as a prisoner and wrote the book of Revelation. His cave is still there.
5/5 SignificanceAntakya, Turkey
Antioch (Antakya)
The city where followers of Jesus were first called Christians, and where Paul started his mission trips.
4/5 SignificanceVatican City, Vatican City
St Peter's Basilica
The biggest church ever built, with Michelangelo's dome over the tomb of Peter the fisherman.
4/5 SignificanceRome, Italy
Catacombs of San Callisto
Long underground tunnels where about half a million early Christians were buried, including nine popes.
4/5 SignificanceCaesarea, Israel
Caesarea Maritima
A harbour city built by King Herod. Here Peter baptised a Roman officer, and Paul was kept in prison before sailing to Rome.
4/5 SignificanceRome, Italy
Rome
The city where Peter and Paul were killed, and the city that later spread their faith around the world.
4/5 SignificanceDamascus, Syria
Straight Street, Damascus
The old main street where Ananias found Saul after he went blind. Saul then became the apostle Paul.
3/5 SignificanceIstanbul, Turkey
Hagia Sophia
For 900 years the biggest church in the world. It became a mosque, then a museum, and is a mosque again today.
2/5 SignificanceRome, Italy
The Colosseum
The huge Roman arena. We are not sure Christians died here, but Rome did kill many Christians for their faith.