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Origins of expansion. Survived Artifacts of Early Christian Civilization

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Ancient churches and monasteries, ruins of Christian buildings whose age is more than a thousand years, and unique cave towns are incredibly diverse and interesting sights dating back to the early Christian civilization. They can be found among the inaccessible mountain regions of Abkhazia and in the Egyptian desert. Every year these Christian shrines are visited by a huge number of pilgrims. Some of them go to the particular inapproachable corners specially to pay homage to religious shrines. Other are driven by the natural desire of many travelers to go to the next unique place that is somehow connected with the bloom of modern civilization.

Church of Holy Sepulchre, Israel

The most famous Christian church in the world is the temple of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. According to beliefs, it is located exactly at the place where Jesus had been crucified and buried, and where his resurrection happened subsequently. Every year, this temple hosts one of the most important sacraments in the world - the ceremony of the Holy Fire. Located in Jerusalem, the temple is one of the few ancient Christian sites in the world, whose date of foundation is accurately known up to a year. The first church in this place was built in the year 326, and its consecration took place in the year 335.

Church of Holy Sepulchre, Israel Today, the temple of the Holy Sepulchre is a huge architectural complex that includes not only a number of buildings of different periods, but also Golgotha hill that was a place of crucifixion, according to Scripture. There are several temples and monasteries hiding many unique religious shrines. A stone of Confirmation, as well as old icons and mosaics, whose age is more than a thousand years, are kept in this church.

The temple features incredibly amazing design. There you can see old icons and artistic painting, which are hundreds of years old. The initiators of the construction of the first temple were the Emperor Constantine and Empress Helen. During more than 16 centuries, the temple has being totally destroyed and rebuilt again. Every year the church is visited by a huge number of pilgrims from around the world. They bow at the shrine and make one of the most important rituals in the Christian religion - climb to Calvary. The staircase leading to its top begins in the temple. Next - Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano

Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, Italy

Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, Italy Rome can boast with one of the oldest Christian churches in the world, Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano. This basilica was built during the reign of Emperor Constantine the Great. After more than a thousand years, it has managed to save its unique pristine image. Today the Basilica is a unique monument of architecture with a surprising combination of elements dating back to different periods. Marvellous frescoes, a preserved wooden ceiling of the 16th century, and sculptures created by the best artists in the world can be seen there. Complete article

St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican

St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Vatican, which is the smallest state in the world, is a unique attraction itself. Its main landmark is the amazing St. Peter’s Basilica and a square of the same name in front of it. That’s an important monument not only in terms of religion; it’s also a stunning example of architecture and art. Walls of the cathedral hide priceless artistic masterpieces, including unique Pieta by Michelangelo.  At every step you can see the beautiful sculptures, elements of artistic painting and decoration items made of precious metals. Complete article

The Catacombs of San Sebastiano, Italy

The Catacombs of San Sebastiano, Italy Unique attractions of the Christian world include not only ancient temples and monasteries, but also some historical areas, where archaeologists have found amazing Christian artifacts. An excellent example is the Via Appia, along which there are legendary Catacombs of San Callisto and San Sebastiano. Once, there was a pagan cemetery underground. Subsequently, it was used by the first Christians. Complete article

Inkerman Cave Monastery of St. Clement, Russia

Inkerman Cave Monastery of St. Clement, Russia One of the oldest and most unusual Christian monasteries is in Russia. The Inkerman Monastery of St. Clement is located on the Crimean peninsula, near the town of Inkerman. This monastery is carved in the rock. According to a legend, St. Clement was its founder. He personally cut down the temple, where the first Christians prayed. That was a significant event in the 1st century AD. Complete article

Gorge Maryam-Dere, Russia

Gorge Maryam-Dere, Russia In the immediate vicinity of the Crimean city of Bakhchisaray there is the valley is named after Mother Mary - Maryam-Dere. Adherents of the Christian religion know the gorge because of the old Assumption Monastery that was founded in the 8th century. According to legend, it has been built by monks, who fled from Byzantium. The picturesque gorge reminded them of the home country, so they decided to start their abode there. According to another version, the monastery was built on the spot where shepherds have found the icon of Holy Mother. The latter is widely known as the Bakhchysarai icon. Complete article

Cave City Mangup Kale, Russia

Cave City Mangup Kale, Russia A very unusual religious attraction is the cave city of Mangup-Kale that was the capital of the ancient Christian principality of Theodoro. This city is located in a remote rocky terrain at an altitude of 600 meters above sea level. It was built on a large rocky plateau. For hundreds of years, natural rocky cliffs protected the city from intruders. In the 6th century, Goths settled in Mangup Kale. The Gothic diocese was founded there in the 8th century. Complete article

Miussera Temple, Abkhazia

Miussera Temple, Abkhazia Abkhazia is also rich in unique Christian sites. One of the most amazing ancient temples that is worth looking is in the Miussera reserve. The national reserve is very picturesque; it is located near the popular beach resort of Golden Bay. Amidst of its extensive forests and valleys there is the charming Myussera temple. That is a large and beautiful building covered with ivy. This temple was built in the 10th century. It never ceases to amaze with its grandeur. Complete article

Tsandripshsky Temple, Abkhazia

Tsandripshsky Temple, Abkhazia Another amazing religious object is the Tsandripshsky temple that was built in the 6th century. It is located in the picturesque village of Gantiadi. According to historical records, in ancient times it housed a fortress and a settlement. In the Middle Ages, a commercial port was built there. The old temple is one of the few buildings that has managed to survive to the present day. Despite the fact that the temple is not active, tourists still have an opportunity to assess its scope and admire unique elements of decoration. Complete article

Bedia Cathedral, Abkhazia

Bedia Cathedral, Abkhazia In Abkhazia, pilgrims and tourists have an opportunity to visit another important religious object, the Bedia Cathedral. It is located in the village of Agubedia. The landmark was built in the late 10th century. This cathedral was consecrated in honor of Our Lady of Blachernae. Surprisingly, the church was able to keep its original appearance and a number of unique elements of decoration for more than a thousand years. The shrine was built of solid stone. The construction features impressive size. Complete article

Christian Basilica of Lin, Albania

Christian Basilica of Lin, Albania The center of attraction for Christian pilgrims in Albania is an ancient town of Pogradec that is famous for its religious sites. In this town you can see the ruins of the ancient Christian basilica, which were discovered during a recent archaeological research. Fragments of ancient buildings are in the national park Drilon. Age of the basilica is more than 1 500 years. Complete article

Saidnaya and Maaloula, Syria

Saidnaya and Maaloula, Syria Those who are interested in the history of the Christian culture are recommended to visit ancient settlements in Syria. Saidnaya and Maaloula are excellent examples of communities that were able to save not only the priceless Christian places of interest, but also a unique way of life. These small villages are very close to each other, so as part of the tour travelers usually visit them together. Complete article

Monasteries of Wadi Natrun, Egypt

Monasteries of Wadi Natrun, Egypt Many unique attractions and Christian artifacts are hidden among the desert landscapes of Egypt. The Wadi Natrun desert is a great example. One of the main features of this area is a variety of lakes; local water has high sodium contain. Devotees and tourists are attracted not only by the unique natural attractions, but also by ancient monasteries. Complete article

The St. Catherine's Monastery, Egypt

The St. Catherine's Monastery, Egypt The St. Catherine's Monastery located on the Sinai Peninsula is also known as the Sinai monastery. That's a Christian landmark of world importance. It is located in an incredibly picturesque remote mountain area, at the foot of Mount Sinai, at an altitude of 1 570 meters above sea level. According to historical records, the monastery was founded in the 6th century by an order of Emperor Justinian. In 2002, the ancient monastery was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Complete article

Shrine of Sohag City, Egypt

Shrine of Sohag City, Egypt The Egyptian city of Sohag is considered to be a real Christian open-air museum. Numerous religious sites with a long history are situated there. This is a beautiful modern city with lively streets and spectacular architecture. Here, Christian shrines can be seen along with the majestic mosques. There are several monasteries and temples. The most famous monastery is Anba Beshoy and the church of St. Psoy situated on its territory. Complete article
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