Heritage with Related Tags
Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region
Located in the northwest of Kyushu, this contiguous site includes ten villages, the ruins of Hara Castle, and a cathedral dating from the 17th to the 19th century. They reflect the era when the Christian faith was banned, and the revival of the Christian community after the ban was officially lifted in 1873. These sites bear unique witness to the cultural traditions fostered by the hermit Christians of the Nagasaki region who secretly spread their faith during the period of prohibition from 17th to 19th centuries.
Tipasa
Located on the Mediterranean coast, Tipasa was an ancient Punic trading post that was conquered by Rome and became a strategic base for the conquest of the Kingdom of Mauritania. It includes a unique set of Phoenician, Roman, Paleo-Christian and Byzantine sites, as well as indigenous monuments such as Kbor er Roumia, the great royal tombs of Mauritania.
Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessalonika
The provincial capital and seaport of Thessaloniki, founded in 315 BC, was one of the first bases for the spread of Christianity. Among its Christian monuments are fine churches, some in the form of a Greek cross, others in the form of a three-nave basilica. Built over a long period from the 4th to the 15th century, these churches constitute a diachronic typological series that had a considerable influence on the Byzantine world. The Rotunda and the mosaics of St. Demetrius and St. David are among the great masterpieces of early Christian art.
Ancient City of Bosra
Once the capital of the Roman province of Arabia, Bosra was an important stopover on the ancient caravan route to Mecca. Within the city walls are a magnificent 2nd-century Roman theatre, early Christian ruins and several mosques.
Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessalonika
The provincial capital and seaport of Thessaloniki, founded in 315 BC, was one of the first bases for the spread of Christianity. Among its Christian monuments are fine churches, some in the form of a Greek cross, others in the form of a three-nave basilica. Built over a long period from the 4th to the 15th century, these churches constitute a diachronic typological series that had a considerable influence on the Byzantine world. The Rotunda and the mosaics of St. Demetrius and St. David are among the great masterpieces of early Christian art.
Abu Mena
The churches, baptistery, basilicas, public buildings, streets, monasteries, houses and workshops of this early Christian holy city were built over the tomb of Menas, an Alexandrian martyr who died in 296 AD.
Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna
Ravenna was the capital of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, and then of Byzantine Italy until the 8th century. It has unique early Christian mosaics and monuments. All eight buildings - the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Baptistery of Nyonia, the New Basilica of Sant'Apollinare, the Baptistery of Arias, the Archbishop's Church, the Mausoleum of Theoderic, the Church of San Vitale and the New Basilica of Sant'Apollinare - were built in the 5th and 6th centuries. They show great artistic skills, combining Greco-Roman traditions, Christian iconography, and Eastern and Western styles.
Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs (Sopianae)
In the 4th century AD, a series of richly decorated tombs were built in the necropolis of the Roman provincial city of Sopiana (modern Pécs). The tombs are structurally and architecturally significant, as they are underground burial chambers, while memorial churches were built above ground. The tombs are also artistically significant, as they are richly decorated with high-quality frescoes depicting Christian themes.
Ouadi Qadisha (the Holy Valley) and the Forest of the Cedars of God (Horsh Arz el-Rab)
The Qadisha Valley is one of the most important early Christian monastic settlements in the world. Many of the monasteries here are rich in history and stand out in dramatic locations amidst the rugged terrain. Nearby are the remains of the Great Cedar Forest of Lebanon, revered in ancient times for the construction of great religious buildings.
Saint Catherine Area
The Eastern Orthodox Monastery of Saint Catherine sits at the foot of Mount Horeb, where the Old Testament records that Moses received the Law. The mountain is revered by Muslims as Jebel Musa. The entire area is a holy site for three major world religions: Christianity, Islam and Judaism. The monastery was founded in the 6th century, making it the oldest Christian monastery still in use. The walls and buildings of the monastery are of great significance to the study of Byzantine architecture, and the monastery houses a large collection of early Christian manuscripts and icons. The rugged mountainous landscape contains numerous archaeological and religious sites and monuments, providing the perfect backdrop for the monastery.