Ancient Church at Ayla

Aqaba


To the untrained eye, these ruins look unprepossessing to say the least, but archaeologists maintain that the remains of this ancient mud-brick complex represent the oldest purpose-built church in the world. The foundations date back to the late 3rd or early 4th century, and the church was probably in use for about a century before an earthquake devastated the region. Layers of sand have helped preserve the walls, some of which are more than two meters high.


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Nearby Aqaba attractions

1. Ayla

0.17 MILES

Located along the Corniche and incongruously squeezed between the marina and the Mövenpick Resort Hotel, Ayla is the site of the ancient port of Aqaba…

2. Sharif Al Hussein Bin Ali Mosque

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This grand and beautiful gleaming white mosque – an icon of Aqaba – is named for the great-great-grandfather of the current king, the emir of Mecca who…

3. Public Beach

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Packed at the weekend and on public holidays, this stretch of rather minimal sand beneath the palm trees offers a fun and sociable way to engage with…

4. Aqaba Museum

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The museum, closed in 2017 for renovation of the Aqaba Fort complex, was previously the home of the great-great-grandfather of the present king, Abdullah…

5. Aqaba Fort

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6. Arab Revolt Flagpole

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Standing a massive 137m high and with a flag measuring 20m by 40m, this is Aqaba's most easily spotted landmark by some degree. Look closer, however, and…

7. Aqaba Heritage Museum

1 MILES

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8. North Beach

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