Faisal AlZamil investigates the inner apse of the ancient Jubail church.

Jubail Church (Arabic: كنيسة الجبيل) is an ancient church building, about an hour’s drive north of Dammam. One of the oldest Christian structures to be idenified, it dates back to the fourth century . It is built of locally available gypsom covered with stucco. Designs and architecture suggest it is contemporary with similar Christian sites known from al-Qusur, Sir Bani Yas. When discovered, it contained two visible crosses in the stucco that have since been destroyed.

The church was discovered in 1986 and excavated by the Saudi Department of Antiquities in 1987. The results of the excavation had not been published amid sensitivity about artifacts of non-Islamic origin.

The church originally belonged to the Church of the East (Nestorian Church), a branch of Eastern Christianity. As of 2009 the site was fenced, and archaeologists were not permitted to examine it.

It is listed on Wikipedia as one of the oldest church buildings in the world.

Located about an hour north of Dammam/Khobar, contact Ella to arrange a day trip that also includes a visit to the Jubail corniche and excellent local cuisine!

Dates tentative. Contact us with your preferred dates: ella@kaphkaph.com