8 of the Oldest Buildings in the World
Updated: Nov. 07, 2019You can visit many of these tombs, temples, and structures today.
Knap of Howar
One of the oldest buildings in the world is the Knap of Howar, which dates back to 3700-3500 BCE. The farmstead is one of the oldest, still-standing stone houses in Europe. It includes two stone homes linked through a hidden passage and joint walls. Archaeologists say Irish or Scottish monks could be the first builders and residents of the Knap of Howar. Although the house is still standing, these abandoned places around the world are better candidates for restoration.
Ġgantija Temples
The Megalithic Temples of Malta, or the Ġgantija Temples, date back to 3600 and 3200 BCE. The two temples on the island of Malta are UNESCO World Heritage sites. It’s one of the oldest free-standing monuments in the world. Archaeologists think the temple was used for ritual animal sacrifices.
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Tarxien Temples
The Tarxien Temples are also in Malta and were built between 3600 and 2500 BCE. The oldest temple is mostly gone, but people reconstructed the three others. The temples feature decorative stone blocks, screens, and altars. An elevated walkway added in 2012 makes it easy for visitors to see the buildings clearly.
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Shunet el-Zebib
Shunet el-Zebib is partially standing, but mostly in ruins. It’s still, however, one of the oldest buildings in the world. The Egyptian temple built in 2750 BCE is of mud and brick. It has an underground tomb as well as an above-ground complex. Architecturally, it’s a nod to the Egyptian pyramids soon to come.
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Cairn de Barnenez
The Cairn de Barnenez in Brittany, France, dates back to 4850 BCE and sits on a hill overlooking the English Channel. The monument was once called the “Prehistoric Parthenon” by French writer and politician André Malraux. Although it has 11 passage tombs and two burial chambers, it might be generous to call it a building. Nonetheless, it’s one of the oldest structures on Earth.
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West Kennet Long Barrow
Many of the oldest buildings in the world were also tombs or temples, and West Kennet Long Barrow is no exception. Archaeologists believe people built the cluster of barrows in 3600 BCE. They found the remains of 46 different people along with artifacts like pottery, beads, and stone tools, according to Atlas Obscura. Humans have been creating tools, art, and jewelry for millions of years.
Newgrange
One of the bigger old buildings in the world is Newgrange, an old passage tomb in Boyne Valley, Ireland. The circular structure takes up about an acre and includes a chamber with three alcoves. Although it’s 5,200 years old, travelers still visit to see the illuminated passage during the winter solstice.
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Tomb of Cyrus
Built in 530 BCE, the Tomb of Cyrus is one of Iran’s World Heritage Sites and one of the oldest buildings on the planet. It’s also believed to be one of the first earthquake-protected structures in the world, according to Atlas Obscura. The base isolating used on the tomb protects the main structure from moving apart from the foundation.
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