Church buildings embodying the functions of a cathedral first appeared in Italy, Gaul, Spain, and North Africa in the 4th century, but cathedrals did not become universal within the Western Catholic Church until the 12th century, by which time they had developed architectural forms, institutional structures, and legal ...

When was the first cathedral built?

Located in the world's first Christian country, Armenia, the Etchmiadzin cathedral holds the distinction of being the world's oldest cathedral that was state built. It was built between 301 and 303 AD by Saint Gregory the Illuminator and it still in operation today.

When was the first cathedral built in England?

Founded by St Augustine in 597AD, Canterbury Cathedral is England's first cathedral, with a history and tradition of Christian worship that spans over 1,400 years.