Qara Kelissa (Turkish for "The Black Church") is a famous historical church of Armenian Orthodox Iranians. It is located in Iranian West Azarbaijan province, near Chaldoran.Also known as St. Thaddeus Church, it is believed by some to have been first built in 66 AD by Saint Jude. Local Armenians believe that he and Simon were both buried here after being murdered along with 3500 people.
In 1329, the church was reconstructed to its present form after an earthquake destroyed the structure in 1319. The Qajar prince Abbas Mirza also helped in renovations and repairs.
It is considered one of the oldest churches in the world.
Église Qara Kelissa