Albanian Church of Kish: the oldest Christian temple in the Caucasus, in Sheki

Five kilometres from the city of Sheki, in northwestern Azerbaijan, stands one of the oldest buildings in the Caucasus: the Albanian Church of Kish. Erected in the early centuries of the Christian era by the Caucasian Albanians — a people distinct from present-day Balkan Albania —, this modest-sized church conceals within its simplicity centuries of religious history that predate Islam in this land.

Iglesia Albanesa Kish Sheki Azerbaiyán — templo cristiano caucásico antiguo
The Church of Kish in Sheki, one of the oldest religious buildings in the Caucasus, restored in the 20th century with Norwegian support.

Caucasian Albania: a forgotten people

Caucasian Albania was a Christian kingdom that existed in present-day Azerbaijan from approximately the 1st century BC to the 8th century AD. Its inhabitants adopted Christianity in the 4th century, around the same time as Georgia and Armenia. The Church of Kish was, according to tradition, the first cathedral of that kingdom, founded by the apostle Elisha, a disciple of Thaddaeus. Although the current structure dates from the 12th century, it stands on the foundations of the original 1st-century temple.

Architectural features

The church is a building with a simple basilical plan, with walls of grey volcanic tuff that blend harmoniously into the landscape of the village of Kish. The exterior decorative austerity contrasts with the archaeological richness of the site: excavations carried out in the 20th century revealed burials from the Albanian period, ceramic fragments and coins confirming continuous occupation of the site since the 1st century.

The Norwegian restoration

In the 2000s, the famous explorer Thor Heyerdahl showed special interest in the Church of Kish, convinced that there was a historical connection between the Caucasian Albanians and the Scandinavian peoples. Although this theory is disputed, Heyerdahl's initiative facilitated a restoration funded by Norway that saved the building from deterioration.

iglesia piedra antigua Cáucaso — arquitectura medieval cristiana
The stone architecture of medieval Caucasian churches reflects adaptation to the terrain and climate of the region.

How to visit the Church of Kish

The church is 5 km from Sheki, reachable by taxi (around 5 AZN) or on foot in about 45 minutes along a pleasant rural path. The visit pairs perfectly with the Khan's Palace of Sheki for a full day covering the best of the region's historical heritage.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Caucasian Albania and Albania (the Balkan country)?

They are unrelated. Caucasian Albania was a Christian kingdom in the Caucasus that existed in present-day Azerbaijan between the 1st century BC and the 8th century AD, while Albania (Shqipëria) is a Balkan country with no direct historical connection to that kingdom.

Is the Church of Kish the oldest in the Caucasus?

It is one of the strongest candidates for the title. Although the current structure dates mainly from the 12th century, it stands on 1st-century foundations and tradition links it to the apostolic evangelisation of the Caucasus, making it a place of enormous importance for the history of Christianity in the region.

Is the Albanian Church of Kish open to the public?

Yes, it functions as a museum and tourist attraction. There is a small interpretation centre on the grounds that explains the history of Caucasian Albania and the archaeological finds of the site.