Background

Rabban Hormizd Monastery: A Sanctuary Carved in Stone

Discover the ancient Rabban Hormizd Monastery near Alqosh, a historic Christian site carved into the mountains of Nineveh, Iraq.

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Founded in 640 AD, Rabban Hormizd Monastery is an important historical and religious site for the Assyrian Church of the East and the Chaldean Catholic Church. Carved into the mountainside near Alqosh, it offers a glimpse into the enduring Christian heritage of Mesopotamia.

A brief summary to Rabban Hormizd Monastery

  • P4X8+J32, Bozan, Nineveh Governorate, IQ

Local tips

  • Dress modestly when visiting, as it is a religious site.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby town of Alqosh and the Yazidi site of Lalish.
  • Check the opening hours before you go, as they can vary.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Mosul, head south on Route 1 towards Erbil. After approximately 35 km, take the exit towards Bozan. From Bozan, follow the road leading towards the mountains; the monastery is a short drive away. Parking is available near the monastery.

  • Public Transport

    From Mosul, take a shared taxi or minibus heading towards Erbil. Inform the driver that you wish to get off at Bozan. The fare is approximately 1,500 IQD. From Bozan, you can hire a local taxi to take you to the monastery. Negotiate the fare beforehand; it should be around 5,000 IQD for a round trip. The taxi can wait for you while you visit the monastery.

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Discover more about Rabban Hormizd Monastery

Nestled in the Nineveh Governorate of Iraq, approximately 2 miles from Alqosh and 28 miles north of Mosul, the Rabban Hormizd Monastery stands as a testament to centuries of Christian history in the region. Founded around 640 AD by Rabban Hormizd, the monastery is carved into the mountains, offering a dramatic and inspiring sight. The monastery has served as a significant religious center for both the Assyrian Church of the East and later the Chaldean Catholic Church. From 1551 to the 18th century, it was the official residence of the patriarchs of the Eliya line of the Church of the East. The monastery also holds the tombs of several patriarchs, with graves dating back to the 15th century. Yohannan Sulaqa, who became the first Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, was a monk at Rabban Hormizd before his journey to Rome. Throughout its history, the monastery has faced numerous challenges, including attacks by Kurds and Mongols, as well as outbreaks of disease that led to periods of abandonment. Despite these hardships, it has been rebuilt and restored, most notably in the 19th century by Gabriel Dambo. In 1859, a new monastery, the Monastery of Our Lady of the Seeds, was built closer to Alqosh to provide a safer and more accessible location. However, Rabban Hormizd Monastery remains an important historical and religious site, attracting pilgrims and visitors who seek to experience its spiritual atmosphere and appreciate its unique architecture. The monastery offers panoramic views of the Nineveh Plain and surrounding mountains.

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