Background

Mar Mattai Monastery: A Mountain Refuge of Ancient Faith

Discover ancient Christian heritage at Mar Mattai Monastery, a historic mountaintop sanctuary near Mosul with breathtaking views and a legacy of faith.

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Perched dramatically on Mount Maqlub near Mosul, Mar Mattai Monastery is one of Christianity's oldest monastic centers, dating back to 363 AD. Founded by Mar Mattai, who fled Roman persecution, the monastery offers stunning views and a serene ambiance that has attracted pilgrims and travelers for centuries.

A brief summary to Mar Mattai Monastery

  • FCRR+7X8, قريه مير كي, Nineveh Governorate, IQ

Local tips

  • Dress modestly to show respect for this religious site.
  • Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for a quieter, more contemplative experience.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning views and unique architecture.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From Erbil (Hawler), a taxi to Mar Mattai Monastery costs approximately 15,000 IQD. Confirm with the driver that they know the monastery's location. The journey offers scenic views of the surrounding area.

  • Public Transport

    Take a minibus from Erbil's main bus station to Khabat for around 1,000 IQD. From Khabat, hire a local taxi to Mar Mattai Monastery for approximately 10,000 IQD; agree on the fare beforehand.

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Discover more about Mar Mattai Monastery

Mar Mattai Monastery, also known as Dayro d-Mor Mattai, clings to the slopes of Mount Maqlub in northern Iraq, approximately 38 kilometers from Mosul. Founded in 363 AD by Mar Mattai, a hermit who escaped Roman persecution under Emperor Julian the Apostate, it stands as a testament to the enduring Christian faith in the region. The monastery's origins are intertwined with local legend. Mar Mattai is said to have healed the sister of Prince Behnam, converting the prince and his family to Christianity. While King Sennacherib initially retaliated by killing his children, he later repented, converting to Christianity himself and commissioning the monastery's construction. Another tradition attributes the foundation to Queen Shirin. Throughout its history, Mar Mattai Monastery has served as a refuge and a center of Syriac Orthodox culture. It has weathered numerous attacks and periods of instability, including those by Kurds in the 12th-16th centuries and, more recently, the threat posed by ISIS. The monastery also provided shelter for refugees during the ISIS conflict. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has played a crucial role in protecting the monastery, especially during times of conflict and has also renovated the site. Today, visitors can explore the monastery's ancient churches, chapels, and memorials, as well as caves where early monks lived. The monastery also boasts an exceptional view of the surrounding Nineveh plains. The Syriac Orthodox Church maintains the site, preserving its rich heritage and traditions.

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