Mar Mattai Monastery, Kurdistan Region Travel Guide

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Discover Mar Mattai Monastery: An ancient Syriac Orthodox sanctuary perched atop Mount Maqlub, offering history, stunning views, and spiritual solace.

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Mar Mattai Monastery

Perched dramatically on Mount Maqlub, also known as Mount Alfaf, Mar Mattai Monastery is one of the oldest Christian monasteries in existence. Founded in 363 AD by Mar Mattai, who fled Roman persecution, it offers stunning views and a glimpse into the region's rich Christian history.

A brief summary to Mar Mattai Monastery

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

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Mar Mattai Monastery.

Dress modestly to show respect for this religious site.
Consider taking a guided tour to fully appreciate the monastery's rich history and architecture.
Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for a quieter, more reflective 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 the fare with the driver before starting the journey. The ride offers scenic views of the surrounding area.
Public Transport

To reach Mar Mattai Monastery via public transport from Erbil, take a minibus from the main bus station to Khabat for around 1,000 IQD. From Khabat, hire a local taxi to the monastery for approximately 10,000 IQD; it's best to agree on the fare beforehand.

Discover more about Mar Mattai Monastery

Mar Mattai Monastery, also known as Dayro d-Mor Mattai, clings to the side of Mount Maqlub in northern Iraq, approximately 20 kilometers northeast of Mosul. This Syriac Orthodox monastery, founded in 363 AD, is not only a significant religious site but also a testament to the enduring Christian presence in the region.According to tradition, the hermit Mar Mattai (St. Matthew) fled persecution in Amid (Diyarbakir) under the Roman Emperor Julian the Apostate and sought refuge on Mount Alfaf with a group of monks. He is said to have healed Mor Behnam's sister and converted the family to Christianity. King Sennacherib, their father, initially retaliated by killing his son and daughter but later repented and built the monastery at Mattai's request.Throughout its long history, Mar Mattai Monastery has served as a center of Syriac Orthodox Christianity and a place of refuge during times of persecution. The monastery has faced numerous attacks and challenges, including attacks by Kurds in the 12th-16th centuries and, more recently, the threat from ISIS in 2014. The monastery's library, once renowned for its vast collection of Syriac Christian manuscripts, suffered losses due to a fire in 480 AD and subsequent attacks. Nevertheless, the monastery has persevered, with the Kurdistan Regional Government providing protection and recent renovations.Today, visitors to Mar Mattai can explore the monastery's ancient churches, chapels, and cave dwellings, experiencing the serene ambiance and rich history of this mountain sanctuary. The monastery offers panoramic views of the Nineveh plains and serves as a reminder of the faith and culture that have thrived here for centuries.