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Our Lady of the Hour Church: A Symbol of Mosul's Resilience

A historic Catholic church in Mosul, famed for its iconic clock tower and its role as a symbol of peace and resilience.

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Our Lady of the Hour Church, also known as the Latin Church, stands as a testament to Mosul's enduring spirit. Built in the 1870s by Dominican Fathers, the church is renowned for its clock tower, a gift from Empress Eugenie de Montijo, and its role as a cultural and religious hub.

A brief summary to Our Lady of the Hour Church

  • 84RG+6VM, Mosul, Hayy An Nabijarjis, Nineveh Governorate, IQ

Local tips

  • Visit the church to witness the ongoing efforts to rebuild and restore Mosul's cultural heritage.
  • Take time to appreciate the architecture and learn about the church's history as a center for education and interfaith dialogue.
  • Explore the Old City of Mosul, where the church is located, to see other historical landmarks and experience the city's rich culture.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Our Lady of the Hour Church is located in the Old City of Mosul, near the intersection of Al-Farouq and Niniveh roads. From most points in the Old City, the church is easily accessible on foot. Look for the distinctive clock tower, which is visible from many locations.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Mosul. A short taxi ride to Our Lady of the Hour Church from anywhere in the city center should cost approximately 10 USD. Be sure to negotiate the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

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Discover more about Our Lady of the Hour Church

Our Lady of the Hour Church, located in the heart of Mosul's Old City, is more than just a religious building; it's a symbol of the city's history, diversity, and resilience. Constructed in the late 19th century by Dominican friars, the church quickly became a central point for the Christian community and a place of interfaith dialogue. The church is also known as Al-Saa'a (“Clock”) Church. The church's most distinctive feature is its clock tower, the first in Iraq, donated by Empress Eugenie de Montijo of France in 1880. This iconic clock gave the church its popular name and allowed the time to be known throughout the city. The tower stands 27 meters high and is adorned with four clock faces. Throughout its history, Our Lady of the Hour Church has served not only as a place of worship but also as an important cultural and academic center. It housed a girls' school and the first printing press in Iraq, producing publications in multiple languages. The church also fostered strong relationships between different religious and ethnic groups in Mosul, including Christians, Yazidis, Muslims, Arabs, and Kurds. In recent years, the church has faced significant challenges. It was damaged during the Iraq War in 2006 and later suffered extensive damage during the occupation of Mosul by ISIS. The church was used as a weapons warehouse and torture chamber by the jihadists, and its archaeological artifacts, including the famous clock, were stolen. However, the clock tower remained standing. In 2020, UNESCO joined the collaborative efforts of the Dominican friars to rebuild the Church as a focus for cultural encounter. The restoration of the church is not only important because of its value as cultural heritage but also as a testimony to the diversity of the city. The church reopened on January 1, 2024, with a Mass celebrated by the Master of the Dominican Order.

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