Mar Mattai Monastery, Nineveh Plains Travel Guide

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Discover Mar Mattai Monastery: An ancient Syriac Orthodox sanctuary atop Mount Maqlub, offering history, spirituality, and breathtaking views of Nineveh.

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Mar Mattai Monastery

Perched atop Mount Maqlub, Mar Mattai Monastery is one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world, dating back to 363 AD. Founded by Mar Mattai, who fled Roman persecution, it offers stunning views and a serene ambiance, holding centuries of Christian history within its ancient walls.

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.
Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for a quieter, more reflective experience.
Take a guided tour to fully appreciate the monastery's rich history and unique architecture.

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Getting There

Car

From Erbil (Hawler), drive southwest on 60 Meter Street towards the Erbil Citadel. Continue for approximately 15 km until you reach the town of Khabat. Follow signs towards Mirkani village, then Mir Ki. The monastery is about 10 km outside Mir Ki. Look for signs directing you to the monastery. There is no entry fee, but donations are appreciated.
Public Transport

From the main bus station in Erbil (Hawler), take a minibus to Khabat for approximately 1,000 IQD. From Khabat, hire a local taxi to Mar Mattai Monastery for around 10,000 IQD. Confirm the location with the driver before starting the journey. The taxi will take you directly to the monastery, about 10 km from Khabat.

Discover more about Mar Mattai Monastery

Mar Mattai Monastery, also known as Dayro d-Mor Mattai, stands proudly on Mount Maqlub in northern Iraq, approximately 38 kilometers from Mosul. Founded in 363 AD by Mar Mattai, a hermit who sought refuge from Roman persecution under Emperor Julian the Apostate, the monastery is a testament to the enduring Christian faith in the region.According to tradition, Mar Mattai's presence led to the conversion of Mor Behnam and his sister Sarah, children of King Sennacherib of Assyria. Initially angered, the king is said to have killed his children before repenting and building the monastery at Mar Mattai's request. Over the centuries, the monastery has served as a spiritual and cultural hub for Assyrian Christians, weathering numerous attacks and periods of instability.The monastic complex includes several churches, chapels, and memorials, along with caves where early monks lived as hermits. The monastery's strategic location atop Mount Maqlub, at an elevation of 820 meters, provides panoramic views of the Nineveh plains. At its peak in the 9th century, it housed as many as 7,000 monks and was renowned for its library and collection of Syriac Christian manuscripts. Though much of the collection was lost to fire and attacks, efforts have been made to preserve the remaining texts.Today, Mar Mattai Monastery continues to be maintained by the Syriac Orthodox Church. Visitors can explore the ancient stonework, admire the frescoes depicting biblical stories, and experience the tranquility that has permeated the site for centuries. The monastery not only offers a glimpse into the region's rich Christian heritage but also stands as a symbol of resilience and faith in the face of adversity.