Mar Mattai Monastery: A Sanctuary in the Mountains

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Discover Mar Mattai Monastery: An ancient Syriac Orthodox sanctuary on Mount Maqlub, offering history, spirituality, and stunning views of the Nineveh plains.

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Mar Mattai Monastery

Perched high on Mount Maqlub near Mosul, Iraq, Mar Mattai Monastery is one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world, dating back to 363 AD. Founded by Mar Mattai, a hermit who fled Roman persecution, it offers stunning views and a serene atmosphere steeped in centuries of faith and culture.

A brief summary to Mar Mattai Monastery

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

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Dress modestly to show respect for this religious site.
Take a guided tour to fully appreciate the rich history and architecture.
Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience.
Bring a camera; the views and architecture are stunning and photogenic.
Check for any special services or events that might be taking place during your visit.

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Getting There

Car

From Hawler (Erbil), drive southwest on 60 Meter Street towards Khabat, about 15 km. Follow signs to Mirkani, then Mir Ki village. The monastery is about 10 km outside Mir Ki. Follow the signs directing you to the monastery.
Public Transport

From the main bus station in Hawler (Erbil), 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. Agree on the fare before starting the journey. The monastery is about 10 km from Khabat.
Taxi

Book a taxi directly from any location in Hawler (Erbil). The estimated fare to Mar Mattai Monastery is around 15,000 IQD. Confirm with the driver that they know the location of the monastery.

Discover more about Mar Mattai Monastery

Mar Mattai Monastery, also known as St. Matthew Monastery, stands as a beacon of Christian heritage on Mount Maqlub in northern Iraq. Approximately 20 kilometers northeast of Mosul, this Syriac Orthodox monastery is one of the oldest in the world, founded in 363 AD by Mar Mattai who sought refuge from Roman persecution. Legend says that Mar Mattai healed the sister of Mor Behnam, converting the family to Christianity. Initially, King Sennacherib of Assyria retaliated by killing his own children for their conversion but later repented and built the monastery at Mar Mattai's request. The monastery became a spiritual, educational, and cultural hub for the Syriac Orthodox Church, playing a vital role in preserving the Syriac language and literature. Throughout its history, Mar Mattai Monastery has faced numerous challenges, including attacks and natural disasters. Despite these adversities, the monastery has endured, becoming a symbol of resilience for the local Christian community. The architecture reflects its long history, featuring a church, monks' quarters, and chapels adorned with intricate carvings and frescoes. Its library once housed a significant collection of ancient manuscripts. Today, Mar Mattai Monastery continues to be a pilgrimage site, attracting visitors from around the world. From its mountaintop perch, the monastery offers panoramic views of the Nineveh plains, providing a tranquil space for reflection and contemplation.