Background

Rabban Hormizd Monastery: A Mountain Sanctuary

Explore the ancient Rabban Hormizd Monastery near Alqosh, a mountain sanctuary with centuries of Christian history and breathtaking views of the Nineveh Plain.

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Nestled in the mountains near Alqosh, Iraq, Rabban Hormizd Monastery is a significant monastic site with a rich history dating back to 640 AD. Carved into the mountainside, it has served as a vital center for Eastern Syriac Christianity and the Chaldean Catholic Church. The monastery offers visitors a glimpse into a world of ancient monastic life and stunning views of the Nineveh Plain.

A brief summary to Rabban Hormizd Monastery

  • P4X8+J32, Bozan, Nineveh Governorate, IQ
  • Monday 8 am-1 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-1 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-1 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-1 pm
  • Friday 8 am-1 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-1 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-1 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain, as the monastery is built on a mountainside.
  • Dress respectfully when visiting the monastery, as it is an active religious site.
  • Consider hiring a local guide in Alqosh to learn more about the history and significance of the monastery.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From Alqosh, a taxi is the most convenient way to reach Rabban Hormizd Monastery, located approximately 2 miles northeast of the city center. Negotiate the fare with the driver before starting the journey. The ride should take around 10 minutes. A one-way trip will likely cost around IQD 5,000 - 10,000.

  • Walking

    For those inclined to hike, a walking path leads from Alqosh to the monastery. The walk is roughly 2 miles and involves a significant climb in elevation. Follow the paved road leading out of Alqosh towards the mountains. The path is rocky in places. Allow at least 1-1.5 hours for the ascent. Ensure you have adequate water and sun protection. Note: There are no costs involved in walking.

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Discover more about Rabban Hormizd Monastery

Founded in the 7th century by Rabban Hormizd, a monk of the Church of the East, the monastery quickly became a prominent religious center. Its remote location, carved into the Beth Athra Mountain (also known as Jebel al-Qosh), provided a haven for monks seeking a life of prayer and contemplation. Over the centuries, Rabban Hormizd Monastery played a crucial role in the history of Christianity in Mesopotamia. It served as the official residence for the patriarchs of the Eliya line of the Church of the East from 1551 to the 18th century. The monastery also holds significance as the origin of the Chaldean Church schism in 1552. Yohannan Sulaqa, the abbot of Rabban Hormizd, was elected as a counter-patriarch, eventually leading to the union with Rome in the 19th century and the monastery becoming a prominent site for the Chaldean Catholic Church. Visitors to Rabban Hormizd Monastery can explore the cave-like cells carved into the mountainside, reflecting the intense ascetic life of the monks who once inhabited them. The monastery complex includes a central church and various rooms constructed directly on the bedrock. The Patriarchs' Cemetery, located along the path to Rabban Hormizd's cell, features nine patriarchal graves dating back to the 15th century, adorned with marble slabs and Syriac inscriptions. Despite facing numerous attacks and periods of abandonment throughout its history, Rabban Hormizd Monastery remains a testament to the enduring legacy of Christianity in the region.

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