DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Mar Mattai Monastery

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
—°3
Mar Mattai Monastery (Iraq)

Weather…

Mar Mattai Monastery, founded in 363 AD, towers high above the Nineveh Plains. Belonging to the Syriac Orthodox Church, it is famous for its magnificent library and historical significance as a center of learning. The architecture features cells carved into the rock and an impressive church. From the monastery's terraces, one can enjoy an unobstructed view across the vast plains all the way to Mosul. The monastery is a place of prayer and contemplation, but it is also appreciated by tourists for its cool mountain air and peaceful atmosphere. Monks often warmly welcome visitors and guide them through the historical halls. There are simple facilities to spend time in silence there. The best time to visit is year-round, with spring being particularly lush and mild. The monastery is located about 20 kilometers from Mosul and is accessible via a steep but well-paved road. Visitors should wear modest clothing and respect the spiritual quiet of the site.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C681218243135342922138
Rain mm46405850225222233645

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The monastery is still functioning and open to visitors. Modest dress is required; women may need to cover their heads inside.
🕒
Typical hours
The monastery typically opens daily from morning to late afternoon. It may close for liturgical services. Confirm locally.
📷
Photography
Photography is usually allowed in the courtyard and some interior areas. Do not take photos during services or of monks without permission.
⏱️
Time needed
Allow at least 1-2 hours for the monastery visit, including the steep climb to the entrance. The views are rewarding.
➕
Combine with
Combine with Al-Qosh (just 10 km away) or the ancient ruins of Nineveh near Mosul. The mountain provides short hiking trails.
🧭
Getting there
The monastery is about 30 km north of Mosul. Access by taxi or private car; the final steep road up the mountain is unpaved and requires careful driving.
💡
Insider tip
Visit in the morning for the best light and cooler temperatures. The monastery provides simple accommodation for pilgrims; inquire in advance.

Geography

Coordinates
36.49000, 43.44278

Facts

  • Founded in 363 AD
  • A major center for the Syriac Orthodox Church
  • Houses a valuable collection of ancient manuscripts
  • Located on the slope of Mount Alfaf
  • Offers panoramic views of the Nineveh Plains
  • One of the oldest functioning monasteries globally
  • Known for its rock-cut hermit cells
  • A significant site for Christian pilgrimage

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Mount MaqlubMount Maqlub9 km · SWExplore →
Lalish TempleLalish Temple28 km · SEExplore →
NimrudNimrud34 km · WExplore →
NinevehNineveh34 km · SExplore →
Mosul WoodsMosul Woods36 km · SExplore →
Great ZabGreat Zab41 km · WExplore →
Mount GaraMount Gara41 km · EExplore →
Al-QoshAl-Qosh43 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Mar Mattai Monastery (3)

Muhktar Sikani Sgher🏺 historical

A traditional manor at the foot of Mount Alfaf, near the ancient Mar Mattai Monastery.

Kand al Asur🏺 historical

Historical ruins on the slopes of Mount Alfaf, witnessing the long history of settlement in this region.

Sekan Big Mosque📍 landmark

A large mosque near Mount Alfaf, serving as a center for the religious life of the local community.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Mar Mattai Monastery: where is it located?
Mar Mattai Monastery is located in Iraq.
Mar Mattai Monastery: what is there to see?
Highlights include Muhktar Sikani Sgher, Kand al Asur, Sekan Big Mosque.
Mar Mattai Monastery: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
Mar Mattai Monastery: why is it worth visiting?
Mar Mattai Monastery, founded in 363 AD, towers high above the Nineveh Plains.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Asia
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Asia
More places in Iraq →

Nearby cities

Mosul — Mar Mattai Monastery (Iraq)
Mosul
One of the largest cities in northern Iraq, near the ruins of ancient Nineveh.
Tal Afar — Mar Mattai Monastery (Iraq)
Tal Afar
A city in Nineveh province, dominated by an historic Ottoman fortress.

History & landmarks

Great Mosque of al-Nuri — Mar Mattai Monastery (Iraq)
Great Mosque of al-Nuri
A historic mosque in Mosul that was particularly famous for its renowned leaning minaret.
Hatra — Mar Mattai Monastery (Iraq)
Hatra
A fortified Parthian city, known for its unique blend of Hellenistic and Roman architecture.

Nature

Mosul Dam Lake — Mar Mattai Monastery (Iraq)
Mosul Dam Lake
The Mosul Dam Lake on the Tigris is the largest reservoir in Iraq and provides essential water for agriculture.

More places

Mount Maqlub — Mar Mattai Monastery (Iraq)
Mount Maqlub
A mountain in the Nineveh Plain northeast of Mosul, holding historical significance for the local Christian communities.
Lalish Temple — Mar Mattai Monastery (Iraq)
Lalish Temple
The holiest sanctuary of the Yazidis, located in a picturesque valley in the north of the country.
Nimrud — Mar Mattai Monastery (Iraq)
Nimrud
An ancient Assyrian city famous for its massive palaces and giant stone figures.
Nineveh — Mar Mattai Monastery (Iraq)
Nineveh
Once the largest city in the world and the most important capital of the Assyrian Empire.
Mosul Woods — Mar Mattai Monastery (Iraq)
Mosul Woods
A forested recreation area on the banks of the Tigris, considered the green lung of the city of Mosul.
Mishraq Sulphur Mine — Mar Mattai Monastery (Iraq)
Mishraq Sulphur Mine
One of the largest sulphur deposits in the world near Mosul, representing an important resource for the Iraqi chemical industry.
Mosul Dam — Mar Mattai Monastery (Iraq)
Mosul Dam
The largest dam in Iraq, located on the Tigris River, of immense importance for flood control, irrigation, and power generation.
Hatra — Mar Mattai Monastery (Iraq)
Hatra
A fortified ancient city with impressive Hellenistic and Roman architecture.