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Mount Maqlub

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Mountain
—°10
Mount Maqlub (Iraq)

Weather…

Mount Maqlub is located in the Nineveh Governorate of northern Iraq, approximately 30 kilometers northeast of the city of Mosul. It is a prominent geographic feature within the Nineveh Plains, reaching an elevation of about 1,050 meters. The name 'Maqlub' translates to 'overturned' in Arabic, referring to the unusual geological tilting of its rock layers. The mountain is most famous for its religious and historical significance, as its slopes house the Mar Mattai Monastery, one of the oldest Christian monasteries in existence, founded in 363 AD. The strategic position of the mountain has sweeping views across the fertile Nineveh plains towards the ruins of ancient Nineveh and modern Mosul. The mountain's flora is relatively sparse, consisting mainly of herbs and shrubs adapted to the calcareous soil. Maqlub remains a vital pilgrimage site for Syriac Orthodox Christians and serves as a symbol of the region's diverse cultural heritage. Despite its moderate height, the mountain possesses significant topographical prominence due to its isolated location.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C681218243135342922138
Rain mm46405850225222233645

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Reaching this prominent mountain typically requires arranging local transport from the nearest major settlement. The approach involves navigating unpaved regional roads to the main starting point.
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Best season
The most favorable conditions for visiting are generally found during the milder spring or autumn months. Summers can be excessively hot in this region, while winters may bring unpredictable weather.
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Terrain & paths
Expect a mix of rocky pathways and uneven natural trails throughout the entire ascent. This specific terrain requires a moderate level of physical fitness and good balance on potentially unstable ground.
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What to bring
Sturdy hiking boots with strong ankle support are absolutely essential for navigating this rugged landscape. Always carry ample drinking water, effective sun protection, and a reliable physical map.
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Parking
Parking spaces are typically available directly at the base of the mountain or in nearby local settlements. Security levels vary greatly, so it is best to avoid leaving valuable items in your vehicle.
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Safety
Visitors should remain strictly on established paths and always respect the historical nature of the site. Be fully aware of the remote setting and ensure someone knows your detailed planned itinerary.
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Time needed
A comprehensive exploration of the mountain and its historically significant features usually takes a full, demanding day. Plan to start your journey early in the morning to maximize the available daylight hours.

Geography

Coordinates
36.40000, 43.40000

Facts

  • Mount Maqlub reaches a peak elevation of approximately 1,050 meters.
  • The Mar Mattai Monastery on its side was established in 363 AD.
  • It is considered one of the holiest mountains for Christians in Iraq.
  • The Arabic name 'Maqlub' refers to its peculiar 'upside-down' geology.
  • The mountain was historically used as a refuge during times of conflict.
  • The summit provides clear visibility of the Nineveh Plains for dozens of miles.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Mar Mattai MonasteryMar Mattai Monastery9 km · NEExplore →
NimrudNimrud26 km · WExplore →
NinevehNineveh28 km · SExplore →
Mosul WoodsMosul Woods30 km · SExplore →
Lalish TempleLalish Temple32 km · EExplore →
Great ZabGreat Zab33 km · WExplore →
Mishraq Sulphur MineMishraq Sulphur Mine35 km · WExplore →
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 Mount Maqlub (10)

Tell Billa🏺 historical

Tell Billa is an ancient archaeological site, historically known as Shibaniba, located in mount-maqlub-relief-v2.

security📍 landmark

Security is a local attraction found in mount-maqlub-relief-v2.

mahalla alsaeelb📍 landmark

Mahalla alsaeelb is a point of interest to explore in mount-maqlub-relief-v2.

bashiqs📍 landmark

Bashiqs is an attraction offering points of interest in mount-maqlub-relief-v2.

taht alzyaa🌿 nature

A viewpoint known as taht alzyaa in the Mount Maqlub Relief area.

Kazna's crossroads🌿 nature

A viewpoint offering sights from Kazna's crossroads near the Mount Maqlub Relief.

an old eagle🌿 nature

A viewpoint known as an old eagle in the Mount Maqlub Relief area.

Musalla Raqib⛪ religious

Musalla Raqib is a local place of worship in the Mount Maqlub Relief area.

sharfadin⛪ religious

A religious site known as sharfadin located near the Mount Maqlub Relief.

alseaad⛪ religious

A place of worship known as alseaad in the Mount Maqlub Relief area.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about Mount Maklub?
It is culturally and landscape significant due to ancient sites.
Can you see archaeological sites there?
Yes, there are some historical remains that are worth visiting.
Is the trail marked?
The trails are not always clearly visible; a local guide helps.
What is the best season?
Autumn and spring offer a moderate climate for exploration.
Is there infrastructure there?
Barely any; you should be prepared for anything.
Mount Maqlub: where is it located?
Mount Maqlub is located in Iraq.
Mount Maqlub: what is there to see?
Highlights include Tell Billa, security, mahalla alsaeelb.
Mount Maqlub: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
Mount Maqlub: why is it worth visiting?
Mount Maqlub is located in the Nineveh Governorate of northern Iraq, approximately 30 kilometers northeast of the city of Mosul.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

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

History & landmarks

Mar Mattai Monastery — Mount Maqlub (Iraq)
Mar Mattai Monastery
One of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world, spectacularly built into the side of Mount Alfaf.
Great Mosque of al-Nuri — Mount Maqlub (Iraq)
Great Mosque of al-Nuri
A historic mosque in Mosul that was particularly famous for its renowned leaning minaret.
Hatra — Mount Maqlub (Iraq)
Hatra
A fortified Parthian city, known for its unique blend of Hellenistic and Roman architecture.

Nature

Mosul Dam Lake — Mount Maqlub (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

Nimrud — Mount Maqlub (Iraq)
Nimrud
An ancient Assyrian city famous for its massive palaces and giant stone figures.
Nineveh — Mount Maqlub (Iraq)
Nineveh
Once the largest city in the world and the most important capital of the Assyrian Empire.
Mosul Woods — Mount Maqlub (Iraq)
Mosul Woods
A forested recreation area on the banks of the Tigris, considered the green lung of the city of Mosul.
Lalish Temple — Mount Maqlub (Iraq)
Lalish Temple
The holiest sanctuary of the Yazidis, located in a picturesque valley in the north of the country.
Mishraq Sulphur Mine — Mount Maqlub (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 — Mount Maqlub (Iraq)
Mosul Dam
The largest dam in Iraq, located on the Tigris River, of immense importance for flood control, irrigation, and power generation.
Hatra — Mount Maqlub (Iraq)
Hatra
A fortified ancient city with impressive Hellenistic and Roman architecture.
Sinjar Mountains — Mount Maqlub (Iraq)
Sinjar Mountains
The Sinjar Mountains are an approximately 100 km long mountain range in northwestern Iraq, forming the heartland of the Yazidis.